Officer Michael D. Hemschmeyer Phoenix Police Department Arizona Friday, November 2, 1973  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

TRYING TO HELP A FELLOW OFFICER IN NEED. A NOBLE WAY TO DIE. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT
2009-02-27

So much time as passed, and still we remember. We know you will be watching over us each time we hit the road.
God Bless.
Neart, Grá agus Onóir
(Strength, Love and Honor)

CSS K. Martin B1162
Scottsdale PD (AZ)
2008-11-02

"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
2007-11-14

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-30

Michael, your dedication, your honesty and your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters left behind. There are still wounds in your closest brothers and sisters hearts even today. It's been almost 34 years but as you know in God's kingdom that is just a breath away. As you serve in God's police department your strength of character will serve you well. Rest in peace brother, until we meet again in the heaven farewell.
Tom Bradley AZ State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD
2007-09-25

Rest in Peace, Officer Hemschmeyer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-15

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

2004-11-02

We Remember.

Phoenix Police Officer
2004-11-02

Michael Hemschmeyer was my cousin. I am Margaret Hemschemeyer-Wolfe. I was in police work at the time of Michael's tragic accident. I remember him as a kind and gentle person with high ideals and desire to help others. It is my prayer that his kindness and helpfulness with live on in the works of others.

God bless you sir for your service. You will always be remebered as a true American Hero.

May God bless you and your family.

BP Agent
US Border Patrol

Thanks, Dad, for giving your life for your city. I wish that we had had more time together, but it was your time to go. I know you are looking down on us. I love you.

Amy Hemeschmeyer Peden