 | Trooper Steven B. DeVries
Michigan State Police
Michigan
Thursday, October 12, 1972 |
"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
2007-11-15
On the upcoming anniversary of your passing, we remember you today and thank you Sir for your service.
This writer is pleased that quick and final justice was finally served on your killer Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-10
We are and always will be thinking of thee..... Olen M. Young Deputy Sheriff
Perkins County SO NE
2006-10-12
Rest in Peace.
2006-10-12
A young man gunned down in his prime on what should have been a routine traffic stop, by a criminal without any remorse. So tragic and yet it continues to happen. Thank you, Trooper DeVries, for doing your utmost to maintain law and order in an ever-increasing violent society. Security Officer
Connecticut
2006-05-21
My fellow brother, may you rest in peace. Your memory will live on forever. We know that you will guide us and protect us from above. You, your family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security
We will never forget your sacrifice brother trooper. Anonymous
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