 | Trooper Travis Leon Bench
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma
Wednesday, October 5, 1983 |
Leon,
All I ever wanted was to be a police officer.
I was working for the Pismo Beach Police Dept. As an Explorer.
My Father Called me, he told me how Leon had died.
My world was shattered, I still cry when I remember him.
A short time after I recived a small package in the mail.
My Grandfather sent me Leon's Sam Brown "duty belt" as well as his boots, we were the same size.
I wore his boots and belt on duty.....and never went back.
That was the last day I ever worked a shift.........
Soon After my father Died from cancer.I felt alone. I never realized my dream. If I could take it all back I would. I let you down Leon , I let myself down,. Im so sorry, I let the fear stop me in my path. I should have been the next generation..I guess having the boots and belt doesen't mean you can fill their shoe’s or in this case his Boots.
I think often how life might have been........ Lance Garrison
Nephew-Pismo Beach Police Department
2008-11-06
My dear friend, Leon, it is rapidly approaching 25 years.
I continue to miss your smile and humor. You will never be forgotten. Vickie Vickers
friend
2008-08-29
"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
I worked a shift with Leon the day before. we had plans on meeting again when I came back from days off. That never happened. I think of you every day of my career. It has been almost 23 years and I will still go by your gravesite every chance I get. I will retire in about 2 years and you are still my partner. I will see you again some day. "NO PAIN" 39th Academy. Trp. Mike Chappell #707
Classmate and partner
2006-08-05
Just wanted to say that Leon is still missed by his friends. We who attended school with Leon will never forget that his life was given while protecting his family and friends. We still think about you often Leon. Robert W. Whitney
2005-11-03
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies....
God bless, hero. Rest in peace.
A grateful citizen.
2004-10-05
09-19-03
TROOPER BENCH, YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN. YOU STILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS TODAY AND EVERY DAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2003-09-19
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