 | Trooper Guy David Nalley
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma
Saturday, October 27, 1984 |
"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
2008-01-09
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-26
G-d Bless both you and your loved ones.
2006-10-27
You will never be forgotten. "NO PAIN" 39th Academy. Trooper Mike Chappell #707
Classmate, friend, partner
2006-08-05
After twenty years you are still thought of often and will not be forgotten. Fellow State Trooper
2004-10-27
I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.
Rest in peace, hero.
A grateful citizen.
2004-09-23
you are not forgotten
S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV
2004-07-30
Rest easy Troop ... you are not forgotten. Andy
2003-11-30
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