 | Trooper Howard M. Crumley
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma
Sunday, June 28, 1970 |
Well, its been awhile. My heart still aches for you. But now you have your family with you. Your son's are doing well. I know they were a concern for you. God is watching over those of us who are still here. And I still refer to you as "MY HERO". I love you still. and the hurt just does not go away. Ladeen Johnston
sister
2009-07-27
"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
2008-01-09
Howard Crumley is my father's father. I have heard his legacy my entire life, and regret that I never met him. Thank you for your sacrifice, I'm proud to be Trooper Crumley's grand-daughter. Stacy Crumley
2006-03-23
Trooper Crumley we thank you for your
service to Oklahoma and mourn the loss of your life. Memories will always
keep you alive in the hearts of many. Citizen Grace
Missouri
2005-12-08
The years haven't made it easier, we miss your sense of humor. God Bless. sisters, Ladeen Johnston & Wilba Dilling
2005-03-14
from the daughter of the accused in prison i am sorry for the loss of fine trooper and father.but because of the tragedy i to have lost my father.
to the family my deepest sympathy from the daughter of the convicted.
2005-02-19
I recall the night you were taken from us. You will always remain within our hearts.
Be at peace. Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant (Ret)
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
2004-05-28
God bless you for your sacrifice. Anonymous
2003-10-29
 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. | 
