Trooper David E. Temple Alabama Department of Public Safety Alabama Thursday, September 13, 1979  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I WAS A ROOKIE PATROLMAN IN 1979 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT ALOT OF THE OFFICERS I WORKED WITH DID. THE NIGHT OF SEPT 13 I SPENT MOST OF MY SHIFT GUARDING THE MADISON OFFICER IN THE HOSPITAL. THE COWARD WHO SHOT YOU AS YOU LAY ON THE GROUND TRIED TO DO THE SAME TO THE MADISON OFFICER. BY THE GRACE OF GOD THE MADISON OFFICER WAS ABLE TO MUSTER THE STRENGTH TO KILL HIM FIRST. IN LATER YEARS, I DEVELOPED A FRIENDSHIP WITH THAT OFFICER AS HE CAME TO WORK FOR HPD AND STILL DOES. TO THIS DAY, I GET A SINKING FEELING EVERYTIME I PASS THE OLD MOORESVILLE STORE ON HIGHWAY 20. IF THERE IS SOMEONE WITH ME THAT HASN'T HEARD IT I ALWAYS TELL THEM YOUR STORY. I DON'T KNOW ANY OF YOUR FAMILY BUT I HOPE THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS HAS EASED OVER THE YEARS. DAVID, REST IN PEACE AND WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT THE MEMORY OF HOW YOU LIVED AND THE WAY YOU DIED WILL LIVE ON FOREVER.

HAROLD HUTCHISON POLICE OFFICER (RETIRED
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT
2009-02-12

Many times I've passed the highway sign that bears your name and wondered who you were. Tonight I searched here to see if your name would come up. I am saddened at the series of events that I ended your life, but I thank you, Trooper Temple, for protecting me and my fellow citizens. You served bravely and well. You gave your life that others might live. My prayers go out to your family and others you left behind.

Angel
Madison County AL
2008-08-01

"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.
2007-07-11

We sure miss you, but know that we will all be together one day!!!

Love
Kim

Kimberly D (Temple) Forker
Sister
2007-06-29

We miss you!!

Love,
Kris

Kris (Temple) Davidson
Sister
2007-03-20

Rest in Peace, Trooper Temple. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2006-09-07

Trooper Temple when I drive past the site on Hwy 20 in Limestone County where you made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Alabama ; I think about your dedication and courage on that day. Your actions and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Officer Chris Dillard
U.S. TVA POLICE
2005-06-16

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
2004-04-06

Rest in peace Trooper Temple. Thank you for your dedication and service to the State of Alabama. You are not forgotten.

Officer Kevin Turley
Jacksonville Police Department (Alabama)