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

February 22, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 28, 2007

My thoughts to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Larsen on the anniversary of his passing. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you all.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

November 15, 2007

Remembering you and the fight you fought on this earth. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Continue to watch over those that love you dearly.

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

November 14, 2007

You were truly one of Beloit's finest and I have been honored to work with you. Kind, soft spoken man, putting others first. And, you always enjoyed your sports! I remember you often along with my Father who died in the line of duty also at a young age. I think of your family often and for paying the ultimate sacrifice I would like your family to know the necklace badge(s) made in your likeness was my tribute to you and my gift to them.

Wanda

October 10, 2007

As I came to the ODMP today you were the featured officer. I am so sorry that you had to suffer so much due to the actions of a cowardly man.
Rest easy, sir, you have certainly earned it.
You and your family will remain in my thoughts. When I go to the Memorial Wall in Madison in May, I will find your name and say a prayer for you.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 31, 2007

On behalf of all of your fellow Officers, we miss you and will never forget.

Patrolman Jon Ammeson
Beloit Police Department

January 17, 2007

On behalf of all of your fellow Officers, we miss you and will never forget.

Patrolman Jon Ammeson
Beloit Police Department

January 17, 2007

On behalf of all of your fellow Officers, we miss you and will never forget.

Patrolman Jon Ammeson
Beloit Police Department

January 17, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and your long fight to be with your loved ones. My thoughts are with them on this day. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol.

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

November 15, 2006

Thank you for your service and dedication to the City of Beloit and this country. May God continue to comfort you in His loving arms.

Trooper
Michigan State Police - Paw Paw

November 15, 2006

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Officer.

A Citizen

May 22, 2006

Officer Larsen, thank you for your service and your bravery. You like so many others in our line of work were just trying to make the world a better place to live. Thank you, rest well my brother.

Preston Ellis
Kinston Police Department NC

July 3, 2005

I first met Officer Larsen when he contacted me about a stolen boat that was on the mighty Rock River here in Beloit. It was'nt long after that when I was called into work early because of this shooting. I was a rookie then and had to stay with his shooter at St. Anthonys hospital in Rockford. I had to pull guard duty on the shooter(Hatch) while the good doctors tried to save Pete. Hatch has since commited suicide while in Prison. This and all the other incidents are such a waste and I find it hard to understand how our fellow men can do this to each other. Lets all take care of each other just a little better and respect people just for being PEOPLE. Lets all take care of our children and raise them with respect for who they are so we can slow or end this senseless waste of lives. PAX VOBISCUM...…

Anonymous