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

August 9, 2007

34 years later, time has not diminished your service or
your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 16, 2007

33 years gone Daddy and I still miss you everyday. I am so grateful you are honored on this Memorial Page and that people remember you. Your anniversary date approaches and I grow sadder and sadder and live in a blur untill July finally arrives and another sad lonely year without you ends and a new one starts.
I want to Thank everyone involved with this website it means so much to me that my father is honored and remembered and to the people who have left reflections you warm my heart and soul. Thank-you.

Cynthia Rutledge
Daughter

May 10, 2006

Jimmie, you were a good boss and more importantly, a good man.

Terry Dail - Berkeley PD - Retired

January 19, 2006

S-15....I came to BPD in late 1974 and left in late 1976. Brian Brady (S-25) told me all about it. I still remember the story, and always will. God speed.

Training Manager Rick Turner #997
San Leandro Police Department

October 11, 2005

RIP Sarge--Some of us that followed you in Berkeley learned the lesson's

Anonymous

May 4, 2004