Deputy Sheriff Frank Dean Genovese Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Florida Thursday, June 3, 1982  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

"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
2007-10-04

We met, when I was a rookie here from Broward County. How I loved to aggravate tou by putting my hands and feet on your highly polished car! Years after your death, I joined the SWAT of this agency, in part because of you. You inspired me then, and you inspire me still. As I am in the twilight of my career, I reflect on many events in my career, and you always come to mind. My only prayer, Frank, is that when we meet again, I can still aggravate you somehow. Maybe you'll have another patrol car I can leave my prints on. Rest in peace, brother.

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
2006-03-27

D/S Frank Genovese has been the only member of the PBSO SWAT Team lost in the line of duty. To this day we honor Frank by having his ID # as part of the SWAT uniform. We will always remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Deputy Sheriff Frank Genovese, PBSO ID # 2035.

Lieutenant Michael Wallace
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
2005-09-16

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten. The star continues to shine because of heroes lijke you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department