 | Second Lieutenant Kenneth Dean Strang Oklahoma Highway Patrol Oklahoma Saturday, March 1, 1980 |
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service and dedication VANDENBERGHE MANCHESTER, NH 2008-02-22
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day To respond to calls unknown. He drives a marked patrol car. A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes To make it safe on the streets. But he usually has a second job 'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday 'Cause he works all year round. And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often, The one whos blood runs blue. He seldom ever gets a thanks, To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops 'Cause people just don't understand That underneath his badge and gun, He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow In this world of drugs and crime. And he gets so mad at the court system 'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work, He prays to God above. Please bring me home after my shift So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car, He's alone down this ole' highway. It's just a little traffic infraction. He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window, And his badge is shining bright. He asked the guy for a driver's license, When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark, Striking the officer in the chest. But the Department's budget didn't buy Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding. His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red. And briefly he thought of his loved ones 'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story Of how this officer had died. And some who listened cared less, But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform With his badge pinned on his chest. He even had his revolver, He died doing his best.
Written By: David L. Bell Sergeant Richland County Sheriff's Department Columbia, South Carolina Used with Special Permission of the Author Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved and may not be duplicated without permission Investigator David L Bell Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC 2008-01-09
Uncle Kenneth. I miss you and will always keep you in my heart. Your niece Tracy. Tracy Fern Niece 2006-10-13
LT. Strang your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !! SGT. Daryl Brewer Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee 2006-03-22
06/10/04
No officer who dies in the line of duty should be without a reflection to his memory. It is my honor to be the first for you. We thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Lt. Strang. Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret. Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept. 2004-06-10
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