Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering you on the 36th anniversary of your death. I'm glad to see your family has found the ODMP and is reassured that you have not been forgotten. What happened to you was horribly cruel. You have certainly earned your rewards in heaven! God keep you and bless you always.

To those you left behind, help them to know you are still with them in spirit, and will always be at their side, protecting them and guiding them through life. Although you cannot be seen, your spirits are always with them.

Michigan (God's Country!) Resident

September 9, 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 15, 2007

Remembered you especially on Sept. 10, the 35th anniversary of your death. You, your contribution, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You became a Great Grandfather (again) in June. We miss you Dad.

Meredith
Daughter

September 12, 2007

Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol. I only wish that justice would have been served in your case which it was not. Your loved ones have suffered many years because of the action of one individual who was able to live his life. I only hope that some day he has to pay for what he did for creating so many broken hearts. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 19, 2007

OFFICER WELLING, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.
WHAT AN OUTRAGE. YOUR KILLER SERVICES 9 1/2 YEARS IN PRISON. YOUR FAMILY SERVES A LIFETIME WITHOUT YOU. YOUR GRAND-DAUGHTERS GREW UP ONLY HEARING STORIES ABOUT YOU. WHAT A TERRIBLE LOSS FOR THEM.
THERE IS ONE CONSOLATION IN ALL THIS THOUGH. YOUR KILLER WILL HAVE TO FACE ONE MORE JURY. WE ALL KNOW WHAT HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL BE. WE WILL REJOICE AS HE BURNS IN HELL.

TO THIS HEROS FAMILY, KEEP HIM IN YOUR HEART, AND PASS HIS STORY ALONG. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

October 21, 2006

Thank you for your service to this country, "Blessed are the makers of peace, for they shall be called children of God"

Dispatcher Phil
Love County Sheriffs Department

October 8, 2006

I have been thinking about you alot the last couple of days, especially yesterday, the anniversary of your death - what I was doing while you were dying. We all miss you. You had 2 granddaughters get married this summer, missed you especially during those times. I think you would be proud of all of your grandchildren. 34 years, wow, you would think it wouldn't hurt so much. You and your sacrifice will never be forgotten and I know that you will always be with us.

Meredith
Daughter

September 11, 2006

Officer Welling:

While I did not know you personally, I have gotten a glimpse of the type of man you must have been by knowing your bright, spunky, and tenacious granddaughter Stacy. You would be proud of the work she does for the Governor, the Legislature and the people of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You are missed deeply, but never forgotten.

Kristen Kraft

July 29, 2006

Didn't know you well but knew and loved your son. We will never forget you. Dr. Bruce Sherman, Brother, Phi Kappa Theta.

Physician
Associated Chiropractic

August 13, 2005

You will never be forgotten for the selfless act of being one of Michigan's finest law enforcement officer's. You are a true hero for serving our great state and a hero for putting your life down so that others could be safe in Michigan. God bless you and your family!

Michigan Police Officer

June 4, 2005

Well Kaylee, I can pretty much guarantee that Dad is proud of you. You see, yesterday (5/19/2005) I had the privilege of listening to your cousin and my daughter, Stacy, as she addressed representatives of various Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canadian law enforcement officers, families of officers killed in the line of duty and guests assembled for a law enforcement officers memorial service in Munising, MI (Yes, that is in God's country). She did a wonderful job and and I sure am proud of her. Dad would be too. Nothing can replace the time lost with Dad or dull the hurt I see in your grandmother's eyes when we mention him; but all of us take a great deal of comfort from the fact that he lives on in his grandchildren and they are sure doing him proud.

Leonard Welling

May 20, 2005

Today was one of many days that my mother, (Gerald's Daughter), and I talked and remembered him. I never had the privilege of personally knowing my grandfather but through conversations with my mother I get glimpses of the man he was. The hardest thing for me is my selfish desire to share my own special moments with this man that was so cruelly taken before his rightful time and even worse is the pain I see in my mother's eyes. It is hard to deal with the pain of the loss but when she does, she speaks to me of him, and in those moments I feel like I get to spend a little time with him.

Grandpa- I miss you and love you and hope that I make you proud. I got accepted to Veterinary School, I'm starting in the fall; I wish I could tell you this and see the pride in your face.

Kaylee Bell (granddaughter)

May 19, 2005

Rest in peace my brother. You are not forgotten.

Texas

September 11, 2004

Remembering you, CO Welling, today, the 32 year anniversary of your death. Rest in peace.

Michigan Resident

September 10, 2004