 | Police Officer James F. Kilty
Houston Police Department
Texas
Thursday, April 8, 1976 |
Thirty three years after your murder, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace. Detective L. Heckman
New Bern Police Department
2009-04-08
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-04-08
"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
Kilty
You were a good friend who left this world too soon. It is so hard to believe it has been over 30 years since your death. Van passed away in August of 2005, so now you have a buddy to play "liar's poker" with. I am comforted that your memory has been honored. Elsie Kroussakis
Friend and Business Associate
2007-04-28
Dear Jim,
You are special to me. As a young 17-year old working at the Denny's on Hwy. 59 with my aunt, your care and concern for all is most remembered.
I value your friendship now as I did then and I share your life and death with my students, especially during Red Ribbon Week (this week). I have the picture shown above for the students to hold and view.
You made a difference!
Love, Dalees Dalees Moore
Friend
2006-11-01
Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten. Wisconsin L.E.O.
2006-09-27
Officer Kilty,
On today, the 29th 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
2005-04-08
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