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

July 11, 2007

Chris was a friend to all. I never saw him mad with anyone. He loved laughing and joking with people. Also, he loved his family. Another passion of his was playing the guitar, at which, he was pretty good! Ten years later, he is still missed and respected for the type of work he chose to do. He died protecting us, and for this he will always be loved. Rest in piece good friend. Patsy Mir friend/classmate

Patsy Mir
friend/classmate

June 10, 2007

I just ran across this page. I was thinking about how sad that I was that my Mother, Aunt Linda, and I missed the Memorial at the Falls this year so I went to the website of the GadsdenTimes to see how it went. After looking there and finding information, I decided to do a search for his name and came up with this site.

I would say that no one had the patience of Chris, but his Dad (Gary McCurley) did also.

Chris was however, one of a kind. He loved to be with his family, acting "corney" with the rest of us. Having a good meal, and watching TV or playing his guitar afterwards. He was always the joker, but was serious when he needed to be. I have NEVER heard him so much as even raise his voice to anyone.

It's been almost 10 years Chris, and I still miss you and think of you often.

Robert

Robert Short
Nephew

June 6, 2007

Rest in Peace, Captain McCurley. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

G-d Bless.

October 10, 2006

we think chris often may god bless him and his family

April 2, 2006

I transferred to take the Neely Henry Lake post in March of 1997 and only briefly met Captain McCurley that spring. I did not really know Chris, but his death has had a profound impact on my life.

The day Captain McCurly was murdered, Lt. Jimmy McClendon and I were at a nearby marina preparing to install navigational aids on the lake. This is filthy work and we were dressed in utility clothing and were not wearing our duty belts. I had my patrol boat on the ramp ready to launch when the Double Zero call came out. Lt. McClendon and I dropped everything and ran to another truck that wasn't attached to a boat. We turned on our lights and siren and took off for the address as fast as we could. Only after we had gone a mile or so did I realize I didn't have my duty belt on. As Lt. McClendon drove I began putting my belt on and as we talked, we both realized that Lt. McClendon's duty belt was still in the other truck. He never flinched or slowed down. I did manage to pull the shotgun from the rear so he would at least be armed. As we drove, the sight of dozens of patrol cars from all over the county responding to the call was something I will never forget.

By the time we got there the suspects were in custody. As we made our way to the house I saw several officers coming toward us, holding an academy classmate of mine by the arms as they escorted him away from the scene. I spoke to him and he looked at me, but didn't say a word. Only later did I found out that he had been shot as well.

Carnage is just not a powerful enough word to describe that scene. I tried then and have tried several times since that day to make sense of what happened. I can't imagine nor would I ever try to imagine what the families of those officers involved went through in the days, weeks and months afterward. I only know that everyone who responded that day and everyone who had a loved one that was there...will forever remember. God bless you all.

Officer Matt Brooks
Alabama Marine Police

January 27, 2005

Here is a poem that I found and thought it was nice. Its been almost seven years chris and we still miss you.

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and part of america died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand in court with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids, and spend many long lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too, just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation wont fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street and he stands at each rookies side.
He answered the call
of himself gave his all
AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED.
Chris we miss you and may you rest in peace.

Anonymous

September 3, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, October 10, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Captain Peter McCurley who died on this date six years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Chief McCurley's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

October 10, 2003

May God bless and keep the family of Captain McCurley until they are reunited with him in heaven. Captain McCurley was a beacon of light in the darkness because he stood for what was right and never compromised his beliefs.

Special Agent
DEA

I was a young kid when I first met Chris,I met him thru my father who was with the District Attorneys Office at the time and spent many mornings eating breakfast with my father and Chris along with other officers. It was then that I guess you could say I idolized him and the other officers and I knew from then on what I wanted to do with my life. I now have 8 years in law enforcement under my belt and I am employed with the very Agency that Chris once led, the Etowah County Drug/Major Crime Task Force. Chris will always be remembered thru his career and all the wonderful memorials, but most of all thru memories of him.

Agent David Pitts
Etowah County Drug Task Force

The family and fellow officers of Captain McCurley have my thoughts and prayers.

Dir Kevin Turley, EMT-B / EMT-Tactical
Cheaha EMS & Rescue Services, Inc (Calhoun County, AL)