 | |  | Patrolman Junius P. Lewis
Charleston Police Department
South Carolina
Thursday, December 6, 1951 |
Thank You for having served the citizens of the Lowcountry. Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2007-12-06
The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
Your Christmas gifts that you had on layaway for your wife, 4 1/2 yr. old son, and 2 1/2 yr. old daughter were given to them by all of the concerned store operator's.
I know that you smiled when you greeted your wife in 1993 then in 2001 when your son also went to Heaven.
Thank you for keeping our streets safe on your watch.
Detective M. Karriker
Naval Weapons Station, Charleston
2004-06-04
12-06-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. REST IN PEACE. CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2003-12-06
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