Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

March 18, 2008

"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

August 8, 2007

Because You Remember Me

I know I am still with you
in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart
And though you cannot see me,
I will always be a part
of life's special celebrations
in those times when you reflect
on how, though things are different,
through our love, we still connect.
We'll see each other someday
when our spirits all are free,
until then I am with you
because you remember me.

Author Unknown.

Godspeed, Marty.

Lt. Jim Potter
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

July 31, 2007

Hi Brother. I was laughing with your mom, dad, brothers, sister, neices and nephews at the Memorial Dedication last week. I had to snitch on you pushing me into a cell and leaving me in there when I was just a kid...oh, ya I also told about you cuffing me to a table.HAHAHAHA. You have a great family that loves and misses you very much....so do I.
It's been almost 20 years now since God led you home, but you've been there with me through so much. I thought about you on the day I graduated from the Academy. Through tough times on the street, at home, through promotions, divorce, the birth of my daughter, death of my father, fishing trips, hunting trips.
I felt you tapping my shoulder and whispering in my ear when danger was present. There were many nights when I cleared out the gear in my front seat for you and spoke to you while patrolling.
I hope you hang around. Lord knows I need all the help I can get.
Please let my dad know that I'm shining my boots and brass every night, which I'll continue to do just like he taught me. I hope that you two have found each other and will continue to watch over me. I miss you both so much, but smile about you talking with him about days gone by.
You'll always be on my mind and in my thoughts. Thank you for all you meant and still mean to me.

With Love, Respect and my Best Salute,

Jimmy

Lieutenant Jim Potter
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office / Friend

July 31, 2007

I'd like to thank everyone named and anonymous who left reflections for my brother, Marty. Nearly 20 years since his passing, and I don't forget what a lasting impression he had on so many people. I was 18 when he died and I have tried to take his care and compassion for people of all walks of life into my own daily living. He died doing the job many do today, laying their lives on the line with no regard for their own well being, but the well being of those they serve and protect. I am comforted to know Marty was doing exactly what he loved to do. My charge for anyone reading this reflection, please offer the next officer you see a smile, a handshake, and a pat on the back, they need to know we appreciate them.

Tim Bryant
Brother of WM Bryant Jr.

July 25, 2007

Deputy Bryant, on this the anniversary of your death, I just wanted to let you know you are not forgotten. You are a true hero. Thank you for your service and dedication. My thoughts are with you, your family and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. God Bless You Sir!

NC LEO
Winston-Salem NC Police Dept.

March 18, 2007

May you rest in peace knowing that you have not been forgotten.

March 18, 2007

Marty,
In March of 1988 I was a young detective working for the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. I responded to your crime scene and worked your death investigation. You being so new to the Agency, I had not even meet you yet. I have never forgotten that day or the senseless crime that had occurred. My thoughts and prayers have and always will be with you and your family.

Lieutenant V. Mayer
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

July 18, 2005

Dear Wayne, your funeral was the first officer line of duty funeral I attended after being sworn in. You had recently transferred from another department and thus no department photo of you in our uniform was available. Thank you for your service. God bless you.

Deputy James Menth
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

April 13, 2005

Deputy Bryant,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Pulaski County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 18, 2005