Lieutenant Gary Hanna Florence County Sheriff's Office South Carolina Thursday, May 21, 1998  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

LT Hanna thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2009-05-21

"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
2007-11-16

To my Fellow Carolinian: May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2007-05-21

It's been 9 years Today since we lost Gary! He was a great man and a friend to many. I still remember the night we lost him, it seems like it was just yesterday. Gary, you will never be forgotten, I especially will never forget you...There was a day I slipped and fell in the hallway and you were right there to help me up. That's the kind of person you are! Rest in peace as your memory is always alive with all of us.

2007-05-21

It has been eight years since we lost him, my buddy, my friend. Since then I lost my only son, 18, in a car wreck, a father to cancer, and a loving husband to cancer just six months ago. Gary would have stood by me and given me the words of strength that only he could give. He was wise beyond his years. Always macho, always so kind!
We still miss and speak of him often because he touched our lives in so many ways.
It was an honor to know him and a greater honor to call him "FRIEND".
Miss you always, bud!

2007-02-11

Lieutenant Hanna thank you for making this a better place to live. You will never be forgot. Rest in peace, look up Clint for me, and watch out for him...

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04
2004-08-21

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully 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 unmanly tears.
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 a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
2004-06-09

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD

MAY GOD BLESS. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

Over the years Lt. Gary Hanna and I worked together and became friends. I wish I knew how to describe this man that touched so many lives but words will not come. He was a Lieutenant in the Forensics division where he supervised three investigators. Under his guidance this division is one of the best in the State. The men that worked for and with Lt. Hanna respected his as a Lieutenant, as a man, a father and husband. He was the BEST! Our office has suffered a loss and the void will never be filled.
As my best friend, I miss him walking in my office, cup of coffee in hand, and saying "Hey!! Where you been?" I trusted him, admired him and I always sought guidance from him both on a professional level and personal level. Not a day goes by that I don't want to pick up the phone and ask his advice, even though at times I would have to listen to a ration of *** first.
He will always be my HERO!
Gary, I miss you buddy! We all miss you!

Anonymous