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

February 18, 2008

Thinking of you as we near the anniversary of your accident. Your family is beautiful and Liz is a true friend, when you need her she's there to help. My girls see Kevin at school, he is so handsome. You are missed, please watch over us and keep us safe until we meet in heaven.

Jennifer Orsborne

Jennifer Orsborne
Surviving Wife of Police Officer Mark Filer

September 11, 2007

Captain,
God has called another one of us home to heaven. I'm sure you were there to welcome Luke with open arms.
Rest in Peace Sir.

April 29, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

April 28, 2007

Joe, thinking of you and your family on this holiday season. Your family misses you so much! You'd be so proud of each of them, and especially proud right now of Lauren, graduating from your Alma Mater. I know Liz is bursting with pride! We'll celebrate her accomplishment with your family in January, and am so grateful to be a part of their lives, regardless of the way Liz and I became such good friends. I only wish I could have known you in life here on this Earth. Merry Christmas in Heaven, Joe.


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City NJ Police Department AND
Proud Wife of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

December 24, 2006

We remember... we will always remember

Montgomery County Citizen

September 13, 2006

Joe, thinking of you and your entire family today. This time of year is hard. You are missed and ALWAYS remembered.

I am so grateful to have Liz in my life. You'd be so proud of her strength. I only wish we didn't have to meet under the circumstances that we did. I hope you and Mickey have met in Heaven and have become good friends like Liz and I. Keep a watch over everyone, and know that I am here for your family.

God Bless,
Stacy

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane
EOW 8/26/92, Sea Isle City, NJ Police
and
Wife of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

September 13, 2006

It has been 3 years since you were called away and I know your loved ones miss you today as much as they did the first day of their loss. I'm sure they speak of you everyday and that your are in their thoughts almost every hour of every day. You will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen. Keep watch over your family. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 13, 2006

Rest in peace Cpt. Mattingly. We still remember you and your family.
Thank you for being a hero!

August 22, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

August 19, 2006

Thinking of you and your family during the holiday season. Watch over us.

Police Officer

December 10, 2005

Today is a big day for Liz and the MD COPS organization. No matter what the outcome may be Liz, you will always be a winner in my heart.

Love and hugs,
Jenn

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

December 7, 2005

Captain,
As I start my second year witt this department, it is officers like you that make me proud to wear the montgomery county police uniform!
Thanks for a job well done. Its time to rest brother, the watch is now ours...

police Officer
montgomery County Police, Maryland

October 9, 2005

Thinking of you, Joe, as well as Liz and your entire family on the 2nd anniversary of your death today. May you rest in peace and continue to watch over your family, friends and co-workers always.


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department
EOW 08/26/1992

September 13, 2005

Joe: From our days at St. John's College High School to the day of your funeral, nearly 2 years ago, it was always a pleasure to know you. By your strength of character, devotion to family, friends and community, you left a lasting impression on all that truly knew you. I'm fortunate to experienced Joe Mattingly, and will keep Joe in my thoughts and prayers. Well done Joe!

CDR Jim McDonough, USN (Ret)
U.S. Navy Retired, Rockville, MD

July 21, 2005

Captain, as your family prepares for their second National Police Week, I can't help but think how sad it is that I met your wonderful wife because of your death. I wish we would have met under other circumstances, but just know that I will always be "just down the street" to help Liz and your entire family.

I am so very grateful for Liz's friendship. She is a strong woman who you can be very proud of (and I'm sure you are!). Our paths have crossed for such a sad reason, yet it is comforting to know we can lean on each other. We always manage to laugh when we talk or get together, and for that I am forever grateful! We even joke about you pulling over "that rookie-early-hire" back in 2001...how ironic that whole thing is! We both know these things are not just coincidences! Keep sending us signs, along with Mick. Know your memories will forever live on with us.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department

May 12, 2005

Thank you!

February 12, 2005

Joe,

...just thinking about you and your family. This time of year is tough. Please continue to watch over us. We miss you.

Anonymous
Montgomery County MD Police

January 2, 2005

In honor of our brother. Matt (as we called him) was and will always be, our big brother, little brother, playmate, roommate, protector, confidant, supporter, mentor, patriarch, friend … With his death in September of last year we were reminded of what we have always known. Matt was an amazing and special man…probably what led him into the world of Law Enforcement. He had a vision in which he wanted to help people and make the world a better and safer place. His police career lead him to helping so many. His colleagues (and even those he had encountered violating the law) shared with us their experience that he was a fair-minded, just, determined, and honorable man. We feel so blessed to have grown up together and shared his life! While the pain of his absence seems at times unbearable, our pride in him and the joy of our memories will last forever! He continues to be an example for us all....With love, from his sisters and brothers.

September 10, 2004

Captain Mattingly,

You will be greatly missed. It is officers like you who make me look forward to walking the beat as soon as I am able to do so. Keep watch over our brothers who continue to follow in the footsteps of you and every other great officer.

Anonymous

January 8, 2004

Gone, but still not forgotten! December 21, 2003

Merry Christmas Captain Mattingly!

Hope you aren't running too many calls up in heaven. Keep watching over us, we miss you!

Deputy Sheriff
Montgomery County, MD.

December 21, 2003

I met Joe back in 1988, when I was a young Police Explorer in Post 1986 (@ the MCPD training academy). He came to give a class to our post. All I can remember about Joe is that he was yet another larger-than-life cop that I looked up to... one in a long line of squared-away, 10-8 cops from that department that shaped my image of what a "real" cop ought to look like, act like, and work like. Rest in peace Captain Mattingly.

Michael Willever, Special Agent
U.S. Immigration/Customs Enforcement, San Diego

November 14, 2003

Joe,

We think of you often and miss seeing you. Please watch over us.

MCP 11/09/03

Anonymous
Montgomery County Police

November 9, 2003

Joe,
I love you. I love you. I love you. I will love you and honor you always. Liz

November 4, 2003

Gone but not forgotten.
Thank you for being a hero to so many.
God Speed Brother.

Police Officer
Montgomery County, MD

November 3, 2003