 | Police Officer Glen R. Bright
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department
Railroad Police
Friday, November 16, 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
2008-01-24
Far too often railroad police officers are not noticed or not acknowledged. I am glad to see Officer Bright honored here. Justice may be blind, but these officers are the healthy eyes of the rails. God bless Glen R. Bright, and his fellow high-iron officers for their work and countless sacrifices. EMT M.J. Ryan
Railroad Enthusaist & NJ EMT
2006-12-07
Officer Bright, today marks the 33rd anniversary of your murder. You and all those who police the railroads perform a valuable service to all. Not just the railroad company itself or the firms, which transport their goods by rail or the passengers, but everyone because America relies on the railroads more than many, realize. You protect a valuable asset to our economy and I thank you for that and am saddened by your sacrifice. You are a hero and have not been forgotten.
God Bless you and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother. Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
2006-11-16
On the anniversary of your death, I salute your for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies....
Rest in peace, hero.
2004-11-16
We will not let you be forgotten. Rest in peace, my brother.
POMFCC
2004-03-10
Glen, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless. Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
2004-02-21
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