 | Deputy Sheriff William J. Bender
Marion County Sheriff's Department
Ohio
Monday, July 2, 1973 |
"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
2008-01-03
Unit 19, we have not forgotten what you sacraficed for your county. Sheriff Bailey is working hard to make sure that you and Brandy our properly honored. There is talk of naming that section of S.R. 309 after you and the section of S.R. 423 after Brandy. Rest in peace.
MCSO
2005-11-22
You died before I was even born, but I can still appreciate your service. It takes a special person to be in law enforcement. A marion citizen
2004-10-24
I am so sorry.
I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
Rest in peace. God bless.
2004-09-29
Sir, no words could describe the respect that I have for you and your family. Some give a little and some give all. What a price your family has paid in protecting those who you never even knew. Thank You for being willing to go where few will. We all will be returned to the eternal fountain where God keeps his heroes, and you are one. "Poi si torno' all' eterna fontana." Ptl.T.D.HILL
Ontario Police
2004-07-10
Our uniform the same, you will never be forgotten. Rest easy, brother. Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
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