 | Officer Robert Keith Hawkins
DeKalb County Police Department
Georgia
Thursday, February 7, 1980 |
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2008-02-05
"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
2007-12-23
You would have celebrated your 23rd birthday on the 10th of May 1980.
In the picture, your eyes are looking toward Heaven and you are beautiful.
RLG Rachal
2006-07-06
Thanks you for serving Dekalb County and for your sacrifice.
Anonymous Dekalb County EMS/PMDC Retired
2005-10-19
You were a friend of my older brother's at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church. I remember when you stopped by once while on-duty to talk to him - that was a real rush for a kid of 11; having a police car in your driveway; and back then, it was COOL to have a police officer stop and talk to you.
Rest in peace, sir, and may your service to DeKalb County not go forgotten. Jeff Ferguson
2005-08-12
another officer who was taken far too early in life...i hope you have met my fiance, Cole...even though it's been over 25 years, your sacrifice is still remembered and appreciated. Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin EOW 4.25.03
2005-05-27
Dang those trees, power poles, vehicles, a horse, a crane and
other objects that don't disappear on
impact. They have taken so many lives away from us, each one precious. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State
2005-04-05
Rest in peace - Brother
2003-08-21
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