Sergeant Wallace Johnson Mowbray Maryland State Police Maryland Sunday, August 10, 1975  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

"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
2007-11-07

Always remembered sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-08-10

Dad,
Not a day goes by, still, that Rusty, Ryan or I do not think of you......and especially so this time of year. Know that you are always with us in our hearts and in our spirit. And your strength lives on in us.
Rest in peace, always.
Love,
Robin, Rusty & Ryan
12/20/06

Robin Mowbray
Daughter
2006-12-19

Though it's 31 years later, your brother and sister Troopers from the North have not forgotten! Thank you for your service!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2006-08-10

Thirty years ago you gave your life in service to the citizens of Maryland.
It is in your memory that we continue on.
Rest in peace Sergeant.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police
2005-08-10

To Sgt. Mowbray - I will never forget that fateful day when this happened to you, as I was the one working with you as the Police Dispatcher that day. And wish I could have done more, but I did the best I could for you. And because of it, it has made me a better Police Dispatcher. I have come to be more attentive on everything that goes on around me. You will not be forgotten, and thanks again for everything that had done, you are very well appreicated. Just ask any citizen of Queen Anne's county. God speed - Rest now you have done your job...

TCO Frank Price
Maryland Transportation Authority - Bay Bridge
2005-04-28

Thank you Sgt. Mowbray for your years of service. You are not forgotten.

2004-12-25

I honor you my brother. We'll take it from here . . . you rest.
With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF, Ret.
2004-03-20

i finally became a pco like you told me to so many years ago, when i lost two of my officers "kids" in feb of 2001 you and your family were not far from my thoughts. god bless.

dispatcher diana tarrant
queen anne county emergency services