 | Officer Michael J. Ratikan
Oklahoma City Police Department
Oklahoma
Monday, June 14, 1971 |
Brother, rest in peace and know you will never be forgotton. We placed flowers on your grave ths past week in remebrance. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotton! Officer
OCPD Honor Guard
2009-05-13
"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
2008-01-09
Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service. Anonymous
2007-08-12
I remember Mike very well, working in an adjacent district on numerous occasions. I was on my days off when I heard about the incident the night before. Although officers never forget such incidents and learning to live with the risk, wives do not. Mine became distant after Mike's death and we eventually divorced. Mike's sacrifice should never be forgotten, even now, over thirty-six years later. Officer Joe Van Ness
OCPD (1969-72)
2006-11-29
He looks just like his son Michael jr. He left behind a loving family, wife Donna, recently departed, and son Michael who has accomplished much in life. He is missed.
2006-07-10
My sympathies to Officer Ratikan's family and colleagues on the Oklahoma PD. May he rest in peace as I know he will. God bless him. SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Militray Police, Ret.
2005-12-15
Sir: This was such a senseless death. Your life and contributions will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Officer Ratikan.
2005-06-29
Rest in peace. We have the watch now. Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
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