 | Trooper James E. Boland
Michigan State Police
Michigan
Sunday, July 26, 1987 |
"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
2007-11-15
It is almost 20 years since your line of duty death. I was quite a bit younger but I remember the coverage on the news, and about the lady that was drunk driving and did this to you. You were directing traffic on US 31.
I hope your surviving family knows that although many years have passed, you remain in our thoughts and we will never forget. Area resident
2007-07-23
I started recruit school 8-9-87 and the staff honored your name during the academy until graduation. I never knew you, but your still a fallen comrade that will obviously be never forgotten. I wear this MSP uniform in pride because of troopers like you. Thinking of you....
2006-09-17
Rest in peace Troop... Trooper
Michigan State Police
2006-05-22
God Bless; rest in peace. You are truly missed and will never be forgotten. Up North Mich
2005-01-10
Jim
You have not and will not, be forgotten. Dep. Kevin M McGuckin
Shiawassee CO. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-10-22
I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A grateful citizen.
2004-09-28
Remembering Trooper James E Boland, who was killed in the line of duty 17 years ago.... July 26, 1987. Michigan Resident
2004-07-14
Rest in peace brother. Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ
We honor the memory of Trooper Boland. FBI Agents Association
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