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 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Van Den Berghe
NH

October 19, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is very disappointed that your killers sentenance was communted to life in prison, this writer feels that justice was not appropriately served on your behalf.

Pat Van DenBerghe
NH

October 17, 2007

i have worked in the Fourth Disrict for just over 8 years. I see the memorial on the wall everyday and think about you. That memorial reminds us and the citizens who come through that door everyday that you gave the ultimate sacrifice along with your family. You are a true hero and you will never be forgotten. rest in peace.

cpd577
cpd

November 22, 2006

As the daughter of a 48-year veteran of the Cleveland Police Dept., and the Mother of a Cuyahoga County Deputy Sheriff, I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Johnson. He may have fallen many yrs. ago, but his life and courage are NEVER forgotten by those who care.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 16, 2006

Every day when I walk into the 4th District I see you picture on the wall by the front door. Every time I see your picture I remember the sacrifice you made and it humbles me. Please continue to watch over your brothers down here, and know that you will never be forgoten

Patrolman Dan F. Crisan
Cleveland PD

April 2, 2006

Officer Johnson, Thank you for the life you gave so that other's could live in a safe community. YOU are a TRUE HERO, and will always be remembered as such. I hope that your family can find some comfort in knowing that. God Bless

OHIO
summit county
11-10-2005

November 10, 2005

God looked around his garden and found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face,
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,
It hurt us all to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you the day God took you home.

March 5, 2005

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

October 21, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

October 21, 2004

Anthony, I can still see you sitting in the roll call room,at the 4th District, quiet and attentive. You were a fine Police Officer with so much to live for both personally and professionaly. You can be proud of your wife and your son as they have both carried your legacy well. They are a true strength to all who have had to endure the pain of loss.
Rest easy brother, you are truly missed and will never be forgotten.

CPD