Police Officer Donald Bernard Kramer Miami Beach Police Department Florida Saturday, February 25, 1984  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-19

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
2007-10-03

Twenty-three years ago today you were taken from your family and friends. You are missed very much and will never be forgotten. Always in our hearts!

Jessica Miller

2007-02-25

Never forgotten, always remembered. Rest in peace.

Senior Officewr D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD
2007-02-25

What a hero you are... you will never be forgotten...

I often read these stories on this website... and only wish there was a way to know more.

My prayers are with you and your family... it may have been many years ago today that this happened, but time could never erase what you have done... A hero... a true hero will live forevermore!!!

LEO NC

2007-02-25

Don,
It's hard to believe that you have gone almost 23 years. The footprints you left in our hearts and our lives will live on. I never thanked you when you were here for the advice you gave me so I thank you now. It made all the difference to a runaway.

Barbara Still
a friend
2006-11-24

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today is a gift.

Officer Kramer, thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

2006-07-27

In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.
In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squad room hall.
In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.
In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.
In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed,
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.
Never judge or regret, what he did, In the simple performance of duty.

-- AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Never to be forgotten...

With Love,

Jessica Miller -daughter of James Miller
FLFR
2006-02-25

It's hard to believe it's been 21 years. You were one of my father's closest friends and the two of you have recently been reunited in heaven.

Always in my thoughts; Never to be forgotten...

J. Miller
FLPD
2005-10-20

06/09/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Kramer.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-06-09

Not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
2004-02-15

Don,
We miss you every day, its been a long time and I still miss talking to you. And we will never forget you.


Your Friend
Bobby Jenkins

President Robert Jenkins
Miami Beach F.O.P. #8

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Joe Caragiulo
Miami PD retired