Police Officer Leon Griggs Houston Police Department Texas Saturday, January 31, 1970  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
2008-02-13

Today is the 38th year since you were murdered. I often visualize my life with my father. Sadly I don't have those memories. But I do have many stories of who you were to your family and friends. I've loved you daddy even though you missed my birth and my 38 years of life. I've lived a life that a police officer would want of a daughter. Your legacy lives on.

Lessie Griggs
Daughter
2008-01-31

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHY ONE OF YOUR KILLERS WOULD BE PAROLED, BUT AM PLEASED THAT HE IS AGAIN BACK WHERE HE BELONGS. YOU ARE A HERO SIR JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2008-01-22

Officer Griggs,

I try to get on here everyday and read about the fallen officer's of the past. Today I read your story and your tragedy happend just 12 days into my life. The picture of you on here is of a young man. That's how you will remain in the minds and hearts of all who new you. Thank you for serving your community and providing for your family. May you continue to rest in peace.

Officer Leary
US Park Police
Horse Mounted Unit
Washington, DC

James Leary
United States Park Police
2007-11-20

NEVER forgotten for your supreme sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs
2007-01-13

Thank you for your service & sacrifice. You have not been forgotten. RIP sir.

2006-07-07

Thank you, Sir.

2006-01-31

Officer Griggs,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-01-31