Trooper John R. Clinton South Carolina Highway Patrol South Carolina Tuesday, May 24, 1983  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
2007-10-09

"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

John just to let you know it like yesterday you were here and I for one missed the things we did at work and off..We had a great time..I will all ways think of you..May God Bless you..

Sgt. E. C. Butch Liles
SCHP
2006-06-19

Trooper Clinton you are a hero and are still remembered twenty-three years after the end of your watch. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2006-05-24

I remember when you used to go to the Wagon Wheel in Fort Lawn to eat while you were working. You were a great guy. I am sure your family misses you a great deal.

2006-01-12

Rest In Peace, Your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.
2004-11-15

I work with someone you were playing cards with a few days before this happened, and he speaks highly of you, both as an officer and as a person. I appreciate the sacrifice you made.

Patrolman
Fort Mill Police Department
2004-08-28

JOHN, IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. AFTER WORKING IN MCBEE AND JEFFERSON AROUND THAT MANY YEARS, PLACES YOU WORKED WHILE IN CHESTERFEILD COUNTY, PEOPLE STILL TALK ABOUT YOU AND IT IS ALL GOOD TALK. NO DOUBT YOU WERE A GOOD TROOPER. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS. YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. HOPE SOMEDAY TO MEET AND SEE YOU IN HEAVEN.

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