Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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

December 31, 2007

I knew Officer Steve Kovach through Steve's childhood buddy, Tom Rogal. Tom and I worked together as a "CO" at the Justice Center. We sometimes would meet and have a few beers together at Steve's house or at the old "Eden Roc Lounge" on Euclid Ave after work. Steve was a good police officer and a great guy. He also had a great sense of humor. I was back in the US Army at Fort Ord, CA at the time when I got the bad news. It really hurt and Steve will always be missed.

Patrick W. Spicer
Friend

November 3, 2007

Ptl. Kovach, I remember this horrific night that you were killed while working with my Uncle. There is no doubt in my mind that you guys made the City of Cleveland a safer place due to your heroic actions this night. Being only 14 years of age during this time I admired the work you guys did. You both are true heroes.. God Bless You..

Patrolman Richard M. Rutt #22
Fairview Park P.D., Ohio

September 15, 2006

Patrolman Kovach, YOU are a TRUE HERO. May it bring some comfort to your family to know that you are not forgotten. Thank you for the life you gave so that others could live in a safer community. God Bless

OHIO
Summit County
11-10-2005

November 10, 2005

My uncle was the kind of person that you just loved to be around. There was this energy about him... you just knew you were in the presence of someone extraordinary. Although I was just a child when he died, I have never forgotten how he dedicated and gave up his life to protect us all. I have a great appreciation for every police officer who risks their lives to make ours safer. Our safety is so easy to take for granted. He was and always will be a hero to me and a shining example of courage for everyone who hears his story. We miss you and love you Uncle Steve! Dawn

Dawn Chiletz Steczynski

June 14, 2005

I just received word about another officer from another State killed and the information was printed from this site. Being the first time I heard of this web page, I, of course, wanted to look up my brother Steve's Memorial Page remembering him. It will be 21 years this year that we lost Steve, but he is remembered each and every day. My children often reflect on different things he might comment on if he were around today. He was a great man and we miss him still. He now rests in God's Loving Care. God Bless You and thank you for this opportunity to "Reflect". Diane

Diane M. (Kovach) Chiletz

February 10, 2005