 |  |  | Trooper Steven L. Bailey Indiana State Police Indiana Saturday, December 10, 1983 |
"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
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH 2007-12-06
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten. Police Officer
2007-05-23
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
Rest easy sir. You are not forgotten. Texas 2005-05-07
ONE MOMENT
In the whisper of the wind, I felt God embrace me. As the voice of a loved one, I heard God speak to me Looking in a mirror I saw God smile at me. One moment and I knew That God and I were one.
2005-02-26
God rest your soul.
2004-12-29
God speed brother..... You will never be missed.... Son of a Indiana State Trooper
2004-08-06
What an untimely and unfortunate loss. Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten. Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l 2003-12-10
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