Trooper James David Young Georgia State Patrol Georgia Sunday, May 4, 1975  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

TROOPER YOUNG REST IN PEACE FROM ANOHTHER GEORGIA BOY

ROB MASON
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE ICE
2008-08-20

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-05

"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
2007-10-08

I joined the GSP as a Communications Officer in 1974. I was promoted to Trooper in Early 1976. The Badge number I was issued was # 481. After about one year, as every, Trooper I searched the history of the Badge. When I learned that Trooper Young had worn the badge before me and had made the ultimate sacrifice. I immediately went to the Commanding Officer and ask that in respect for Trooper Young the Badge be Retired. The GSP now has a policy that any Trooper killed by violence in the line of duty, his or her badge, shall never be issued again unless requested by an immediate family member.

I am honored to have worn the #481 and still have the badge and although I never meet Trooper Young I will always respect the him and the badges.

R.L. Bowman
Retired
2006-10-25

Trooper Young,
I never knew you but think of you daily. I think of the awesome sacrifice you have made in your service. From a fellow blue shirt, I ask that you keep a watchful eye over us here at your post- POST 30 Cordele. Your family here will never forget you.
TFC Jason Ellis #198
Post 30 Cordele

TFC Jason Ellis #198
Georgia State Patrol
2004-03-29

JD, WATCH OVER US NOW, YOU SERVED YOUR TIME IN HELL. BIG BLUE! BIG GRAY!

GSP TROOPER ASSOCIATION
2003-11-01

14 years for killing 2 officers of the law!! That makes my blood boil!! This murderer is out free living life and being protected by the same people he killed.. Where in the hell is justice??? We as people of society need to stop and think about what is going on. We pay to watch some kid carry a foot ball down the field that makes 2 million or more a season and we pay the true heroes that protected our homes and our family members from harm 20 to 40 thousand a year if there lucky to get that. I know these officers are not in to this line of work to get rich but god when one gets murdered at lest back him/her up in court and give the murder life with no chance to get out. Trooper Young and Patrolman Willis I’m so sorry this happened to you but I’m really sorry that we as society let you down. I can promise you this, if I could have anything to do with the guy that killed you both he would not be living today…

God bless and thank you for your work.

JOE
Very concern for our peace
2003-10-28