 | Officer / Pilot Thomas P. McNeff
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Arizona
Sunday, October 2, 1983 |
"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. vandengerghe
NH
2007-10-14
Steve "Alfie" Alford and I visit periodically about Tiger Sharks and Polecats. We are always saddened when one of ours passes. I know you are still flying cover for friends and loved ones. CW2 Ted Emery
192nd AHC
2007-03-28
Rest in Peace, Pilot McNeff. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Officer 11169
2007-03-14
Tom-
Even though I did not know you well( I worked with your brother Mike on and off for 25 years) I placed my life in your hands in Morenci during the strike. Sgt. Larry Capp and I flew with you and Richard over the strike area and in the mountainous canyons around Morenci just days before your tragic deaths.
May you fly the heavens in peace. God bless.
Colin Peabody Sergeant Colin Peabody, Retired
Arizona Department of Public Safety
2007-02-26
Hey Tom, I still think about the day we were coming back from Phoenix with the Lt., I think we scared the hell out of him....I think of you often brother, you were so much fun to have as a partner....
Denny Officer/Medic
Az. D.P.S. retired
2006-03-06
I worked with DPS in the gang unit for three years. You would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated and professional organization anywhere. I know that Trooper McNeff had the same qualities. Rest in peace, Sir. AZ Narc
2006-02-21
Dearest brother, I will always love you. Your sister Jean
2005-08-11
Dear Tom:
I was surfing this site tonight and was saddened by the fact that you had so few reflections under your name. I remember the great times we had together in the academy and never in my wildest dreams believed you would not be here and that I would be an executive at DPS. I remember that day when Terry (now Commander) Conner called me to tell me about your passing. It was one of several cold and rainy days in the Tucson area. We had so much fun during those younger days. Know that I think of you and the other members of our class often. Take care,
David Felix, Chief
Deputy Director
Arizona DPS David Felix, Deputy Director
Arizona DPS
2005-06-10
AS you now know, Jesus Loves You. So do we!
Fly away, angel. Ret.Officer RB Wade
Richmond,Va Police
2003-09-30
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