Trooper Bruce Kenneth Smalls South Carolina Highway Patrol South Carolina Friday, September 27, 1985  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

No words can truly express how much I miss you Uncle Bruce. I am grateful that I have so many wonderful memories of you to hold close to my heart. As a kid I can remember the frighten feel I had when being tossed up in the air, only to be overcome by a joyful laugh once I was caught in your loving arms. I can still remember running out the door to greet you with a big hug after hearing the toot of your police siren pulling up outside. I can never forget riding my bike to your house to play with my cousins while you and my mom talked about the latest grown-up stuff. You were and always will be the greatest man that I will ever meet. You were our angel while on earth and I know that you are in heaven looking over us daily. Even though it was but for a short while I thank God for allowing you to be in my life and I thank Him for giving me the honor and privilege of knowing you........I can't wait to see you again!! Love you and miss you!!!!!

Tanisha Taylor (Smalls)
Niece
2009-09-30

Bruce, I love and miss you so much. What a BIG BROTHER!! Man, you got on my nerves trying to tell me what to do. I often think about some of the things you used to say and find myself giggling. Remember the ole oak tree! YOU WERE THE BEST...Love ya.

Catherine
Sister
2009-04-03

Bro:

Thinking about You today.....

Michael B. Parlor

2009-01-27

I had the privilege of knowing Bruce Smalls, when we were Military Policemen in Germany in the early 70's. Bruce was a kind hearted, dedicated soldier and MP. He did his job very professionally, and always had a smile. I came across this site and found that he had died in the line of duty, and was totally shocked. I remember when he was getting ready to leave the Army and said he was going to be a trooper. He did, he did well. He served his community and paid the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you Bruce..Rest in peace my friend. I know you are in the arms of God.
to the Smalls family..God bless you and shine his face upon you with grace and mercy and comfort.

Jim Walker
Bryan, Texas
A Friend

Jim Walker Private Citizen

2008-10-26

RIP Brother in Blue. May your killer rot in hell!

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2007-09-27

Well Dad, it's been 22 years..my how time flies! I mean I can remember when we were just saying four years, six years, and now 22 years! I'm still going strong and carrying on! Your memory will live forever in my heart and of those that loved you! Continue to get your rest Dad and your fellow officers and I will continue on!! "A man that put other lives before his own....is a true hero!!!"

Kevin Smalls
Son
2007-09-27

I truly attempt to refrain from discussing my opinions regarding the punishment that should have been meted out to cop killers. Trooper Smalls' murder truly hit me hard.

SCHP was my first boyhood dream of being a cop. As a young child, I used to pretnd that I was a SCHP Trooper patrolling the highways of Charleston, Beaufort, and Jasper Counties. I graduated high school in Beaufort and being a USMC Brat, I came all the way to San Diego just to avoid all the DI's who I knew at Parris Island.

Recanting her testimony to stop the execution makes me wish sometimes that all three in that RV had been executed. But I will say no more.

I am happy that in honor of Trooper Smalls a street bears his name. Tonight, this Cowboy will be at a local watering hole, having a drink in memory of Officer Kubly LAPD and Trooper Smalls SCHP.

May they both Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2007-09-27

Trooper Smalls it has been twenty-two years since the end of your watch and you are still remembered. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for the years of service you devoted to the citizens of South Carolina. May God continue to bless you and your family. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J. L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2007-09-27

Bruce, was a trooper who called in every traffic stop in full detailed. He was a trooper respected and well liked. We worked the same shift (7A-3P) the week of his fatal accident up to Thursday, September 26, 1985. The loss of Bruce, was a blow to our small one room office in Jasper County. We were in the process of moving into a new building. Bruce monitored the status of the building and kept us informed. Sadly, he never got a chance to work out of the new office. It was a pleasure to dispatch for SCHP with Bruce on duty. His memories will live on.

Retired TCS Shirley L. Young
South Carolina Highway Patrol - Communications
2007-07-28

"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.
2007-07-11

I went to Beaufort Tech with Bruce, he sure loved his job. You will always be remebered.

Tom
Friend
2007-05-15

Trooper Smalls thank you for your sacrifice , thank you for sharing the thin blue with me , i did'nt start in law enforcement until 1987 , but brother i look at your sacrifice and understand the hidden dangers every day . i thank you for remaining on the watch with me each time i make a dumb mistake on a car stop , thank you . you are not forgotten . Kevin your fathers' life is a tribute to us all and i know you make him proud... i hear him saying " Kev don't try so hard , i'm right here ... "

officer val pickens
b'ham police dept./b'ham,al
2007-05-09

God bless sir, we won't forget you....

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.
2007-04-05

I would like to thank everyone who placed a refection in honor of my Father. This really mean alot to my family and myself. I pray that you keep us in your prayers as we do the same for you. To all those that has lost some love one, family member, or friend in the line of duty....I feel your pain. When my father was killed, I was only two years old. I don't remember him, but only have memories told by others. If anyone would like to contact me, please send a email to kevplay01@yahoo.com. I also pray that God protect every Officer that protects us.

Thank You

Kevin Smalls
Son of Bruce Smalls
2006-11-13

Justice has won out in the end. Thanks for your sacrifice and dedication, hero.

Wisconsin LEO

2006-08-15

I was very small when Bruce was my neighbor in Kingstree, South Carolina, but I remember he was a nice man. God Bless

Stacey McGill

Fromer Neighbor
2006-06-22

Bruce, you were sadly missed when you left, and you are sadly missed today. You gave the ultimate sacrafice. Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. Kenneth Hasty
S.C. Highway Patrol (Ret.)
2006-03-10

To the family and friends of Trooper Small and fellow officers in the South Carolina Police Dept., and most especially to Trooper Smalls:

Today has been twenty years and one day since the brutal murder of Trooper Smalls. His valor and bravery will never be forgotten. His memory is being honored and revered today.

I am glad that after seventeen years the despicable criminal who took the life of the honorable Trooper Smalls got what he deserved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Trooper Smalls gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 27, 1985.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

2005-09-28

Trooper Smalls,
On today, the 20th annversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of South Carolina. Even though it took 17 more years, your murderer finally got the justice he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-09-27

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

2004-09-27

God Bless You Trooper Smalls..Thinking of You,Your Family & Friends on This Day

Jr. Johnson - Brother
SCHP Trooper Corporal Jeff Johnson - EOW 7/7/02

Jr. Johnson

2004-09-27

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You are a true hero to us all.

Anonymous

2004-03-26

Brother, God bless you. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York
2003-10-30

09-27-03, MY FRIEND, A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AS THEY LIVE THE REST OF THIER LIVES. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2003-09-27

Rest in peace troop, we have the watch now.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police
2003-09-27