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 19, 2007

Thank you to Retired CO Cornelia Katepodis,
NYCDOC. Your thoughts are appreciated. I assure you that our family respects and honors the NYCDOC on a daily basis. It is a scary job and we keep you all in our thoughts and prayers very often.

kelly

October 19, 2006

I wish what happened to George had never happened to him. I worked for 20 years in the prison that was named in his memory on Rikers Island. Whenever I was sent out and it was often I heard the story of George's ambush. I wish with all my heart that it had never happened. Nobody doesn't ever realize what a dangerous job correction really is. George rest in peace.

Retired CO Cornelia Katepodis
NYCDOC

September 10, 2006

Just checking in. Thank you again, sincerely for you thoughts and prayers. I enjoy the happy reaction from my grandmother when I share such messages with her. Thank you.

kelly

January 30, 2006

May you rest in peace Officer Motchan,
Your sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten.We will pray for you, your grandaughter, and the rest of your family,friends and Dept members...

Sgt (Ret)
NJDOC SOG K9 UNIT

December 16, 2005

Thank you for your sacrifice. My we who continue to serve never forget.

Investigator Joe Willis
Anderson Co. (TX) D.A. Office

November 15, 2005

Just coming in to check if there are any new posts....And to my suprise there were. All the way from Alaska and Michigan. Love truly can travel across the world. What a Truly united nation. Thank You. Kelly

Kelly
Grandaugther

April 10, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in the service of others. Officer Motchan, may your family take some comfort in knowing that you are in His loving arms. Watch over us now, Brother.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

February 28, 2005

To Granddaughter Kelly, we hope your pole project worked out well. What a nice thing for you to do in your Grandfather's memory. Very sad to read what happened to him. Yes, the ODMP website is a beautiful tribute to those that have died in the line of duty!

Michigan Resident

August 26, 2004

I was looking for something special online to decorate a street sign pole named in my grandfather's honor, George Motchan. I came across this memorial page and was highly impressed and honored. Unfortunately, I was not born when the tragedy happened, however, now at 27 years old can see the love and bond present in the correction Dept. My family is so appreciative for all you have done for us. My grandfather will never be forgotten with the help of all of you. Thank you.

Kelly Dory
C.O. George Motchan's grandaughter

May 23, 2004

To the Motchan Family:
Please rest asured that officers on duty that sad day responded to the call for help and blood at Kings County Hospital with the spirit of brotherhood in their hearts.
C.O. Godfrey S. Bailey (Ret.)

Correction Officer Godfrey S. Bailey
New York City Department of Correction

April 11, 2004