 | |  | Police Officer James O. Washington
New York City Housing Authority Police Department
New York
Monday, May 29, 1978 |
I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Washington and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO. Robyn Wilkes
2009-05-26
Officer Washington, today is the 30th anniversary of your tragic death. Some wouldn’t classify vandalism as a serious crime, but it costs millions each year, puts the safety of others in jeopardy and in some cases, such as yours, it can lead to death. I sincerely blame the useless punks who thought they were just having a little fun for your death. The vandals are the ones who killed you and because of their selfish act, the Housing Police and most of all, those who knew and loved you, lost someone special. You are a hero.
The Housing Police is gone now, but you live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew you. You are not forgotten.
God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother. Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
2008-05-29
"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
2007-12-19
Officer Washington your tragic death left a reminder just how dangerous a so called routine assignment can be. Everytime I deal with an elevator emergency I have you in my thoughts and remember to be ever vigilant.
May God Bless you,
Brian Wall Sgt. Brian Wall (ret)
Former Housing Police
2007-02-07
you are not forgotten........ DETECTIVE Jim Mulligan (retired)
NYPD
2006-05-29
Officer Washington,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of New York City.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
2005-05-29
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