Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

December 26, 2007

To the family of Terry Lyles. We in Gastonia think of Terry often and we think of you. God has used your loss in a way that you can not imagine. Terry was a good friend to us. He is missed. God Bless.

Officer
Gastonia Police Department

November 17, 2007

I was a new officer who had just finished his training. I was assigned to Charlie-1 District 2nd shift. I did not know the officers on this shift because most of my training was on 1st or 3rd shift. Terry was one of the officers on the shift who befriended me and helped continue my on the job training of how to be a police officer. I went on a week long vacation to visit family in Philly. I remember telling Terry on my last shift before this trip that I would see him when I got back. That was the last time that I saw Terry. I was driving in to town when I heard a news bite on the radio that there was a Charlotte officer shot. With over 900 officers on the Department, I did not think I would even know this officer. I switched to a radio news station at the bottom of the hour just to catch the start of the news headlines. I remember the announcer’s words to this day, “Charlotte Police Officer Terry Lyles died...” The shock of this statement still echoes in my heart. I have relived this pain with each officer who has fallen since. There has not been a day that I do not think about Terry or the other friends I have lost. Kay, you are still in my family’s thoughts and prayers.

Dan Cunius
CMPD

October 22, 2007

OFFICER LYLES, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE TRULY A HERO. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. TO THOSE THAT WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU, MAY GOD BLESS THEM WITH HIS LOVE, AND A PEACE BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

August 6, 2007

Officer Lyles, thank you for your sacrifice.

Greensboro Police Dept, NC

August 6, 2007

You are not, and will never be forgotten. You live in my heart. I love you.

Kay Lyles
Wife

August 5, 2007

Just thinking about you Terry after the senseless slaying of two more Charlotte officers. I attended your funeral almost 17 years ago when I was a young police officer in Wilmington. Your death taught me to thouroughly search anyone I put in my car. I am sure it has save the life of another officer over the years. Thank you for your service. RIP brother.

NC Game Warden

April 8, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Lyles and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Lyles has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Officer Lyles, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Lyles is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City

February 9, 2007

I had the pleasure of serving with Terry in Charlotte, he was always optimistic and a dilligent professional, Terry you will always be missed.

Officer Mario Galasso
metro transit Police

October 16, 2005

MT Lyles was my husband. He was sensitive, thoughtful, loving, and kind. He was one of a very few perfect people God put on this earth for a short time. He was pure of heart, honest, and open minded. He had a way of loving life that is not seen often. He was a very happy man, a wonderful husband, a loving son, brother, a faithful friend. Every life he touched was left better than he found it. We who knew and loved him will forever carry his spirit and his love of life with us, and be better people for knowing him. Those of us he loved have experienced a level of love that can never be duplicated. He was an angel that walked among us for a short time, that left behind love that will stay with us for all eternity.
He was the happiness, hope, and all things good in my life. He was my life. He will always be my husband and my perfect love. He will never be forgotten. He lives on though every life he touched.

Kay Lyles
Wife

September 4, 2005

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 9, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004