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

January 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 3, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 25, 2007

I was a rookie officer with the NYPD when officer Cannon was killed. God Bless you Ray.

Lieutenant Pat Tortorici
Phoenix Police Department

May 20, 2007

We went to high school together and from the first day we met, you truly touched me. You always made people laugh and smile and left an impression on people that can not be explained. Even though we did not keep in touch after graduation, you were always often thought of and the day I heard you were killed was devastating to me. Your funeral was a true tribute to you and it became so obvious that you left a never ending impression on all who knew you whether for 5 minutes or 5 years. It has been over 14 years since your death and yet you so often come to mind, I can't say that about to many people from so long ago. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers and will never be forgotten.

Your friend,
T. Tonio

friend

March 23, 2007

I remember that day like it was yesterday, you have never left my thoughts. I was there and I also watched as the sun gleamed off your shield, and i knew at that moment you were being delivered to heaven. Ill never forget you or that day, may you always rest in peace. You are a true american hero.

PO Michael Nastasi (RET)
NYPD

January 24, 2007

I am so sorry that you were killed simply for the uniform you wanted to wear. Thank you for being honorable and brave enough to wear it. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

D. Lindsey
WA resident

December 2, 2006

In the Police Academy, they tell you to look at the right and left of you, there is a good chance that one of these officers will be involved in a shooting. It was October 1990 that you and I went through the academy together. We sat next to eachother, shared our simularities, and became friends. Ill never forget that day you were taken from us, and Ill carry your picture with me always. You always made people smile. Rest in peace brother in blue.

Sgt. Peter Capitali
NYPD

November 23, 2006

I had just graduated high school when you were killed. I remember seeing your picture and reading about what happened. I remember feeling frustrated and very angry. Wanting to avenge you. Now I am older, a cop, and I will always remember your name and face-not your death, And I will always honor your memory. God Bless you and rest in peace.

A Cop
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

October 24, 2006

Officer Cannon,
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember it because I knew your brother, Dave, from work and from high school. I also remember it because I knew that I was going into law enforcement myself, and this was another reminder of how dangerous it is. I now have almost ten years on the job. Just this past May, we lost two of our own to gunfire. One of the officers killed was a friend of mine and a co-worker for many years.
I never met you, Ray. But I am proud of how you lived your life, as I know Dave is as well....Rest in peace.

Sergeant Matt Dehler
Fairfax County Police, Virginia

July 25, 2006

Thank you all for your kind words and for continuing to remember and honor Ray. He was truly a great person. He was more then my brother, he was my best friend and he will forever be missed. Bless you all.

David Cannon

November 11, 2005

Rest In Peace, I remember that day you were taken from us. You and your family are in my prayers.

Lt. Anthony J Felice, Jr.
NYPD

November 1, 2005

The Officers of PSA # 2 remember and honor Officer Cannon. In my minds eye I can still see the sun gleamimg off of his shield that day as Police Officer Jimmy Hunt held him. Officer Cannon is not forgotten.

PO PSA # 2
NYC HAPD

April 19, 2005

10 years have gone by since we heard your laughter, that December day still fresh on our minds, and your spirit & memory forever in our hearts. We miss you buddy

Det Robert Broderick
NYPD

December 3, 2004

Ray,

It is 10 years today since your passing and it seems like yesterday. I did not know you well, but I was lucky enough to have known you. Rest in peace.

Sgt. John Mulligan (Ret.)
NYPD

December 2, 2004

05/25/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Cannon.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 25, 2004

You remebered who sang "Come On Eileen"yes dexeys midnight runners.... Till this day everytime I hear that song I think of you. God Speed Ray, you are truly missed. Jeff

P.O. Jeffrey Cordes
New York City Polce Department

March 9, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, December 2, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Raymond R. Cannon Jr. who died on this date 9 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Cannon's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

December 2, 2003

September 29, 2002

I just read of your death in Regis Philbin's book. I'm always saddened to hear of such things, whether they happened today or years ago. I knew I could find out more about you here. Thank you for your fine service to our country - you will always be remembered as a hero.

Tonight I will say a prayer for comfort for your family, friends and LEO family you left behind.

Cheri Chavers, officer's wife
Anchorage (Alaska) Police Department