 | Trooper Donald Charles Cleveland
Louisiana State Police
Louisiana
Saturday, July 2, 1977 |
God take care of you Trooper--I remember that day like yesderday---sa JUSTICE has been served for your killer
I pray for your family that they may cope-with your loss
from them---as God is your caregiver now
It is ashamed in our justice system--that justice was NOT
served in John Mark Hardy--dec 1992--for his killer
As his killer will eat a christmas dinner and thanksgiving
dinner and John will NOT---His family especially Mike
I recall at the court room--was in my opinion disapointed
in theoutcome--however---one day --like they say
You have to pay your dues----
Rest and sleep Donald---as You were a good officer
God Bless--- Anonymous
2009-08-04
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
2007-11-01
Don, It doesn't seem that long ago we were troopers at Troop A. You are truly a hero to all of us. Thanks for being my friend. Buddy, I miss ya.
Captain Brad Tullier (retired)
Louisiana State Police
2005-12-26
My deepest gratitude to you and your sacrifice. Brother, you will never be forgotten. God bless you. Officer C. Walker
Plano PD, Texas
2005-09-12
We'll carry the torch now. Rest in peae brother. VT Trooper
2005-07-20
Your sacrifice is not forgotten even 30 years later...Rest easy Troop... Trooper
Tennessee Highway Patrol
2005-05-09
Trooper Cleveland,
I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Louisiana. It might have taken a few more years, but your murderer got his justice.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
2005-05-06
Justice has been served for your killer. Exp. Kyle Matlock
Huber Heights Police Dept., Ohio
 Return to top
No Reflections may be electronically reproduced without permission from the ODMP. Please use this contact form for further information or to report violations. | 
