Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 13, 2008

I miss you my brother. I think about you all the time and talk to Bob weekly. Shelly and I will see you in May at the wall in DC.

Retired Deputy G.A. Scott
Riverside Sheriff

January 16, 2008

"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 5, 2007

having known Bruce for several years was a great thrill for me, He was kind, personable, loving and caring family man and true too his job.Having been a police officer my self I can say he was one of the best officers I had ever known. Bruce was loved by all who knew him. He will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and memories. Bruce we love you. May you be at peace and your loved be protected by God all mighty and keep us protected as you watch over us from the heavens above. You are missed my brother. You are a true HERO..........Saint Michael watch over our brothers who protect us from all evil and allow our fallen brothers and sisters too rest in holy peace and protect us all with the power of peace.

Charles Farley
Friend

July 28, 2007

Well another year has gone by. Bruce you are truly not forgotten. I just had a conversation with a couple of Co-Workers the other day and your name was brought up. My Co-workers were saying that not only were you a great Deputy but, that you were a great man and always smiling. God I wish i could have met you. I still think about you often and keep your family in my prayers.

Rest in peace Bruce

Kathy Baltierra

Kathy Baltierra
Riverside County Sheriffs Dept. Dispatch

May 22, 2007

Last night I watched the news. Thankful to know that Deputy March's killer will be brought to justice. Saddened to know another good man's life taken. It brought back all kinds of memories, and that included you and your family. My husband wears the same uniform as you did. Every night I kiss him and tell him how very much I love him. Pray for him. I wonder why? Why, is it that people do not see what you all do. How you are the first they call when they need help. All respond without any thought of who, are where they come from, just know that you are needed. And yet people are so quick to judge any thing that might seem to think is wrong in the way you handle things. If they only knew what unselfish men you are. What good men you are, how you believe in the oath you took. I know my husband is one. It can be very difficult to be married to men like you and my husband.I am so thankful to have men like you and my husband to protect and serve. I justed wanted to express how you will never be forgotten.

Wife a Riverside Deputy

January 12, 2007

It amazes me that its been 3yrs since you were taken from us..I remember like it was yesterday hearing in briefing that you had been killed..I had only been here 1 year..I remebering fellow dispatchers talking about what a great guy you were and seeing the tears in my co-workers eyes..I can tell you it broke my heart..You will always be thought of and remembered..I always keep your family in my prayers..

rest in peace Bruce

K.Baltierra
Riverside County sheriffs Department dispatch..

k.baltierra
riverside sheriffs dept dispatch

May 18, 2006

I miss you Bruce! Nearly three years later, and it is still just as painful to realize that #1088 will never go 10-8 again. We had such fun together and I just wish we could have spent more time together. You are my brother and I will love you forever.

Anyone who never knew Bruce; the picture of him in this web-site says it all. He was always smiling. He was and always will be one of the best cops who ever wore the uniform.

Deputy Damen Butvidas #2437
Riverside County Sheriff's Department - Indio Station

Deputy Damen Butvidas
Friend

April 30, 2006

Deputy Lee, I didnt know you but your good friend Army still talks about you to this day. After your death your loving wife gave our explorer post some of your old uniforms. I am HONORED to say that I wear your uniform.All I can say is that you made the ultimate sacrafice but you Sir will never be forgotten. I am proud to put your uniform on every event, ride along, and explorer meeting. When I am a deputy I will wear my uniform proud I know Deputies and Officers like yourself made the ultimate sacrafice and when I put on that uniform I will respect that. God Bless You Deputy Lee!

Explorer Nicholas Lopez
Riverside County Sheriffs Dept.

November 9, 2005

The reflections for this fine man and deputy speak volumes about his life. I am so sorry he had to die such a violent death. I know that his family still grieves and still suffers today from this loss. May God continue to grant you the grace you need for each day. Deputy Lee I salute you and your life.

NC Police Sergeant

September 2, 2005

I had the pleasure and honor as having Bruce as my beat partner, teacher, and most of all friend. He was the preverbial wingman, always there when you needed him, on-duty and off-duty. Bruce always put everyone elses needs infront of his own. Bruce had the talent of lifting everyones spirits around him, and making them feel at ease. A smile that was second to none.
Bruce, you will be greatley missed, but never, never forgotten. Thank you for everything that you gave to make everyones elses life better!
You sir are a HERO!!!

With love and respect,

Luis "Tito" Bolanos and family

Sr. D.A. Inv. Luis Bolanos
Riverside County District Attorney / EX. Riveside County Sheriffs Dep

April 5, 2005

Although I didn't know you as well as others on the department, I will never forget the traffic collisions you assisted me on in Indian Wells. I will never forget that smile you have that would brightened up anyone's day. God bless you 2LA49 until we meet again.

CSO David Krueger #N3605
Riverside County Sheriff's Department - Palm Desert

February 26, 2005

Bruce....

We were Sam 21 and Sam 22 so many days and nights, so many radio calls...

You were my brother and beat partner for several of the best years of my life....we watched over each other, you were welcome in my home and family...and I in yours...

We rolled backup for each other on many a call...I trusted you with my life, and I would have given mine for yours.

Though I've been away, and just now found out, I am shattered. Once a partner, always a partner, in or out of uniform.

I miss and love you my brother.

Jess
2Sam22

former Deputy Jesse Scott #1484
Past Riverside County Sheriff's Dept

December 21, 2004

Bruce and I attended the 81st Basic Sheriff's Academy in 1980. He was the type of person you liked from the moment you saw his smile. "He was, as his picture shall always refelect". Bruce was a kind, caring friend, co-worker and classmate. I am a better person for having known him. Sleep well untill we met again., "Mikey"

Deputy Sheriff (ret.) Mike Pahls
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

December 3, 2004

Deputy Bruce Lee, You served our community and kept our street safe. You were one of the best traffic deputy's to put on the uniform every morning. You will be sorely missed. God Bless 2LA49!

Explorer Eric English
Riverside County Sheriffs Indio Station

September 10, 2004

I did not know Deputy Lee, but it was with great honor, that I rode as a member of the Police Unity Tour in his memory. I just wanted to let you know that you will never be forgoten.

MPO Chris Fox
Virginia Beach Police Dept--K9 Corp

May 19, 2004

Bruce, it was a year ago today that you were taken from us. I honor you so. Respectfully, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Special Agent (Retired)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

May 13, 2004

We had some great times out there, and we did some good. You can now watch out for us.

Anonymous RSO

May 11, 2004

Thank you Deputy Lee for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.

Renny Kassel
California Citizen

January 26, 2004

Bruce,

There is not a day that goes by when I report for work every morning at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and I see your name listed on the memorial wall for fallen Deputies.
I pray that your name is the last to be listed on that wall.

As I walk upstairs to my office, I always remembered your smile. I remember the times when you attended my classes in Indio and at the training center. Pam, my training partner and I were very happy to see you and your smile when you trained with us. When we heard of the news that you left us on that day, Pam cried in front of the class and I was sad and speechless. It was difficult for us to finish the class on that day.

You were such a good person and we miss you. We were also proud of you. You were the best student in our class. You are with God now smiling down on us. I know some day we will meet again. We will always remember you my friend.

Corporal Joe Salazar
Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.

January 16, 2004

Rest in peace Deputy Lee. Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

November 2, 2003

May the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Lee find comfort and peace during their time of grieving. Our thoughts are with them. Deputy Lee will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
Honolulu Police Dept.

I graduated with Bruce in 1980, from the Riverside County Sheriff's Academy. The 81st Basic Academy class, we were a tight knit group representing several agencies throughout southern California. Bruce became a good friend during this early period of time in our careers and he often came by my home when off-duty, both of us intent on exchanging the "real crime" stories all rookies love to share. It seems like just yesterday, Bruce. As a testament, nearly half the original graduating class showed up for Bruce's memorial services.
May we not forget Bruce's parents as well as his wife. Bruce's parents gave all, as this was their only son. All prayer warriors keep them in your prayers.

Sergeant Sam Knight
California Highway Patrol

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Lee and his family. I did not him personally, however, it still hurts to loose a fellow law enforcement officer. He made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten for that.

Officer Matthew Drew
Desert Hot Springs Police

Bruce always had a big smile and a way to make you laugh if things weren't going so great for you that day.

Bruce would always help you when you asked him too and never asked for anything in return.

He was everyone's friend and a truly decent man, I will alway's miss him and his smile. Rest in Peace Bruce, I will never forget you.

Deputy Michael hernandez
Riverside Sheriffs Dept.