Deputy Sheriff Leroy Dale Brown Cochise County Sheriff's Department Arizona Saturday, December 6, 1969  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

"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
2007-07-25

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Brown. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

Leroy,
You are a true Hero that will never be forgotten. I will look forward to seeing you and all my brothers and sisters who have given the ultimate sacrifice when my Lord calls me home.
I will pray for your family and I will pray that God allows you to protect your youngest son as he carries on your legecy.

HEROS LIVE FOREVER...God Speed Brother..

2005-12-27

A true hero. His life was takeing away for his duties to help others. We may never understand why, but we will march on.

Thank you Deputy Brown, you are a true hero to me and many others.

TROOPER
MA STATE POLICE
2005-08-12

In memory of Deputy Brown for his ultimate sacrifice, and a salute to his proud family for enduring such a heartbreaking loss.

-Tim LeGarde
Scottsdale PD, 1996-2000

Ofc. T. LeGarde
University of Minnesota (Duluth campus) PD

Just trying to share memories of a great man and father. For I am more than a Federal Officer. I am also his youngest son. He was taken from the family that loved him much too soon back in December of 1969. I was only four when my father was taken from me so my memories are few. I remember him coming home and picking me up and holding me. I remember being given "secret" sips of his Pepsi. I remeber his laughter and wish I could hear it for real now. I miss most of all the times I did not get to share with him in my youth and now as an adult. I do not blame the man that shot him any longer. It was a terrible day that saw two families leave their loved ones. For you see, my father's assailant took his own life shortly after taking Dad's. The amny folks that knew my father said he was wonderful and would do anything for anyone who needed help. Life is so short even in the best circumstances. I only wish my father was here still today. My solace is that he is Heaven with God and is waiting to see me again there. I can almost hear his laughter of joy...

Senior Officer T.C. Brown
Federal Bureau of Prisons