Corporal David Walter Hathcock Cumberland County Sheriff's Office North Carolina Tuesday, September 23, 1997  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
2009-10-07

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,TX
2009-04-16

I just found this page and thought i would give my blessings as well...God bless you Grandpa. Your're in such a great place and we miss you.
I also wanted to say thank you to those leaving messages on here. I had no clue people kept up with his death and anniversary for so long. To see it continue up to 2008 brings such joy to my heart. thank you and God bless all!!

Shannon Hathcock
Grand-daughter
2009-03-19

Corporal Hathcock your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
2008-10-16

On the 11th anniversary of your EOW, time has not diminished your service nor
sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

2008-09-24

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
(DHPD)
2008-09-23

May his good memories and his ultimate sacrifice never be forgotten. Thank you for what you did, Cpl. Hathcock. We will always remember you.

Anonymous

2008-08-12

We still remember you David. God Bless.

Trooper
NC State Highway Patrol
2008-05-11

"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
2007-12-26

On the 10th anniversary of Corporal hathcock's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Corporal Hathcock is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
2007-09-23

Corporal I remember reading about your death and commenting to my squad. I have had contact with your department several times over the years. Each contacted renewed my respect for the professionalism and service for which you made the ultimate sacrifice.

Retired Line Doggie
Richland Cty Sheriff Dept
2007-09-23

09-23-07
On this 10th anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember. Rest in peace David, job well done. Know that your bothers and sisters here have not forgotten you. To the family of Deputy David Hathcock I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. David you may be gone but know you will never be forgotten.

Master Deputy
Chesterfield County Sheriff's office Va.
2007-09-23

Cpl. Hathcock & family,

God Bless you all. Thank You for your service to the great state of North Carolina and it's citizens. You are not forgotten.

Thank You ! Cpl.J.W. Lowder/ UCSO

Cpl. J.W. Lowder
Union County Sheriff's Department
2007-05-14

No love greater than that to lay down your life for a friend. On September 23, 1997 you and Ed did just that. Not just for each other, but for the citizens of our great state of North Carolina. So much needs to be said, so much needs to be given, but nothing can ever replace or repay the deed inwhich you both paid that day. Ever time I pass through Cumberland County, I still remember that day. Thank you for the job you did, the service you provided and being there when when a brother in grey needed you the most. God bless you and your family.

DEPUTY SHERIFF 2, JOHNNY RAY CARPENTER
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE NC
2006-11-29

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 9th anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

2006-09-22

I pass over the bridge named in your honor almost everyday. I am reminded everyday that you are not here with us. Let us not forget those who serve and protect us on a daily basis. Thank you Officer Hathcock and all of law enforcement for all that you do for us. Officer Hathcock, you are not and NEVER will be forgotten.

D. JOHNSON

2006-08-23

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-06-04

I heard that your wife has joined you in heaven this past weekend. I hope that your reunion was as sweet as your marriage.

Senior Sergeant M. Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
2006-01-25

To the family and friends of Corporal David Walter Hathcock and his fellow deputies in the Cumberland County Sheriff's Dept. and most especially to Corporal Hathcock:

Although it has been 8 years since David's brutal murder, I wanted to extend sincerest condolences on behalf of our entire family for the grievous loss they suffered when Corporal Hathcock was killed.

Corporal Hathcock, your valor and dedication will never be forgotten.


May his family continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement community, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service David gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 23, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05
(both Larry and I were born in Durham,NC

2005-09-23

Cpl. Hathcock,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cumberland County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-09-23

Thanks for your bravery in coming to the aid of one of our best. You came to help and unfortunately it cost you and Ed your lives. But, we will carry on the fight in your memories. RIP and may God comfort your family. Thanks again!!

Trooper
NCSHP
2005-04-07

Two very brave and courageous men who entered the unknown on that day have given their lives for their community. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you and your family.
Rest in Peace Brother............. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
2004-06-10

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
2004-04-05

GOD bless you and your family, Corporal Hathcock. Rest in peace, sir. I've been by that spot on I-95 a number of times in my travels and always look, think of your service and sacrifice, and say a prayer for you, your friends, and family as I pass.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida
2004-03-11

On angels ...

"The wings ain't anything but a uniform that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

David, you're not forgotten ...
September 23, 2003

Anonymous

2003-09-23