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 15, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will always be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

October 16, 2007

Corporal Beverly,
Today is the sixth anniversary since you were called home. We thank you for the outstanding job you did in keeping our streets safe, and for making the world a better place. You will always be revered as a hero.

Lehigh County, PA

October 16, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

October 16, 2007

Thank you all for your reflections. My father was my superhero he always talked about going out in his "batsuit" when he was getting ready for work.It's very moving to see what he meant to all of you as well. The law enforcement family has been very supportive of my family and I'm glad to know that my dad will never be forgotten.

We love you dad.

Alyssia
daughter

August 10, 2007

Bev,
Not a day goes by that I don't thank you for teaching me as a young cop, how to " do anything, even if it's wrong." The same slogan I taught my young soldiers in the mean streets of Baghadad. I learned how to fight the good fight, by watching you, working for you, and knowing you. You were my boss, trainer, but most importantly, my friend.
You left us in my sector, on my shift, while I was away at an Army school. The guilt has never left me. But we are all better people, for having known you.
God bless your family, and your friends, but most of all, God bless you friend, for helping straighten this confused kid out. I miss you, and will see you soon.

PFC Robert Waples II
CCSO, Maryland

PFC Robert Waples II
Charles County Sheriff's Office (Pres) Chester City (98-02)

August 7, 2007

Mike,

I can still remember meeting you years ago when I was in the TWP. You always struck me as a guy who took the job seriously and always wanted to lend a hand. You enjoyed the job, even when it wasn't real enjoyable. The day you left will be forever in my mind and you WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!! Rest in peace brother...watch over us down here.

Sgt. Michael Montgomery
Nether Providence Twp. PD P.A.

July 7, 2007

Cpl Beverly, you are a true hero and a hero never dies. Your departure from us was tragic and untimely but your dedication, courage and bravery is a celebration as to the kind of officer you were. Thank you always sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 8, 2006

May you have sweet sleep with Our Lord and may He bless your family.

October 16, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 11, 2006

mike just letting you know we are still thinking of you.
the people you touched will always remember you. thanks for keep an eye one me and be my guardian angel along with god.

patrolman
chester police

June 8, 2006

god bless every one who has been killed ever

Greg-Citizen

February 8, 2006

To the family and friends of Corporal Beverly and his fellow officers with the Chester Police Department, and most especially to Corporal Michael Beverly:

Today it has been four years and one day since your brutal murder. Corporal Beverly, your valor and dedication are not forgotten.

I hope that your family is still embraced by the care and comfort of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Corporal Beverly gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 16, 2001.

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

October 17, 2005

On this, the fourth anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
Know that we continue in your memory.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 16, 2005

Godspeed Corporal Beverly


The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"


Author Unknown

Donna
Philadelphia citizen

October 16, 2005

MICKIE,YOU ARE STILL IN MY HEART AND YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE COMFORTED KNOWING THAT YOU LOVED THEM.
REMEMBER THE FUN AND CRAZY TIMES WE HAD OVER THE YEARS AND KNOW THAT THOSE MEMORIES FAR OUTWEIGH ANY PAIN FROM THE PAST.
LOVE YA!!

July 4, 2005

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. God bless you, your family, friends, and co-workers.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

March 16, 2005

I've lost many of my own, but Cpl. Beverly, you are indeed a hero. Save a place for us that may come. Your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement hail you as a hero. We keep you in mind, as our time comes near, and hope that you will keep us in mind as well. God Bless your faithful family on Earth, and bring comfort to them.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

September 8, 2004

Rest in peace brother, We will pray for you and your family.

SGT (RET)
NJ DOC SOG K9 UNIT

January 3, 2004

I was in DC for Police Week 2002 and met Officer Beverlys wife at the hotel check out. We shared a little of our story with each other. Both our husbands shot to death~ both of us have children. Mrs. Beverly has 5 ~ I have 2 sons both adults. I was blessed to have my special husband to raise our sons who were 19 and 22 when he was shot and killed.
I won't forget meeting her and the kindness she had for me for my loss at the same time my understanding of what she is dealing with and will always carry with her.

God Bless you and your family, and to Officer Beverly I know you are proud of your wonderful family. Watch over them always.

Janice Starnes PROUD WIFE of
SGT. DAN R. STARNES
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
July 10, 2001

Survivor
Morgan County Sheriff, Indiana

mike I am missing you always you were someone I could go to with a problem and you always seemed like you had the right answer .If you did know it you would try best to get for me . You will always be in my heart and soul I miss talking to you .

patrolman
city of chester

Thank you for your time here on earth you will not be forgotten. I will never forget our friendship

Rest in Peace Bev.

Thomas Sanitate
Lenni Heights Fire Department, PA

Cpl. Beverly,

I could not be at your funeral to escort you and your family, but it would have been an Honor...so great, that little else in a man's life could compare. May God never cease to comfort your family.

Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.

Keep it safe until we get there brother. Watch over all the officers on the job.

Lt. John F. Gallagher
Springfield Del. Co. Police Dept.

Dear Bev,
I hope your in peace my friend giving your life for the meek and frail protecting the dark hard streets of the city . Thanks Bev you are a hero no matter where you are here or in heaven. God Bless Michael Beverly and his family please take care of your brothers in blue. they need out bev its gettin worse but I know your watching over your friends
and the people of the city of chester.
Signed Joseph J Mcintire
long time chester resident

JOSEPH MCINTIRE
CHESTER RESIDENT