 | Trooper Robert Joseph Merenda
New Jersey State Police
New Jersey
Monday, November 29, 1971 |
I have passed your gravesite each time I pay respects to my family. Your NJSP grave marker prompted me to research your passing. When I found you were a Line of Duty death, I felt all the more sad of your passing. I now place a flower and a salute, each time I return to my family plot. You will never be forgotten Trooper. A Dispatcher
South Jersey
2009-09-28
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
2007-12-12
rest in peace hero vandenberghe
nh
2007-11-29
We will always remember you and may you always rest in peace. Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-11-29
Rest In Peace Troop. Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New Jersey Cop
2007-11-29
Brother Merenda,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue
Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle
2005-12-02
I thank you for your dedication to duty and salute you for your sacrifice.
A grateful citizen.
2004-09-22
“But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”
Anonymous
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