 | Patrol Officer James Anthony Smith
Tucson Police Department
Arizona
Tuesday, October 28, 1980 |
Rest in Peace, Officer Smith. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Officer 11169
2008-05-19
"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
2007-11-18
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-26
Jim:
Life is full of ironies. You were known as the most accomplished bike rider in the motor unit. We all hated those reversable lanes on Speedway and Broadway. Many of us had close calls in those lanes during rush hour, unfortunely for you (and for all of us) your's went beyond close. Sorry one of us wasn't there to watch your "six".
You were a great guy and loved by all of us in motors. Just know that you will never be forgotten. I am sure if there is a "scoot" in heaven it has your name on it. Anonymous
Tuson PD
2007-02-27
Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten. Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
2006-10-28
you are not forgotten, rest in peace sir. Midtown Patrol
Tucson Police Dept.
2006-04-30
Brother Smith,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue
Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club
2006-01-26
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
Rest in peace.
2004-10-28
05/15/04
Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Smith. Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-05-15
Rest in peace motorman. Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
2003-10-28
Police Officers are part of a brotherhood that others will never know! Take care, we've got it from here!
Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department, Volusia County, FL Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department
2003-10-24
Rest easy motor Brother....you will never be forogtten.
CPD
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