Trooper Byron J. Erickson Michigan State Police Michigan Saturday, July 31, 1993  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I attended Bryon's funeral and soon after that I pleadged to always honor my fallen brothers/sisters.
His funeral touched me because I had just bagen my career just 2 months prior.
Bryon will forever be remembered in Lenawee County. Rest in Peace my brother.

Ofc. Rob Trevino
Clinton Police Department, Clinton, MI
2009-02-09

"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

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee
2006-06-03

I was saddened by the news of Trooper Erickson's passing. I spent many hours next to him in recruit school. He was a man of honor and integrity. My career with the State Police was very brief but the positive lessons I learned from Erickson's presence will have an indelible affect on my character for a life time.

Lee A Ewell Jr.

Ex-trooper Lee A Ewell
Recruit School Buddy
2006-04-20

Remembering Trooper Byron Erickson who died in the line of duty 11 years ago, July 31, 1993. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Up North Michigan

2004-07-29

Byron and I lived in the same town. I worked alongside him periodically, and appreciated his professionalism, and politeness to others. Outside of work, I was fortunate to spend some days having coffee with him at his house. I miss his smile and his friendship most of all. He was a positive influence on me as a law enforcement officer and as a person.

Off. Gary T. Johnson
Tecumseh Police, MI (Ret.)
2004-05-20

Your memory is honored. Rest in Peace.

SA Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit

Byron was very committed and really together. He was the oldest recuit in the 105th trooper recruit school at age 31. I had the honor of being placed next to him for 18 weeks of hell that summer. He shared his experience, wisdom, and inner strength with all. He love the Michigan State Police and was living his dream of being a trooper. He was a natural leader displaying a quiet strength. A great loss to us all.

Rest well Byron, you are a living legacy through the good you did while you were here. We will meet again.

Sgt. Therese Fogarty-Cremonte
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12