 | Police Officer Lorenzo Arnest Gray
Baltimore City Police Department
Maryland
Wednesday, July 26, 1972 |
I was only five years old when my dad was killed, now 41 with children of my own. I remember when the officers came
to inform my mom of his death, she passed out instantly. Daddy I still think of you everyday and never a day goes by where I won't hesitate to let your grandchildren know that if it wasn't for you giving your life for me and others, they would not be here today. What a great dad and man you were to all of us. And to all that knew of my father and worked with him, God bless you all as well for not a day goes by where I don't think of everything you've done for my entire family. Peace be with you all. Audra Gray-Batson
Daughter
2008-03-12
"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
2007-11-07
Rest in peace. Boomer
2007-07-26
Officer Gray worked the southeast district. Officer Gray's Daughter became a Baltimore Police Officer in 2003. We were in the same academy class 03-03. M. Esparza
2006-03-03
We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.
Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police
2005-11-21
You are not forgotten.................... Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
2004-04-08
I held your head and cried as the tear fell from your eye On that hot summer night. I think of you still to this day and tell others stories about you. You were a great partner and a great friend. Thanks for always being there saving me. I am so very sorry that I could not save you. If only? I would have been there. Things would have been different. God Bless You.
Your car Partner and Friend
R.L.W. Area 3 Narcotics Officer R.L.Wright
Retired Now South East Aera 3 Narcotics
30 years has gone by since the day I walked into Southeastern District as your replacement. I've thought of you often in the past and what my life would have been like if you hadn't fallen. Thank you for your sacrifice. Special Agent Jack E. Hurley, Jr.
USACIDC
You did not die in vain, nor will you be forgotten. Thank you. Anonymous
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