 | Reserve Officer Fred Bemard Bergmann
St. Charles Police Department
Missouri
Tuesday, October 19, 1976 |
"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
2007-12-10
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service vandenberghe
nh
2007-10-16
It is important to remember Officer Bergmann was a volunteer. He selflessly served his country and community and will forever stand as a beacon of service. From a 35 year veteran I can tell all that Fred Bergmann is the highest example of heroism that I know of...we remember and miss you brother Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska
2005-10-19
GOD Bless you Reserve Officer Bergmann. Reserve Officer
CA
2005-10-19
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies.....
Rest in peace, hero. God bless.
2004-10-19
You gave your life to protect others. You are a true hero and will always be remembered as such. Rest in peace. A citizen
2004-10-19
 Return to top
No Reflections may be electronically reproduced without permission from the ODMP. Please use this contact form for further information or to report violations. | 
