Police Officer Johnny Terrell Bamsch Houston Police Department Texas Thursday, January 30, 1975  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I went to school with Johnny at Our Savior Lutheran School from the first grade thru the eighth grade 1952-1960. After we left that school I lost contact with him until the news of his death.What a shock that was.God Bless you Johnny.

Frank Furlow
Classmate
2008-07-04

"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
2008-02-13

"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
2008-02-13

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER NH
2008-01-27

Johnny was well before my time, however I was privileged to know his dad. Mr. Bamsch was a fine man and was often at polce functions. He always looked at us as his family and we looked at him the same way. To Johnny's daughter: I never knew your dad but I felt I knew him through you grandfather. Your dad's picture is on the wall at the North Division and so is the "pig" picture. We are reminded daily of his and your family's sacrafice each time we see them. His memory will never be forgotten.

North Shepherd Patrol Officer
HPD
2007-07-13

I never had the HONOR to meet Johnny since his death was prior to my time, but I knew his parents very well. After Johnny was killed his parents brought the first five bullet-resistence vest for HPD Officers. They always were very close to the Police Dept. before their own deaths. Johnny after your parents passed I meet your daughter and her husband. I know you never got to meet her. She is a very fine person and loves you very much. Rest in Peace my friend and say hello to Roy and Mickey for me.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept
2005-12-15

Johnny, may you rest in peace knowing that you are not forgotten after all these years.

We pray that your family has found some type of peace in this horible tragedy that they have had to endure.

Rest assured that we have the watch from here, sir.

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT
2005-07-17

Officer Bamsch,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Houston.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-01-30

Thank you!

patrol

2005-01-30