 | Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Norris Meister
Zavala County Sheriff's Department
Texas
Saturday, April 20, 1991 |
"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2008-03-05
Hey Ken, I told you when we worked together that you were one of the best partners I ever had and after all these years it's still true. It's been a long time but I've never forgotten you and the great times we had. We certainly created a lot of war stories together. You were always a great Cop and even better friend. We will miss you always. Rest in peace friend!!! Ass't Chief Danny Rich
Harris County, Texas
2007-10-10
I only met you once when I was a kid. My dad and I had gone to get a part for a tractor, after he was done talking to you he complimented on how you were a true lawman. I never saw you again, I stood outside the church and listened to the sermon at your funeral. You left a great impression on me and my father. I'll never forget your sacrifice. Mankin
TX DPS
2006-08-07
I hope no one forgets this fallen officer whom i not only call a father, but a hero as well. Please keep his family in your prayers, for I am his 20 year old daughter. I just sent an update to fix the correction that he does in fact have a daughter, as well as a son. I was a little upset at the fact I was not included but I sent in a comment saying I am the surviving daughter so hopefully the correction will be fixed! I love you dad I think about you every day! God Bless you Whitney Meister
Daughter
2006-06-21
Dad, This is the first time I have visited this website. I did not know that it exsisted. Coming upon this was an accident, but i am glad i did. Guess what? they didnt put my name on there as one who is surviving from your death. How bad is that huh? It only says wife and son, how could they not know? but hopefully, it will soon be corrected. I miss you so much and wish you were here for everything that is happening. But I pray it will all work out okay, and you will be proud of the woman i have become. I love you so much. -Whitney Lavonne Whitney Meister
Daughter
2006-06-21
a true hero who lost his life in fighting for what he believed in. The ultimate sacrifice, God Bless !!. Domingo Moncada
partner
2006-05-25
Your are still remembered as a true lawman even after all these years. E. Fiscal, Correction Counselor
FBOP
2005-07-25
Chief Deputy Meister after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir. Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.
2005-03-13
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