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

February 7, 2008

Though we have never met, I think very highly of you. Coming from Bell county I learned many years ago of the sacrifice you made to keep our streets safe. You and your family reamin in my thoughts as I leave briefing and hit the street. The Streets of Heaven are safer now. Rest easy brother, We got it here.

Patrolman Chris Ferman
Killeen PD

April 2, 2007

Dear Carl,

How I wish you were still with us. You live in my heart and I will never forget you and our life together. You changed my life in so many ways; I am who and what I am today because of you. I thank God for having you in my life and the joy we shared but I still grieve for you and I will always cherish your memory.

Anna

Anna LeVin
Wife

August 3, 2006

Carl,
I recall our days at the Killeen Police Department and all your dreams.
I still have each and every newspaper article and photograph from the days that followed you death.

I miss you and your smile.

JAW

Jerry Allen Wright
Fannin County District Attorney's Office

December 19, 2005

Officer LeVin,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harker Heights. It took 6 more years but the scum that murdered you finally got the justice he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 8, 2005

It will be twenty seven years this August since you were taken from us; but you have lived on in my heart, there is never a day that passes that you are not remembered in some way. I loved you then, I love you now, no other could ever take your place in my heart.

anna levin
district attorney's office

July 18, 2005

You are not forgotten by your entire police family. God bless you for your service and sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 11, 2005