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

January 30, 2008

I miss your friendship, your laughter and great sense of humor.

A Dear Friend

December 12, 2007

To Officer John Michael Richardson, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the seventh anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Michael, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Richardson. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Richardson gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 29, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 28, 2006

Although I came aboard after you had passed, I still hear about the things you have done that have touched many here. You are still with us in heart and mind.

Sgt. Scott Harding
Nashville Airport PD

November 14, 2005

Just checkin on ya. We know you are still with us everyday and blessed by our lord. Still miss you as a great friend.

Chief Joe Johnson
Smyrna Airport Public Safety

October 30, 2005

Rest in peace Blue Angel

Andy

November 20, 2003

MIKE,

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU, FOR BEING A GREAT FRIEND. I WOULD NOT BE HERE IF WERE NOT FOR YOU. I'M SO GREATFULL THAT I WAS ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS. YOU ARE MISSED BY EVEYONE HERE. I PRAY FOR YOU, TAMMY AND THE GIRLS. THEY WILL BE LOOKED AFTER!! AFTER ALL WE ARE BROTHERS

FELLOW AIRPORT OFFICER
NASHVILLE AIRPORT POLICE

You were my third grader first, but then you became a dear friend with a quick smile and a beautiful laugh. You always had time for the students of Carthage Elementary School with the programs you presented. You will always be missed by those who knew you.

Marty Owens

MIKE, YOU MAY NEVER KNOW THE PAIN IN OUR HEARTS THAT WE FILL BY YOUR PASSING. YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS MISS YOU AND WISH YOU WERE STILL WITH US. GODS SPEED MIKE!

Lt. Charles Hayes
Nashville Airport Police

Daddy, I sure miss you. No one knows how to play like you do. I want to ride your horse for you. I want to be a big girl so you will be proud of me.

Your Daughter Minda Marie

We miss you Michael. We will always love you and never forget the values in which you believed.

Love,

Your Family

Family of Mike Richardson