Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

David:

I had coffee with your dad on Wednesday the 23rd.
He has done such a wonderful job with your mom for law enforcement officers across America these last 20 years. When I called him he was with Officers of LPD on the 20th anniversary, just where he needed to be.

After twenty long years, you are not forgotten, you will live forever at LPD and with everyone who was there that fateful day.

07-26-2008
Howard Cooke
DPS/BLE (retired)

Howard E. Cooke, Jr.
Maine DPS/BLE Ret.

July 26, 2008

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

November 5, 2007

David,

You served with my father and you roomed with him at the academy. Rest In Peace you were truley an american law man.

" People sleep peacably in their beds at night, only beacuse rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"
(George Orwell)

Patrolman Jason G. Goff
Fryeburg Police Department

October 10, 2007

On the 19th anniversary of Officer Payne's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Payne is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 23, 2007

As we look back to that Saturday afternoon, 19 years ago, memories return and we remember a hero.
Thank you David for your service and dedication to the people of Lewiston and to the people of Maine. Your memory lives on everyday in the ministry of Ray & Barb, who continue to touch so many in law enforcement around the nation and the world.

We remember you today, and always.

1414 BLE 07/23/2007

Howard
Maine DPS/BLE (Retired)

July 23, 2007

I had the honor and pleasure of working with you Dave if only for a short time. Its a shame that you were taken by someone who I know in your heart you felt you were going to help but thank God that their are men and women like you whom I am lucky to have worked with and work with now that are still willing to answer the call. Rest in peace.

Patrolman
Lewiston PD

February 9, 2007

I've corresponded with your dad for several years now on the Internet. He has an important ministry. A needed ministry.

As we celebrate the birth of A Saviour who lived, died and lives. Let is remember the life of a saviour who lived, died and shall live. Rest In Peace.

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

December 20, 2006

I met your Dad at a few unfortunate police funerals in RI and was glad to spend time with him. We spoke about our academy days and our police work, you in Lewiston and me in Portland. Even though I left Portland PD to come home to RI, I think of you often and will never forget you.

CPO Jamie Ullrich
Hopkitnon RI PD (retired)

July 25, 2006

We will never forget!

Matt Lyons
OPD, Ca

May 24, 2006

Hiya Dave. I miss you , buddy. I'm retired now, but I remember all the calls we used to go on, the vehicle stops, & sometimes just sitting around shooting the bull. Almost all the old guys are gone now, but I'll always remember you. Honor, duty loyalty; God, King and Country; that's what it's all about. I'll be seeing you someday.

Until then,
Frank K.

Sgt. (Ret.) Francis K. KEOUGH
Lewiston (Me.) P.D.

January 27, 2005

Warrior and Hero...we fight on!

October 19, 2004

Friday - July 23, 2004 -

To the family and friends of David Payne, he will always be remembered and even though 16 years have passed since thyat hot July afternoon, we still pause each year to reflect on what might have been.

Countless lives have been touched by the events of 7/23/1988, through David Paynes wonderful parents, they have brought hope and comfort to hundreds of parents who have lost sons & daughters in the line of duty and brought the word of God to many more. Their devotion is unending.

My prayers are with them and with all the friends and co workers of Officer Payne.

Peace.

1414
DPS/BLE (retired)

July 23, 2004

God Bless you brother and thanks for all you work in the streets.

Sgt. Keith Payne
Lake LBJ MUD PD

October 16, 2003

I never had the honor of knowing David personally, but knowing that he had accepted Jesus Christ into his life, will mean I will have the chance to meet him someday. His parents have honored him by creating brochures, web sites, etc. that explain what David was all about, and giving those same people hope in Jesus. We are sorry he lost his life serving others, but at least it was not in vain.

Investigator Robbin Miller
New York State Police

I had the good fortune of meeting your father Ray at Ground Zero the other night. He was spreading the word of god and lifting the spirits of many of the rescue workers.
God Bless you your family. May you rest in peace my brother.

P.O.
NYPD