Trooper David Bruce Ladner Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Highway Patrol Mississippi Sunday, April 12, 1987  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
HCSO
2009-08-05

"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
2007-12-03

Trooper Ladner-Although I was not privledged to know you personally, I have policed with your son for several years. I respect the ultimate sacrafice that you gave and honor you and your family for a job well done. Your son, Brandon, is a fine example of heritage that you left upon your death. He is a exceptional police officer. Thank you for your service and I pray for peace for your family.

Sergeant Travis T. Foreman
Waveland Police Department
2007-05-01

I visited Finley Cemetery today to photograph the grave of a "loved one" for a person I have never met. While searching for the grave, I came across yours and was moved to remembrance of your trgic death and the circumstances surrounding it. You have left a huge hole in our community and our hearts. Thank you for serving our community and making the ultimate sacrifice. Your legacy is in your children who have turned out well.

Jim Fullilove
Citizen
2006-12-19

A sulute to your service and dedication Trooper Ladner, Never Forgotten.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA
2006-11-19

Brother Ladner,
I want to thank you for your service to Mississippi. Your tragic death is a reminder to everyone of how dangerous our job in law enforcemnt can be. The thing that murdered you will never hurt anyone ever again. Your son is a fine man who fights the good fight everyday as a motivated professional. As you watch him from above, I know your spirit guides him along the way and keeps him sharp. God bless you brother. You are not forgotten.

Captain
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
2006-03-04

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

2005-04-12

In loving memory of Trooper Ladner:
We are thinking of you today and are
reminded of your costly sacrifice to
your state, your department and mostly, your family. All these years
of missing you... Your killer finally
got his punishment and you'll get
your reward some day. God bless
all those who still miss you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

2004-07-29

Trooper Ladner, I honor you. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
2004-07-17

i would like to thank this state trooper for all in did in his personal life and in his professional life. i had the chance to know this gentleman and his family. he was a blessing to know and so was his family. i attended the church that they did at the time trooper ladner was alive. he is deeply missed by the community and loved ones. may god bless your soul and keep your family safe.sincerly,mr. and mrs. timothy holliman jr and family

angela holliman

2004-01-31

Justice has been finally served and the evil-doer will have to now face God... with Trooper Ladner standing by his throne. God bless the spirit and memory of Trooper Ladner and the men & women of the Mississippi Highway Patrol!

Christopher P. Yaroch, Federal Agent
U.S. Dept. of Energy

Thank you for your service to your state and country. Your murderer finally got his justice, too bad it took 15 years to his sentence to be carried out.

Anonymous