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

September 20, 2007

I worked with Bob, frequently in the same patrol car. We also commuted together on the BART train, when it was running. I lost a friend and colleague, and the world lost a good man.

Bob, I think of you almost daily and wonder what might have been.

Sgt. (ret) Mike Martin
Oakland Police Dept

July 19, 2007

Happy Birthday Dad!!Even though you are gone you are alway's right here in my heart and thought's.Love you!

Michelle
Daughter

July 10, 2007

I worked "A" Relief with Bob and remember his quiet smile, dedication to his OPD brothers and his honor to the star he wore. I was off on a comp day that night and only found out what happened the following morning when the newspaper arrived. I have never gone a day since then without thinking if I had gone to work that night, was there something I could have done?

It has been 35-years since that tragedy yet I am still in uniform doing what I love to do. Bob I promise that I will never do anything to tarnish the badge I wear on my left and my Dad’s name I wear on the right. Your sacrifice allowed me to become the type of cop I know you would have been proud of.

George Richardson - Police Officer
Fowler California Police Department

June 22, 2007

Happy Fathers day officer Blan. Your kids love you.



Bob Steinat

RAWS

June 17, 2007

Happy Fathers Day!!!!!!!!!! If you were still here, that would be awesome because you be able to see how great my family and I are doing, and you can see how good I play basketball. I love you and I wish you were here. We all miss you a whole bunch.

Robert
Grandson

June 17, 2007

Happy Fathers Day!You are on my mind!

Michelle
Daughter

June 17, 2007

Thinking of you and your family on the anniversary of your passing, GOD BLESS YOU and thank you for everything you did, your legacy will live on thru your daughter and her children.

Peggy

Peggy L

May 23, 2007

You may be gone but you are defintley not forgotten.You are often on my mind.

Michelle
Daughter

May 23, 2007

I think of you everyday!!!Even more so now that the anniversary of your death is getting closer.I Love You and miss you terribly.Cant wait to meet you in heaven.

Michelle Blan
Daughter

May 11, 2007

Your life carries on through the eyes of your daughter, Your are loved and missed and will never be forgotten.

Bob Steinat

Bob Steinat

May 5, 2007

You have not been forgotten Officer Blan. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 13, 2006

Growing up Officer Blan's daughter was my bestfriend. I considered his wife my second mom. I was up tonight thinking about how his daughter always thought about her dad and I went online because I couldn't remeber is his killers were caught. I love the Blan family very much and although I did not know Mr. Blan I do know how much his family loves him.

M.Banjoko
Family Friend

April 18, 2006

Bob and I were in the same recruit academy. He was well-liked by everyone. He always had a smile and kind word for those he met. Bob, I think about you often, and visit with you annually at the Police Memorial in DC.

Ex-Sgt Joe Thomas
OPD

February 9, 2006

Bob was an energetic and dedicated police officer. We were working together that night, and I can't help but remember the sense of loss that we all felt over this senseless killing. He left a wife and children forever by performing his sworn duties.
RIP....Bob

Chief James Shaw
Western Washington University P.D.

July 26, 2004

To the Family of Officer Blan

Iam saddened to find a memorial to a fellow officer with no reflection left. I hope everyone who comes to this page will honor the losses from years gone by as notably as those in the present.
The pain and grief may have lessened, but the loss is still as significant and as equally important. The sacrifice that Robert paid is not degraded by time, only cherished that much more.

Rest in Peace....Brother.

Anonymous

December 19, 2003