Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 9, 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

July 25, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 22, 2007

Rest easy. You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 13, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

December 10, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Jones. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

November 2, 2006

I remember the day of this incident- I was watching the news and listened intently to the events. I still think of the time frame- I was getting ready to go through the background process with AST recruitment. It was a reminder of what could happen at anytime in this line of work. I visited your memorial site today to let you know that you are not forgotten. Several of the troopers I got to know when I was hired were involved in the AST response to this incident. Your story was also on Real Stories of the Hwy Patrol a few years later. We remember your sacrifice, watch over us.

Sgt. Brian Wassmann
Alaska State Troopers

June 27, 2005

Sir, I was honored to serve the Dillingham PD for a short time. There I got to know some wonderful people - One, My friend Joe Cross. The other was you - you are NOT FORGOTTEN! I know you both are together, watching over the others that protect such a remote community. You will never be forgotten. I am sure the people that had the privlidge to serve with you will agree - You are now part of a special force, one that watches over each and everyone of us.

Thank You!
Gregory Beckman

Dispatch
Kenai Police Dept

February 15, 2005

Rest in peace. You paid the ultimate sacrefice and we are in debted to you.

Special Officer
ISU Public Safety (ID)

December 27, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

(Formerly of Seward Alaska)

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Brother, May God bless you and continue to watch over your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

April 3, 2004

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
private citizen

March 6, 2004

Brother, may God continue to bless you and watch over your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

January 27, 2004