Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bill, Elsie and myself all close school pals in Baltimore back around 1959-61. Visiting from Arizona,my mother handed me a paper with headlines in it. She always liked Bill. I had to sit down in shock- as we all had long gone our separate ways- the memories of that last glorious summer in Baltimore, going to the movies, always taking the bus-will never be forgotten. Bill was always the over-achiever and his heart was gold. God Bless the family that he leaves -he will never be forgotten as he sails now on the Wings of Angels.

Connie Ward
childhood friend

June 22, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 20, 2008

Thank you for your service to our country.

Jason

January 18, 2008

I just saw your story on the FBI Files on the Discovery Channel...your co-workers had great things to say about you and I was compelled to find you here just to say THANK YOU for your sacrifice. The world loves you for it. Keep looking over us.

Tammy
Citizen

July 4, 2007

You are a true hero sir and heroes never die! We will never, ever forget you!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 13, 2006

Rest in Peace, S/A Christian.

Detective
Chicago P.D.

August 17, 2006

I saw this case on the FBI Files show on Discovery Channel. SA Christian is a true American hero and died at the hands of a cowardly cop killer.

A 20 year veteran, the agent's sacrifice and dedication will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace.

Concerned Citizen

January 19, 2006

Thank you for looking after the people of Maryland.

God bless you

Bob Steinat

July 8, 2004

My condolonces to your family. Thank you for all you did to make neighborhoods safe. May you rest in peace

May 26, 2004

Bill, you're missed by your old coworkers here in Detroit. Karen speaks so highly of you. I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet you but I see your photo on Karen's desk each day. She really misses you. Rest in Peace.

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
FBI Detroit