Trooper William Joseph Trees Indiana State Police Indiana Monday, June 26, 1972  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Trooper Trees and family:
My name is PO Kelly from the NYPD i've been on the force for about 15 years. I'm leaving my reflection because I was born June 26 1972. I fell I have a special bond with Trooper Trees. His watched ended and mine was getting ready to be started (1994). God bless you and everybody who puts a uniform on to serve and protect

PO P Kelly
NYPD
2009-01-14

Joe,

Today I had the honor to meet your wife, daughter, brother, and several grandchildren. They attended the Annual Memorial Service at District 25. After a meal we traveled to your gravesite near Upland. A contingent from the post represented the Department well while your grandchildren placed a memorial flag near your headstone. The grandchildren are full of energy and favor you from what I can tell. Phil, your roommate from Recruit School was also present during the ceremonies.

Thank you for the reputation you helped build for the Department. Rest in peace.

Lt. Mike Nichols
Indiana State Police - Redkey
2008-05-14

"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

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13
2005-12-19

Trp Trees,
I was at the ILEA at the end of your watch. My class elected to get your new born a savings bond instead of a class plaque. Our class felt that we could help in some way by buying the bond. Take care brother, guide over us, and as you can see by the number of years that have past, you will Never Be Forgoten.

Lt Chuck Evans
Lawrenceburg Police Dept. Lawrenceburg Ind
2005-10-03

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA
2004-06-26

Rest easy troop, we have the watch now.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police
2003-10-05

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD