Trooper Richard V. Woods South Carolina Highway Patrol South Carolina Friday, August 15, 1969  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

August 15, 1969...40 years ago today. We will never forget.
R.I.P Trooper Woods

Sgt Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP-Service, Traffic Unit
2009-08-16

On the 40th anniversary of Trooper Woods' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Trooper Woods is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
2009-08-15

Knew him as a cofee drinking friend in Beaufort. VERY fine officer, who loved a cigar. A great loss to law enforcement but his son has followed in his Dad's shoes. Remember this very well.. A sad day for family and friends......

Haskell Scott
Friend
2008-12-04

"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

"No person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave."
--Calvin Coolidge

Debbie Brewer
caring citizen & COPS member
2007-06-25

I am so sorry for your loss and for your family's pain. I think it is right that your killers were denied parole and I hope that they never get out. There is no punishment that our legal system can dole out that would ever begin to compensate for your death. However, Jesus the Righteous will Judge. Rest in Peace. I pray God's peace be with your family.

Debbie Brewer
citizen and COPS member
2007-05-08

Rest in peace my brother. You are not forgotten.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2006-08-15

08-15-03, MY BROTHER, IT HAS BEEN 34 YEARS SINCE SOUTH CAROLINA LOST ONE OF ITS HEROS. YOU ARE GONE, BUT SURELY NOT OR EVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. HOPE TO SEE YOU UP ABOVE SOME GLAD DAY.

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

All great men leave a legacy to be followed. We can only hope the Man whos following in his fathers footsteps can be half the officer his father was.

Anonymous