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 29, 2008

Don,
I think of you often and will always miss seeing you out working in the yard. You and Charity were such a very special couple. God bless you and both your families.

Deleane
Neighbor

January 17, 2008

This will be the 7th Christmas without you. I never dreamed that I would still be here without you......
I think of you every day.
We talk about you and remember the times we had together.
I miss buying you a Christmas present, I miss seeing you, I miss talking with you. I can't believe it has been six years since the incident. It seems just like yesterday.
We love and miss you terribly.

December 24, 2007

Last night we received a call from the Attorney General's office in Nashville telling us the Tennessee Appeals Court upheld the "Murder Conviction".
We are grateful for the decision.
We love and miss you.

November 30, 2007

Miss you and the way you'd laugh, the way you'd smile without meaning too...

September 14, 2007

IN ALL OF OUR HEARTS

Donald Bond was on patrol
Filling in for another
I am certain he was thinking
About his family
His beautiful wife and mother

He had stopped at a fruit stand
Very early one morning
When nine shots rang out in time
He had no chance to turn around
Or to investigate the crime.

And Curtis Penny was on the scene
As the back up officer we know
He was Standing frozen in the night
With Donald Bond below

"I never thought I would hear the words
'Officer Down!' He said,
And suddenly the reality of "the thin blue line"
As a brave young officer lay dead.

And so we gather here today
In God's own home we pray
And curse the day he was taken away
From a family who would bid him stay.

And yet, we find comfort in just being here
Among his family and friends
And in knowing that like God's mercy
True friendship never ends

We dedicate this hallowed ground
As Don looks down from above
In letting him know that in all of our hearts
He will be forever remembered and loved.

Written and delivered by
Judge Bob Moon, September 6, 2007
Christ United Methodist Church

September 9, 2007

Just wanted you to know that you are not forgotten. Rest in peace, Sir!

Police Officer

September 6, 2007

Lorraine:

You and Donald have been in my thoughts and prayers, all day today. I know today is unbearable. I have cried tears of pain with you today as well. I saw the unveiling of the Officer Bond Memorial Highway I am so proud for you. He will never be forgotten and that is all any of us can ask for in the end. I open my heart and send you all my love today and every day.

Debra
Cole's Mom

September 6, 2007

To Don’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with you especially today. I knew Don through the Tri-Com Fire Department. He was a good person and a great friend! As I read through all the reflections it brings tears to my eyes, but clearly he is loved and missed by many people! I wish for you peace and hope you are comforted knowing that you will, one day, see him again in heaven. He will never be forgotten!

Sharon Crandall Hinckley

September 6, 2007

Donald,
Such a beloved and precious son you were and still are. For a brief moment today I could hold your Mom and tell her I love her, I care, and most of all, I understand. You are remembered with such honor, respect, and love by so many.

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/2004

September 6, 2007

Dear Donald,
Some wonder why you had to die. I wonder why you
were willing to die for people you didn't even know. That's what I can't figure out. There is something special inside of you that I have never had inside of me. God bless you for it!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

September 6, 2007

Deputy Bond,

My brother was killed in the line of duty one year after you were. I just wanted to let you and your family know that we will always remember you, especially on this fateful day. In the end, through your ultimate sacrifice, you did what we all want to do - you've made our world a safer and better place. We thank you for your distinguished service.

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

September 5, 2007

Lorraine,
I think of you so very often. Don was for sure
one of the good guys.
Dana

September 5, 2007

Last night, August 9th around 11:30 p.m. my partner and I made a traffic stop at the exact spot where Deputy Bond gave his life in the line of duty. After the vehicle we had stopped was allowed to leave, we sat there in silence for several minutes with our blue lights continuing to shine brightly. You will never be forgotten, brother.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

August 10, 2007

5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS...........

August 6, 2007

I remember when I was a dispatcher, I talked with Donald several times, he was a very fine person.

DW

June 3, 2007

Today we honor those who have given their lives for our freedom on other soil. But today I want to honor you for giving your life here on our soil. You were a proud Sgt. in the Air Force and you served in the first Gulf War and came home and gave your life here.
You are greatly missed and loved.

May 28, 2007

To my friend who I served with as a Reserve Police Officer for Collegedale Police Department. You are on my mind frequently. I you are not forgotten. Our shift rides in memories our fallen brothers and sisters. All who have fallen are not forgotten. We remember the proud service the proud service that you have given to your country, county and citizens that you sworn to protect and serve. I Pray that you are resting easy. God has you in his care. I was very sad to see you go. I pray for your family. It was an honor to serve with you.

Your Friend,

T. Spakosky

Patrolman T. Spakosky
Henry County Police Dept. GA

May 27, 2007

Donald,

I think of you often. You are not forgotten. Rest easy, Sir!

Police Officer

May 13, 2007

Just got to thinking about Don today. We were both volunteer firefighters together and dispatched together. Don was always great to work with. Looking foward to the day when the Lord awakens Don from his rest and takes us all home.

Turk

March 28, 2007

Deputy Sheriff
Donald K. Bond, Jr.
Sgt
Perisan Gulf
March 5, 1966
September 6, 2001
Beloved Husband
and Son
Friend to All

March 5, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN 41 TODAY.
WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU MORE.

March 5, 2007

YOUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING AND I MISS YOU TERRIBLY.
TODAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY, ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT YOU.
I PRAY FOR THAT DAY TO COME SOON.

February 14, 2007

Donald,

I think of you often. You are not forgotten. Rest easy!

Police Officer

January 26, 2007

Lorraine,
Thank you for the thoughtful reflection you left on my son's memorial page. I am very sorry that you must walk this painful journey. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your son was a hero and he will forever be remembered. God bless you.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

January 12, 2007