 | |  | Trooper Larry D. Cawyer
Alabama Department of Public Safety
Alabama
Saturday, May 25, 1985 |
"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
2007-11-12
Rest in Peace, Trooper Cawyer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Officer 11169
2006-09-07
Grandpa,
I never knew you...but the family speaks of you often, I have heard stories about how great of a guy you were, and how you were loved by everyone you came into contact with, I'm sure it would have been my pleasure to have gotten to know you. I know that you will be there to greet me at the Gates, until then
Love,
Your youngest Grandson Ethan
Ethan Lewis
2005-10-01
I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003). Both of these troopers died in a manner similar to the death of Trooper Cawyer.
We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.
These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.
...Gone, but never Forgotten....
Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
2004-04-06
Larry, you left us almost 17 years ago. You are still thought about and missed dearly. I saw you and talked with you only hours before you died. I thank God daily for that last good-by. Rest in Peace, in the Love of God.
Anonymous
Rest in peace Brother... your time in hell is done. Dir Kevin R Turley, EMT-B / EMT-Tactical
Cheaha EMS & Rescue Services, Inc (White Plains AL)
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