 | |  | Patrolman Richard Gomez
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico
Thursday, April 17, 1980 |
Patrolman Gomez,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous Anonymous
2008-04-17
"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
2007-12-17
It has been a long time since you made the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man. I pray that time has helped to heal the pain your family, friends and co-workers felt when you lost your life. It is true that the loss never goes away, but realizing that God will unite you and your loved ones in Heaven may help them feel comfort while they are still here.
Your brothers and sisters continue to walk the line defending others possessions and lives in your honor. It would be nice to see that drunk drivers never cause anyone harm again, but sadly, that hasn't changed much in the past 27 years.
Rest well, warrior, your job here is done. Guard the gates of heaven until we are all called home. APD LEO Wife
2007-04-17
I will never forget the things you taught me as I started with the state police. I 'll never forget you or the fun times we had on patrol. I know we will see each other again, God has promised this to us. I Sr. Patrolman Ricky L. Poolaw
New Mexico State Police (Retired)
2005-04-12
GOD BLESS YOU RICHARD, YOU ARE STILL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. SGT. GEORGE MEDINA
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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