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

November 13, 2007

Gary,

Nikki did such a great job creating your marker. I was driving by the cemetery on my way to a doctor's appointment and something told me to turn in. I went to visit and saw the marker. It is perfect! Just wanted to say that I miss you and always thinking of you.

Melissa
Friend

October 12, 2007

Gary,
Just wanted you to know that your missed today and always. Another brother was killed today. Show him the ropes up there like you did me once upon a time. Thanks for everything. We miss you!

Sgt. Stroven
Newaygo Police Department

July 9, 2007

think about that night often gary. its been 3 years, and i can replay that night as if it were yesterday. thanks or watching over us the last 3 years.

aj

Officer Sparks
co-worker

May 22, 2007

Not a day goes by where I do not think of you. We still miss you so much. I cannot believe that it has been 3 years. I went to visit you the other day. I cannot wait to see what Nikki has done for you. Please keep protecting us. We love you!

Melissa
Friend

May 18, 2007

Gary,

I never got to meet you, You were takin before I had that honor.
I here and read allot about you on the MOPAR web board, Sounds like I missed out on making a good friend.
I still have the magazine your car was in, I got it just cause at the time I had a Challenger too and I liked the way yours looked.

You left us physically, But never left the hearts of the people you touched.

God Bless you Gary.

Unknown
MOPARTS.COM

May 14, 2007

Gary,

Just wanted all to know,You are not forgotten. Sad day still on this date 3 years ago. Still think of you daily.

Chuck W.

Friend

May 13, 2007

Gary, I am getting married this weekend. It just does not seem right without you there. I remember you and Nicki on your wedding day. I have the picture of you, Mark and I at Mark's wedding on my shelf. I was so looking forward to having you stand up with me. You would so much like Jennifer. One of the first things we talked about was you. She loves your car and the dogs. Nicki was talking about driving it the other day. I think of you often and know you are up there protecting us still. Try to keep the rain away on saturday for me. Love, Andrew

Andrew Hickson
brother in law

May 3, 2007

Hey coop, Just thinking about you. Thanks for keeping us all safe. I can't believe its been nearly three years. Your still thought about everyday.

P.O CO-WORKER
BLOOMFIELD TWP

April 17, 2007

I still think of you all the time Gary. I miss you so much.

Love,
Eve

Friend

April 5, 2007

You are not forgotten Officer Davis.
Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer
MCPD, Maryland

March 7, 2007

Hey Gary,

It has been a long time. I miss you and not a day goes by that I do not think of you. Saw Nikki the other day. She looks terrific! I am sure that you have something to do with that. We talked about you and shared memories. You touched so many people's lives; more than you will ever know. love you always
Melissa

Mel
friend

March 5, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS COOP.

P.O
BLTP CO-WORKER

December 24, 2006

Hey Gary,
I wanted to Thank you for keeping an eye on Bryce and taking care of him. He came a little early and I am sure there was a reason why. I just wish that you could be here to watch him grow. I know that you will continue to be his guardian angel. I love you and miss you so much.

Melissa
Friend Forever

July 27, 2006

I didn't know you, Gary, but after reading all about you on Moparts.com I missed out. I'd see your photo and story while looking through this site and I never knew anything about you until now. Rest in peace and know that you're never forgotten. Heroes live forever.

D/S I. Hunt
WakkoGN - Moparts

July 24, 2006

Hey Coop,
Softball hasn't been the same without you next to me in the outfield. We have had a couple of Memorial Tournaments in your name the last couple of years. It gets bigger and better each year. Wish you were here to see it. RIP 180

FF MB
BTFD

July 21, 2006

The news of your killer's lawsuit made it to the news here in Nashville. Watching his criminal trial on Court TV was hard enough. I know that God will make sure that, in the end, the scumbag gets what he deserves.

Michele (Abromaitis) Hood
Friend

July 21, 2006

Gary was a close friend of my brother, Paul. They met as students at Lawrence Tech in Southfield and remained tight until Gary died. We all thought the world of him. I remember his smile and his great sense of humor! Gary was killed a few days before my wedding, and he was definately on my mind the whole weekend. My father's funeral card was found tucked in the brim of Gary's officer cap at the accident. My dad thought so much of Gary, and this really hit home to my family. What a wonderful young man he was - we were better people by knowing him!

Michele (Abromaitis) Hood
Friend

July 21, 2006

I still remember.

I miss you Gary. I miss you a lot. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. This past month of May you were on my mind so greatly.

Nikki, I still cry for you and hope that you are doing well. Hug the dogs for me.

People used to tell me to move on but when something this senseless happens and a bright soul is taken off this planet..... it's not that easy is it?

Gary, keep watching out for me. I sometimes feel that the only reason I'm still around is because you are telling God to help me.

Never will say goodbye; I'll say see you soon.

xoxox,
Dart Girl.

Friend

June 4, 2006

Gary, you talked me into buying my 8yo boy a mini-bike. Every time he rides it he,s grinning ear to ear. Gary you helped put that smile on his face. I,ll never forget. Earlybee, Bob Price

Bob Price
earlybee/moparts

May 14, 2006

We went to see you today. All the emotions and feelings that were felt two years ago, suddenly came back. We miss you and love you Gary. Always know that we will never forget you and the ultimate sacrifce that you made.

Melissa and Dick Clark
Friend Forever

May 13, 2006

The punishment did not fit the crime but I know Our Lord will see that His justice will prevail.May you Rest in peace and may Our Lord comfort your family.

May 13, 2006

Wanted to stop and say that you have not been forgotten and that you are a true hero. The individual that caused all the broken hearts got off with a slap on the hand. Our judges in this country should know the shattered lives that have been left behind because of these drunk drivers who kill our loved ones, especially police officers in marked squad cars. Keep watch over your loved ones and close friends. You will never be forgotten. I still remeber your name being called out in Washington, DC in 2005 when I was there to honor my son.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

May 12, 2006

Its getting close to two years since the accident. Its Still unbelievable. We think about you everyday and we know that you are watching over us while we patrol our beats. You will never be forgotten!!!!

Co-worker

April 28, 2006

You will never be forgotten by your brothers in BLUE!! R I P your watch is over we will take it from here. Your brothers in Michigan!!!

Ofc. J. Dixon
Brownstown Police Dept., MI

April 25, 2006