Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 34 years since my friend and colleague was killed. Dave taught me so much about being a police officer. We took many DUI drivers off the road as police officers for the city of Beardstown. I find it ironic you were killed by a DUI driver while arresting a DUI driver. I wish I would have been working that night but it was my RDO. I have had no greater honor than to be one of those who carried your flag draped casket to your final rest. May you Rest In Peace brother.

Jack Hageman Master Sergeant (Ret.)
Illinois State Police

November 5, 2023

Officer Price's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 10-2-17 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police

October 2, 2017

To the family of Officer Earl Price,
This July, over 60 riders and support personnel will ride across Illinois on our 9th Annual COPS Cycle Across Illinois. We will wear shirts and bracelets with Earl's name and will remember him by dedicating a portion of our ride to him. We will never forget Earl, his family or the Pawnee PD.

Mark Hannan
IL COPS

June 17, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Price. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

I never met Mr. Price but I have the utmost respect for him and his family. I work for Pawnee PD and have for over 13 years now and even worked the departments first K9 that was named after Officer Price. This of course after asking the permission of his wife. K9 Earl was very successful and I believe carried on the tradition of hard work and dedication. Thanks for your service and ultimately your life. I look forward to meeting you in heaven one day.

Patrol Officer Shawn R. Burnley
Pawnee Police Department

November 22, 2012

Sadly missed,Dave and I had been friends for over 20 years. He was a great friend, father and Officer.

Patrol Ofc Wayne Frisbie
Pittsfield Police Dept

February 7, 2011

When I was a child, this man was protecting the streets of the small town I grew up in. I now have an officer in my family, and even though it's been twenty years, I'm thankful for what Officer Price was doing for me when I didn't even know he was there. Thank you, Sir.

Thomas
Former citizen of Pawnee

June 11, 2010

Officer Price,

On this 20th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you have been remembered. Continued condolences to your family.

DDB

November 5, 2009

"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

January 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you for your service, this writer is disappointed that justice was not appropriately served on your behalf.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 1, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over...

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

August 17, 2007

I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU DAVE. YOUR FRIEND WAYNE 10-14-04

Ptl. Wayne Frisbie
Pittsfield P.D.

October 15, 2004

Your not forgotten brother

Anonymous

September 24, 2003