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

December 17, 2007

I drive by all the time on I-40 to Albuquerque and see the memorial left by your family. It saddens me how you left this world. It feels like I knew you personally. Perhaps it's because we all work or have ties with law enforcement and we become family no matter where it is we work, at different areas of the state and around the world. You are missed and I often wonder how your family is doing. I keep them in prayer because they have become family too. This holiday, I pray for them and hope they continue to go forth with peace and joy in their hearts.

Thanks for your service and commitment to your job the time you were here on earth. You will not be forgotten.


Concerned fellow law enforcement member.

November 26, 2007

Today marks the sixth anniversary of your EOW. As we pause to remember your dedication to your profession, know that your legacy will continue throughout the years. We thank you for making a difference in the world. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 1, 2007

It has been 5 years today. Your dedication will never be forgotten. rest in peace.

Tim Jones Patrol
Chandler, Texas Police

August 1, 2007

God Bless you. Rest in peace. Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 1, 2007

I thank you for your sacrifice. It was officers like you that gave me comfort at night that my family would be protected. Because I am involved in the war, I can't watch over my family. But, as long as they're people like you watching over ordinary citizens like my wife, kids, and parents, I know that they are protected. I send my condolences to your family. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache and troubles your family is experiencing. America has truly lost a great American hero. Thank you for your selfless act of bravery. I pray that you will watch over your commrades as well as everyone wearing a badge.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Donald Barrell
U.S. Army

May 17, 2007

Keep an eye on all of our brothers and sisters wearing the badge...God bless your family! Many prayers out to em.
Brian L. Guillen

BLGuillen

April 24, 2007

I hope justice was served in your case. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You will never be forgottten.

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

January 7, 2007

I didn't know Lloyd personally but having a father and brother who were in Law Enforcement for many years with Laguna and Acoma Police Department. I would like to send my condolences to the family and fellow officers and hope the good lord watch over all who wear a badge and protect us while we sleep. God Bless and Thank You.

Valerie A Martinez

September 4, 2006

Lloyd, on Friday, September, 1, 2006, we will find out the final sentencing fate of the Zacharia Craig. This will close one door and hopefully open another for Kim (Monica) and the kids; it's been difficult for them to go to hearing after hearing to relive that horrific day and be in the same room with the person that took you from us. We talk about you often... laugh, smile and cry. The kids look so much like you and it's comforting to know part of you will always live through them. We miss you, Lloyd! Love you always...

Yolanda Miles
Aunt (in-law)

August 30, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Patrolman Lloyd Aragon Sr. and his fellow officers with the New Mexico State Police:

On this the fifth anniversary date of Lloyd's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Lloyd, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding his wife and children in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Lloyd was robbed of his life at such a young age, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Lloyd gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and or the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 1, 2001.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 1, 2006

Remembering you and your loved ones on this sad day. Rest in Peace.....

ERIKA & DYLAN MITCHELL
In Memory of OFC. Larry Mitchell E.O.W. 5-30-01

August 1, 2006

Lloyd I will never forget the day your life was taken once we heard Officer down on the radio I have never heard radio silence for so long then I have that day at that moment we all knew one of our brothers was taken from us, I would like to thank you for all your assistance on the streets you were always there in the county and I always knew there was backup if I needed it. You will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Rest in peace.

Deputy John Lozano SO10

Deputy John Lozano
Cibola County Sheriffs Dept.

May 27, 2006

They say that things happen for a reason. The day God called you home was also a day you saved someone's life. Perhaps it could have been another person in your place but you knew in your heart what you had to do. That was your style, to help out your fellow peers and help stop this person and prevent another tragedy. You didn't think of yourself but for the sake of others, you made the ultimate sacrifice. You truly are a hero which we are especially proud of. We miss you dearly but we know that you are there in the presence of the almighty. We know that you would not want us to think about the bad times thru tears and heartaches but that you would want us to continue with our lives forgiving and continuing to love others. We shall hold dearly in our thoughts those special memories you left with us, especially your family. As life must continue, we know you are our guardian angel and we shall not be afraid. You have earned your reward and I know God is saying, well done, thy good and faithful servant.

I've seen the look on your family's face during the memorial service recently. I know they too are very proud of you. They seemed to look pretty good despite of the tears we say. I believe they were tears of joy and not sadness.

To all NMSP personnel and law enforcement officers, continue to do your jobs well and may God be with you all. Thank you for being there for us and helping when we need you. I encourage you all to stand even thru the toughest times. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, right? God bless!!!!!!!

Concerned Citizen
Gallup

May 23, 2006

Lloyd,justice has finally been served.I sat in on your trial,when they convicted Mr Craig(it was a great feeling).I walked up to your wife and gave her a big hug,telling her it was going to be ok. GOD BLESS!

SGT R,BUCHHOLZ
SANDOVAL COUNTY SHERIFF NM

April 2, 2006

Lloyd,

I will never forget the day and the heart sinking news of your death. I remember the many times I passed your memorial cross there in the I-40 median, each time remembering you and sending out a prayer for your family, friends, and all our brothers. You will never be forgotten brother.

- Owen Couch (former Gallup, N.M. Police Officer)

Officer Owen Couch
Sauk-Suiattle Police Department

January 14, 2006

Patrolman Lloyd R. Aragon thank you for doing your best to keep New Mexico safe. I do live in New Mexico myself and hope to join the state police myself. I will remember you and all the officers that fell in the department.

Anonamous

December 20, 2005

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.

Today, August 1, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Patrolman Lloyd R. Aragon Sr., who died in the line of duty on this date four years ago.

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

Patrolman Aragon's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

August 1, 2005

I'll never forget the day we spent together, casting stone flies on the Stillwater. The excitement, the happiness, the smile on his face as he pulled each trout out of the river.I know his smile will echo in eternaty. Lloyd is a true Sportsman and Hero. I know he is smiling right now and will forever. We will always remember him I know. Joseph F. Vigil

Joseph F Vigil

March 13, 2004

LLOYD, ITS BEEN ALMOST THREE YEARS, FROM THAT DREADFUL DAY. YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD, AS THOUSANDS SHOWED UP IN GRANTS FROM ALL AROUND THE STATE,TO SAY GOOD BYE. IT WAS A TOUGH DAY FOR ME, I PINNED YOUR BOY WITH A JUNIOR DEPUTY BADGE , AND GAVE HIM A GREAT BIG HUG. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

SGT RON BUCHHOLZ
SANDOVAL CO SHERIFFS OFFICE NM.

March 10, 2004

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper Lloyd Aragon. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Lloyd, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.

James A. Cortina

Director
Connecticut Police Work Dog Association

February 12, 2004

You served with honor, rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Lloyd was not only a fellow officer but a friend. As long as I walk this earth I will never forget him.

Rest In Peace Lloyd

Deputy Darrell Sanchez
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office

PATROLMAN ARAGON, WE JUST RETURNED FROM THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IN WASHINGTON. AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE WE HAD THE HONOR OF BEING SEATED BEHIND YOUR WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW HOW MOVED WE WERE AT BEAUTY OF YOUR FAMILY. IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT YOU HAD A VERY LOVING AND CLOSE KNIT FAMILY. I WAS MOVED TO TEARS THINKING OF YOUR CHILDREN GROWING UP HAVING TO DEAL WITH SUCH A SENSELESS TRAGEDY. BUT I WAS THEN COMFORTED BY THE FACT THAT IT WAS APPARENT THAT YOUR LIVING LEGACY IS SOMETHING THAT NOBODY CAN EVER ERASE, NO MATTER HOW TRAGIC THE TWIST OF FATE. REST WELL BROTHER OFFICER.......YOU HAVE MADE IT HOME. GOD BLESS. TRP. L. JONES NCSHP

Trooper L. Jones
N.C. HIGHWAY PATROL

May god bless the family of Lloyd Aragon, during thier loss.
Also to All the officers in the world who place thier lives on the line to save others. May god look over you!

Dispatcher,Kim
NMHU PD