 | Trooper Thomas J. Merry
Maine State Police
Maine
Saturday, July 12, 1980 |
I still remember that night so long ago, As I remember you.
You gave your all to the State of Maine. You Save your Sergeant. That night has changed a lot of lives. Rest in peace my brother. I am sorry, but I did all a young rookie could do and I will take the lessons of that night with me forever. Anonymous
2009-07-12
"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
2008-02-11
Rest in Peace! Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal
2008-01-21
On the 25th anniversary of your passing, the troopers of the Virginia State Police salute your service to the citizens of Maine.
We remember and continue on in your memory. Master Trooper
Virginia State Police
2005-07-12
On this day, twenty four years later, we still remember Tom Merry and all he stood for, he will always be remembered and loved by all who knew him.
Trooper Merry, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers as will your family.
07-12-2004 Howard E. Cooke, Jr.
DPS/BLE retired
2004-07-14
Trooper Merry, Thank you for you service to the people of the State of Maine and the United States. You are not forgotten! Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept.
2003-11-18
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