Detective Bernard L. Christopher Mount Vernon Police Department New York Monday, June 24, 1974  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I said a little prayer today for Detective Christopher and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

2009-06-19

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Detective Christopher.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
2008-12-17

brother you are not forgotten.......thank you for sharing the thin blue with me . few realize our desire to protect and serve and you paid the ultimate sacrifice in that quest .........may you rest gently , we continue to have the watch from here..........

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al
2008-11-18

"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
2007-12-19

I remember Bernie well, he was a fine Police Officer and a
great Detective. Like myself he was a Former United States Marine. I was at the crime scene in the early morning hours
of 24 June 1974. Although fatally wounded by the Robbery
Suspect Det. Christopher drew his Revolver and emptied it at
the Suspect,striking him once in the arm. Suspect escaped with a woman accomplice and both were apprehended a few weeks later. I was in Command of the Honor Guard at Bernie's
Inspector's Funeral and he was rendered Full Police and USMC
Honors. Rest In Peace Bernie and Semper Fi, Gerald W. Colbert- Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lieutenant Gerald W. Colbert
Mt. Vernon, N.Y. Police Dept. (Ret.)
2007-05-01

My Department is currently making arrangements to further honor our fallen brother and are looking for any pictures that anyone might have of Detective Bernard L Christopher. It is our intention to use the picture(s) for a permanent memorial located inside of our Headquarters.
Please contact me if you can help us in this endeavor,
PO Eugene H Wilsea #2182
C/O Mount Vernon Police Department
Patrol Operations Division
2 North Roosevelt Square
Mount Vernon NY 10550
(914) 666-3375
Wilseax7 @ Optonline.net
Rest in Peace Brother Christopher, you will never be forgotten.

PO Eugene H Wilsea #2182

2006-11-13

Detective Christopher,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflections-"no fallen officer should be without a reflection."
Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mount Vernon.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-02-08