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 3, 2008

Was James father ever in Viet Nam?

Tim Kirkpatrick
Ohio

November 5, 2007

Jimmy, I will always remember working with you, especially the day we locked up the Moroccan guy for theft of service at the Red Lion Bar. The Irish bartender was on the phone and only saw a well dressed guy in a jacket and collared shirt as he served him three rounds and then asked him for the money. He never saw that he didn't have any shoes, and was a little unbalanced. It was pretty comical and you had a few laughs, but always a smile while treating the prisoner kindly. It saddens me that I lost so many people I worked with on the same day, you, Moira, Bobby Fazzio. I hope god has you at his side, looking after your family and giving you his blessings.

Sergeant James Heffernan
N.Y.P.D.

November 3, 2007

"A Hero Lives Forever" God bless you and your family and all the others hero's taken on 9/11. You will not be forgotten.

Ptlm. William J. Leahy
Warwick Township, PA

November 2, 2007

Mr.Leahy
Just thinking about you, and wanted to let you know you are admired by so many people. You will never be forgotten, and your in my prayers everynight. You are the true definition of a hero.
<3*22

October 4, 2007

Thank you, Ofc. James Leahy, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Ofc. Leahy.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

Thank you for your sacrifice and all the lives you saved that day. It takes a brave officer to go into a burning building. Rest in peace.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 11, 2007

Another unhappy anniversary is coming up. Somedays it feels like just yesterday you were taking from us. You are always in our hearts. I love you my brother, my hero. Keep watching over us all.

Danielle Vella
sister

September 4, 2007

Jimmy:
Just wanted to let you know that this year I am ridding my bike 300 miles from Ground Zero to DC with the Police Unity Tour for Police Memorial Week in your memory. Just had the first training ride of 55 miles, and boy did it kick my ass. I remember working out in the gym with you when I was a Cadet at the 6th, along time ago, I think I need to get back to that gym....

PO A. Maas
NYPD 26 Pct

April 14, 2007

Hi James, I just wanted to say Happy New Year. We miss you so much. You are always in our hearts and in our thoughts everyday. Please keep watching over us. I Love You.

Danielle Vella
Sister

December 31, 2006

HI,UNCLE JIMMY IT'S HARD NOT HAVING A GODFATHER AND NOT HAVING YOU IN THE FAMILY.WE LOVE YOU GOOD-BYE.

MICHAEL VELLA
GODSON/NEPHEW

December 9, 2006

HI UNCLE JIMMY WE ALL MISS YOU AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW BUT THE STEELERS WON THE SUPER BOWL,BUT THEY AREN'T DOING SO GOOD THIS SEASON AND WITH 4 GAMES LEFT TO GO BUT WE CAN MAKE THE WILD CARD,AND NOW I GOT THE NEW MADDEN 2007 GAME,AND ALSO I WON THE SUPER BOWL WITH THE STEELERS
WE ALL LOVE YOU,GOOD-BYE.

ANTHONY VELLA
NEPHEW

December 9, 2006

Dear Jimmy:
America has had Nathan Hale, Teddy Roosevelt, Audie Murphy, and now more recently, James Leahy. Those men that preceded you, were all a hero...and so are you. Each and every one of you are a hero, not only to me, or to the NYPD, or to Americans in general, but to freedom loving people everywhere. Because that is what a hero does...gives all he has, for the benefit of others.
This reflection is written to you with enormous gratitude and respect, and to keep my promise that every police officer who gave their lives that horrible day, will receive a reflection from me. It is the least I can do to honor you and all the rest.
Jimmy, since 11 September 2001, I keep a small marked patrol car of the NYPD on my desk. It's there to remind me everyday of the sacrifice made for all of us, by you and all the rest. It's there to keep me motivated to emulate you and do this job in your memory, with the same tenacity and dedication your displayed to the whole world.
When the cry of the wolf was at the door, you answered it. Though it cost you everything, many more of our countrymen were spared, and the animals who designed that attack were not able to kill as many innocent people as they would have liked to.
Thank you, Jimmy, for helping to raise the bar of what a police officer is all about. I feel more pride now, after 27 years of wearing a badge, than I ever have. God Bless you, your family, police officers everywhere, and God Bless America. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

December 4, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer James Leahy and his fellow officers with the New York City Police Department and most especially to James:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service James gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 29, 2006

a hero lives forever.....

September 12, 2006

Thank you

September 11, 2006

Jimmy may God Bless you and your family and friends on this, the 5th anniversary of your passing.

Dr. R. L.
Friend of a friend.

September 11, 2006

To the Leahy Family,

Incredibly, its already been 5 years since the most horrific event I've ever experienced in my lifetime. The devastating images and memories of that day have not diminished with time and my heart is with you today as we once again remember and honor those who were lost.

I still cannot imagine how incredibly difficult and devastating it was for all of you when you lost Jimmy. Your strength and courage to continue on is admirable. I had never met James and I am so sorry for that. After reading all the heartfelt reflections and memories of him, hearing what a wonderful person he was, I regret that, as cousins, our families paths never crossed and allowed us to meet.

On behalf of the Darby family in California, I offer the Leahy family and James' friends, our thoughts, prayers and support as we all remember James on this day. And to James, thank you for the wonderful person and positive role model that you were to everyone and for coming to the aid of those in need on that day, you will never be forgotten.

Julie Darby, daughter of Ray and Lee Darby (daughter of John and Mary Fuschi)

Julie Darby
Cousin

September 11, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

July 17, 2006

Officer Leahy, the events of that day were as much a shock to me as to anyone and everyone with even one iota of feeling was emotionally punched hard that day. The families of the all of the victims of course most especially felt that. Those of us who didn't lose someone that day cannot fathom the pain, we can only imagine.

When the roll call was read of the Police and Fire victims, needless to say, seeing Police Officer James Leahy kind of brought it home for me. I didn't know you; I had never met you but sharing a name and rank with someone in your situation made me more reflective. I hadn't left a Reflection until now, but you have and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, as will your family. You are a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 13, 2006

DEAR JAMES, ON 6/26/06 I KNOW THAT YOU WERE WITH OUR FAMILY AT ARTIE'S POLICE GRADUATION. WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE TOO. KEEP WATCHING OVER US EVERYDAY. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

LOVE YOUR BABY SISTER
DANIELLE

SISTER

July 9, 2006

On September 11th, 2001, an number of men and women amazed the world with their phenomenal acts of bravery. When other ran away, they charged forward. When others reached out for safety, they offered a helping hand. When others cried out, they responded with a soothing voice. And, tragically, many of them died...but in doing so taught us all how to live.
With their sacrifice they redefined the word “HEROES”

Sergeant
Norfolk Police Dept.

July 9, 2006

REST IN PEACE BROTHR AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID ON THIS TRADGIC DAY

ROBERT THORNTON
EX-POLICE OFFICER AT GROUNG ZERO

September 11, 2005