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 6, 2007

Well the holidays are here and i know you are to.All these good times and we can only see you as an angel watching over us.I think i have made my decision to go through school,get my AA and when im 20 start the process for the CHP.Ya the sheriff would be cool but i would like to be able to move all over california.I know your here with me uncle dave and i hope you stay beside me throughout the whole process.You are my inspiration and i know when im in the academy and i think about quitting,you will be there to pick me up and push me to the end.And on my Graduation ceremony i hope to see you in the back of the room sayin "thats my toad." I love you uncle dave

Expl. Cody Grant
Fresno Co.Sheriff Explorer, nephew

November 28, 2007

Your favorite holiday has come and gone... The family got together and made your favorite Portuguese Dressing...It came out great. I got to do your job this year and grind all the ingredients up. I could hear you laughing and seeing you smile in my head when Whitney and I mixed it all together. Bittersweet....
Our family will never be the same, we all enjoy our time together and we all stick together, unlike the majority of the family...but you and mom raised us differently. But.. it's just not the same anymore. Every decision any of us make, we base it on you and what you would do. Which is a good thing.... but it's torture too...
I miss you Dad... Mom, Rory, Justin and I were watching home videos from long ago and when we could hear your voice or see you on the screen, we all smiled. Such a huge part of our lives.... We are all trying to carry on your great legacy.
I had a dream about you the other night... Walking through the room smile and saying hello to everyone. Then walking straight to me. I woke up feeling refreshed and happy.
I'm so thankful for my dreams of you. I love you Dad and I miss you so....... Pooher

Jennifer Patricia Grant
Daughter of Deputy Grant

November 23, 2007

The Portuguese dressing is done-a combined effort for the kids & I. This is the 4th year we have made it without you-and it's still not ok. It never will be ok. As I stand at the stove cooking the dressing-I think of you-of us-cooking side by side-talking and laughing & eating the dressing as it came out of the pans-You brought this tradition into my life & I thank you for it-
I am not one for Pity Parties-this is not one-I truely miss you with all my heart-
Happy Thanksgiving Dave

I Love You
Rich

November 22, 2007

I'm sure you were there to greet Nugget. It brings me peace to know that he is there with you along with Zak, Reno, Chance & Sethers.
As for JK-I think of the two of you together talking about rodeo days and your days on the street. Laughing together as you always did-
I Love You Dave
Rich

October 15, 2007

Hi Dad....
Just thought if I wrote you a message and pretended you were still here with me...I might feel a little better. I got my county ambulance license on what would have been your 50th birthday...license # 053104....May 31, 2004, the day I will never forget as long as I live...I guess the adrenaline runs through the family...Grandpa with the Forest Service, You and the Sheriffs Dept., Justin with helicopters and fire....and me, your Poozer Woozer with Ambulance. God I wish you were here to let me know that everything will be okay.... I love you Dad! Pooher

Jennifer Patricia Grant
Daughter of Deputy Grant

September 19, 2007

Wowzers uncle dave,i miss you so much,i was up a few weeks ago for the sign unvailing thing,it was really really hard. Before going to the posse grounds and seeing the family i went to the cemetary and saw my daddys headstone along with every one elses,I have not been there since i was 7 Yrs old. i fell to my knees and started crying and i just couldnt handle it anymore,But at that moment i got a strong feeling something helped me,all of you were there for me,i wiped away the tears and picked myself up,i knew none of you guys would want me to cry,i know you want me to be strong and everyday i fight it, everyday i think of the GRANT family and i know im proud to be a part of it.I want you to tell every one i said hi and i love you all,Eventually i will see you again.Love Always,Cody James Grant.

Mr. Cody James Grant
Fresno S.O Explorer,Nephew

September 10, 2007

On this day which would of been your 50th Birthday-
I love you & I miss you Sweetheart-
Rich

September 6, 2007

It's been a long time since I stopped by to see you, Dad.

So much has happened, I'm sure you know... I miss you so very much and so wish I had you here to help guide me as you always did... Even when we didn't listen, you were always there, no questions asked, to help us pick ourselves up again.

Much Love to you, Richie, Rory, Justin, Jenn, and Whit and you're all in my thought and prays often,

*Muah!*

Leafies

Leafies
Jennifer Grant's Friend

August 29, 2007

To the Grant family,
You may not remember me. I worked with Dr.Baker in Sonora for many years as his Dental Assistant. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Dave. He was a wonderful man who loved his family, his country and his job. My heart and prayers go out to you even at this late date. I would have written sooner if I had known but we moved to Montana 5 years ago. I will miss his laugh and the joke he always seemed to have. He was a true hero as far as I am concerened. I always felt safe in Sonora knowing that Dave was working.
Again, my prayers are with your family and please forgive me for not sending my condolences sooner.
Salinas Callison (Brenten)

Citizen - Salinas Callison
Family Friend

August 20, 2007

The signs are up-dedicated to you-I don't know what to think-it still seems so unreal.
I am in hopes that as people drive by they will remember all you stood for-the giving,loving person you were. Perhaps the signs will remind people to be good to each other and to always help others as you did.
You will live in my heart forever
Until I see you again
I Love You
Rich

August 17, 2007

I wanted to thank you for helping keep the County Safe while you were serving. It is hard for a Coumminty as small as ours when we lose anyone, but when we lose a person that is there to help keep us safe it is makes your heart lose a peice. Thank You for all that you did.

Sarah Johann Army Wife from Toulumne Co

August 14, 2007

Dad,
I don't know why I haven't come here before. Maybe it's because seeing the words and your photo makes it all the more real that you're gone. I miss you. We all miss you so badly. It wasn't the right time for you to go and I know that you would want to be here too. Your presence made our lives fuller and we're trying hard to fill that empty space left behind without you. We're reminded of you everyday, by little things like a song you used to like, or big things like the willow tree you planted with mom. We love you and miss you. I love you and miss you. We're just trying to keep busy and keep smiling til we can see you and hug you again. I miss those big hugs. I love you Dad. Love, your daughter Rory

Rory
daughter

August 13, 2007

Today, we had a small ceremony for you. Family and friends got together at the posse grounds to honor you today. A part of Highway 49 will now be named, "The Deputy David P. Grant Memorial Highway". It's weird to think about how many times you have driven up and down that highway and now there will be a sign for you, Forever. I held it together until I saw mom's face. You would be so proud of Mom and all the things she has done for us kids and carrying on your legacy like a champ! I know you are with Mom everyday, and all of us as well. Wish I could just see your face again. I love you Dad and until we meet again, I will miss you terribly! Pooher

Jennifer Patricia Grant
Daughter of Deputy Grant

August 11, 2007

Dear "uncle" David,

well i never had the honor of meeting you but i have been been with cody for about 9 months after knowing him for 9 years...well when he and i first got together i was at his house and i saw this pice of paper tha said "IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID P. GRANT" and i was like who is that and he told me the story and how he wants to be just like you and i really respct that...from what he has told me you were an awesome person and i really wish i had the chance to meet you...you are very lucky to have such a GREAT family who loves you.....well i will meet u someday and i look forward to that day ;) well i have to go....ps be good...


love always Courtney Carroll....

Courtney Carroll
Cody Grants Girlfriend

July 26, 2007

My dear Richie
D.R. from LAPD just told me last night about Dave. It broke my heart for you and your family. I was hoping to come and see you both. I still have the Roedo photos hanging. From the first day he helped me on the steer. And to the last when I got kicked. Dave told me I had just a couple little cuts on my face, a few hours later and 30 stiches! I have missed you two.
My honey will be gone 10yrs in Sept. I know my heart is still broken. I wish I could make it all better but I cant. Richie I would be there for you. My heart is just so heavey for you and Dave. Love and take care J.Euge

Jane Euge
Friend from LAPD

June 23, 2007

Hi Dad.... I just wanted to write you a note and tell you I love you. Whitney and I are going to Rory's tonight and staying until Sunday...So, I wanted to wish you a Happy Father's Day. If you were here, I'd give you a chocolate tie again. I think that you and Mom did a great job raising Rory, Justin, Whitney and I. Your laugh still echoes in my ears and sometimes if I'm lucky, I get to hold you in my dreams. I miss you just being in the same room with me. Your presence was unlike any other. I love you Dad. I can't wait until these tears of sadness turn into tears of joy...when I see you again. Happy Father's Day Dad! Love Always, Pooher

Jennifer Patricia Grant
Daughter of Dep. Grant

June 16, 2007

THREE WHOLE YEARS WITH OUT HEARING MY UNCLE DAVES VOICE,THREE WHOLE YEARS OF HIM NOT CALLING ME "TOAD" NOBODY EVER HAS CALLED ME TOAD BUT HIM.I MISS IT,I MISS HIM, I KNOW HES STILL HERE IN OUR HEARTS AND MIND BUT ITS THE PHYSICAL THINGS HE DID THAT I MISS.i JUST GOT ALL THE "COOL" STUFF FROM THE FRESNO CO.SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT(THE UNIFORM,BELT AND ALL THE GOODIES,I LOVE IT) I CANT EVEN WAIT UNTIL IM 21 AND CAN ACTUALLY BE ON THE STREETS HELPING PEOPLE AND MAKING THERE DAYS BETTER. i MISS YOU BIG UNCLE "D".FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.LOVE YOU

Cody Grant
Nephew,fresno co explorer

June 1, 2007

David
As the sun sets on this 3rd anniversary-I will say like I used to "Good Night Sweetheart"
I love you & I miss you
Rich

June 1, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your EOW. I know their daily pain and how much strength it can take just to get through some of the days. There are no magic words I can offer them except to keep your memory alive and take one day at a time. Continue to watch over them and protect them and also those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 31, 2007

Well Dad.... Today marks 3 years. People have told me that I will heal with time...What a lie. It just depends on the day. Somedays I laugh when I think about all of the times you and I shared and other days, I just want to curl up in a ball and cry all day. Mom, Rory and I uncovered your patrol car today and I crawled inside and sat in your seat. The switches are all still "code 3" mode just the way you left them. I searched all through your car in hopes of finding your keepers... but no luck. Today 3 years ago... replays in my head every single day of my life. I know new things will happen in my life and maybe take my mind off of losing you...but only for a moment, because as much as I will be happy in that moment, I will be torn and sad because I can't share it with you. I miss you Dad...I'll love you always, Pooher

Jennifer Patricia Grant
Daughter of Dep. Grant

May 31, 2007

Gone but never forgotten. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours Deputy Grant. I pray that your loved ones and your department find continued strength and peace as you guide them through their days from the Heavens above.

Rest peacefully Sir

Dispatcher

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

May 31, 2007

To the widow of Deputy Grant;
My husband has been an officer for 10yrs now. I have almost lost him twice now. I can't imagine, nor do I want to, the pain you must feel each & every day. It upsets me that others have no respect for your feelings. You never get over the love of your life. I am glad that you "STILL" love and honor him. I am sure he is waiting in Heaven for you.
Proud wife of a Michigan Deputy

May 31, 2007

May you and The Lord wrap your love around your loved ones today and ever.G-d Bless.

May 31, 2007

I was thinking of us- 28 years ago today getting married after knowing each other for only 3 weeks, but we made it through thick & thin and became fierce protectors of each other. The wonderful years together, the years of laughter and love.
I will forever be grateful for the years with you. You will forever own a part of my heart-Happy Anniversary Dave
Love, Rich

May 17, 2007