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

December 11, 2007

KB,

It has been 3 long years since you have passed from this earth and I think of you often. I especially remember the time when I was in a tight spot. You stepped up and helped me "a new guy". You had nothing to gain and lots to lose by doing so. I believe you did it because it was the right thing to do and you led by example. That selfless act has left a lasting impression on me that exists to this day.

I also remember the dinners at Momma Motts and the special talent you possessed in "busting chops" in a hilarious but benign way. It was obvious that your heart was always in the right place.

I was assigned to your spot in the juvenile bureau after your promotion to Sgt. and I inherited your call sign. Again you stepped up with advice for me and sent me on the right path.

The most painful memory is that of being with you on that fateful evening and the numbness that swept over me when we knew you were gone. You have left an indelible mark on the ACPD and all who knew and respected you that will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace until we meet again.

Sgt. Lee Hendricks
Atlantic City PD

September 4, 2007

missing you<3

August 1, 2007

Hi uncle kenny its Megan. I decided to write to you because I miss you very much.I know you'll keep us safe from harm and you're always watching over us.I'm always thinking about you and love you very much!
Love,
Megan

Megan
niece

August 1, 2007

Dad,

This year we didn't make it to the memorial and I felt I had to do something in your honor. I miss you everyday. I wish I could get back the time we lost. I turned 30 on March 9th this year. The next day I lit a candle for you at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Its just so hard on me every year...
I know you're in a better place now. Playing a lovely game of golf on a breezy course and catching plenty of grouper ;oP I just want to be selfish sometimes and have you back. I'm babysitting 2 of your nine, yes NINE grandchildren right now. I swear they act like you!!! Your legacy lives in them and that gives me comfort. I miss you Dad and love you more than words can convey.

Lorrie Brown
Daughter

May 18, 2007

Dear Kenny,
I just returned home from the Cape Atlantic 200 Club Memorial Service and Breakfast, and of course your name was honored of the fallen list. I just want you to know that since our academy days together in 1977, I always had the utmost respect for you as a person and a police officer. It has been just over three years since you said goodbye to your family, friends and co-workers, but the memory of you will live in the hearts of so many for so long. Your unselfish service to others, has earned you a resting place in heaven where I know God is watching over you for eternity.

Mark A.Petti (Retired)
Brigantine Police Department New Jersey

March 18, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

March 10, 2007

Remembering you today and always Sarge. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 10, 2007

May you continue to rest in eternal peace my Brother. You are not forgotten. A hero never is. GOD speed!

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

March 10, 2007

Always thinking about you! Sadly missed but never forgotten. A original "Charlie Platoon Leader" One of the Greatest! I know Kenny is always watching out for us!!

K9-2
Atlantic City

December 9, 2006

Ken -
I just wanted to let you know that you are deeply missed. Things just haven't been the same since you've been gone. We all think about you daily..you were one in a million.

Shell

Michele
Sister-in-law

October 9, 2006

I've come to this site many times but never knew what to write. We became so close working the same detail week after week. I laugh when I think of the times at your house on Halloween. You were one of a kind and I'm glad we got to spend time together. I visit you grave often and wonder why God always seems to take the good ones. Take care of my Mom. Give her a kiss for me..

K9 Officer Joe Rodriguez
ACPD/Friend

June 8, 2006

To Sgt. Kenneth Brown and his loved ones:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Kenneth, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Brown.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Kenneth gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 10, 2004.

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

March 11, 2006

Kenny -

It's been two very long painful years since you were taken from us. We attended a memorial held in your honor by the department then a mass at St. Nick's, but would have given anything to be spending it with you instead. You are forever in all of our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Shell
Sister-in-law

March 10, 2006

Dad,
It's 2 years today since you left and it still seems so unreal. Words cant express how big a void there is in our lives. Your children and your 8 Grandchildren miss you and will continue to honor your memory.

I love you and miss you so very much.


Jenn

Jennifer (Brown) Kraus
Daughter of Sgt. Ken Brown Atlantic City Police Dept. EOW 3/10/2004

March 10, 2006

May Our Lord send your family extra comfort today.May they feel His arms around them.

March 10, 2006

Sergeant Brown..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they remember you as you celebrate 2 yrs. in Heaven..please be with them as this is going to be a difficult time for them..continue to watch & protect them as well as your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

MI State Police recruit
michigan

March 9, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with your family as the second anniversary of your death approaches. Anniversaries are very hard. I am sorry they must walk this painful journey. Thank you for your many years of service to the community.

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

March 6, 2006

Sgt. Brown, I rode in the 2005 Police Unity Tour in your honor. Meeting your wife and Atlantic City PD family was truly an incredible experience. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Godspeed.

Ptl. Robert Stober
Branchburg Twp PD

January 27, 2006

Soon it will be 2 years since you were called away. I know that those that love you have shed enough tears to fill a small pond that they couls sit beside and think of all the good memories they have of you. I wish you could have reached retirement as all of us that have been in law enforcement know what a toll the career takes on an officer. You surely deserved some special time with those you love so much. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. Keep watch over your family.

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

Bob Gordon

January 26, 2006

Merry Christmas KB

December 25, 2005

Dad, I think about and miss you terribly each and every day. Oh how I miss your quick witted banter! I learned from the best. As I prepare to have another child I am saddened that she/he won't get to know you. I will certainly share many warm memories but it just isn't the same. Hailey and Gracie are getting so big. You would just love the sassy little comments that Hailey comes out with. She even mastered the "Brown" look. Some things are just in the blood...LOL. I am comforted knowing that I will see you again one sweet day. Enjoy your perfect golf game in the sky dad. I'll expect that strong warm embrace when we see each other again. All my love, Dawnie

Dawn M. (Brown) Huber

November 30, 2005

I have known you for 37 years, married to you for 15 years. You are sadly missed.You left a lasting impression on a lot of people! Karin

November 25, 2005

Dad,

It's been a year and 8 months since you left and the pain still feels new. I wish more then anything that we had more time.

You are an amazing man and continue to be a true hero. I know in my heart that your granddaughter Makayla would not have made it through without you watching over her. When they told me that there was no medical reason for her being okay and that "someone" must be looking out for her, I knew exactly who that "someone" was.....

All of your children and grandchildren miss you and will continue to honor your memory.

I LOVE AND MISS YOU DAD!!

Your Daughter,
Jenn

Jennifer (Brown) Kraus

November 21, 2005

Ken
It's Hard to understand why the Lord takes
Good people away from us like you
I will always pray for your family
Joanne.P. And Family

October 1, 2005