Trooper Russell W. Harper Missouri State Highway Patrol Missouri Sunday, February 8, 1987  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

At the Time Trooper Harper made the ultimate sacrafice I was the Fire Chief for the Pleasant View Fire Department. We were conducting training that sunday afternoon on a brand new set of the " Jaws of Life ". Of course we all had our vhf radios and scanners on as normal for members of the fire department. When we heard it sounded like a law enforcement officer had been killed we stopped all of our training to listen to the radio traffic. It was very somber afternoon from then on.. seemed like training took a backseat till we knew what was going on. We had at least 3-4 different area fire departments at the station and all basically said it would be ok if we postponed the training till another day. To this day every time my family and I pass by the intersection of FR189 and US Route 60 I cant help but thank of that day and what occured, as well as read the sign that was erected in Trooper Harpers name.

John D. Saunders, Telecomunicator
Springfield / Greene County 911
2009-03-01

Trooper Harper, every time I drive through Fordland, you are in my thoughts. Perhaps if they would have punished the man that caused you to make the ultimate sacrafice when he did the same to my uncle, you would still be here. I would have like to have met, and worked along side of you. My prayers are with you and your family, sir. Rest easy, brother. We have the watch now.

Blessed be the peace keepers, for they shall be called children of God.
Mathew 5:9

Deputy
TCSD, MO
2008-08-16

You and your family have my utmost respect. Please know you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace and may your family be proud.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol
2008-03-18

I, too, went to school in Osceola with the Harper boys. Russell's son, Brad was my best friend. I learned respect for law enforcement through Russell. To the Harper family and all others that stand in the Line of Duty: You remain in my families prayers each and every day. God Bless those who put their lives on the line to protect us, even as strangers.

Kurt Wallace
Friend of the Harper family
2008-01-05

I, too, went to school in Osceola with the Harper boys. Russell's son, Brad was my best friend. I learned respect for law enforcement through Russell. To the Harper family and all others that stand in the Line of Duty: You remain in my families prayers each and every day. God Bless those who put their lives on the line to protect us, even as strangers.

Kurt Wallace
Friend of the Harper family
2008-01-05

"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
2007-12-06

For many years this officer stood the watch... While some of us lay about at night, this officer stood the watch...
While others of us were attending schools and, yes, even before some of us were born, this officer stood the watch...As our families watched the storm clouds of war
brewing on the horizons of history, he stood the watch...
Often he would look around and see his family needed his guidance, but he knew he must stay because,he had the watch...For many years he stood the watch so that we
and our fellow citizens could sleep soundly in safety knowing that this officer would stand the watch.

Today we are here to say...
"The watch stands relieved..."
Relieved by those you have led, guided, and trained...


Friend
"You stand relieved...
We have the watch."

Sergeant Brian Sells
Republic Missouri Police Dept.

Sergeant Brian Sells
Republic Police Dept
2007-10-25

We still remember and you and your family are in our prayers. Hats off to our men and women who wear the uniform and pledge to serve and protect....you will never be forgotten....GOD BLESS your family and friends..May GOD give them the strength to continue on their daily path until the time comes for those paths to meet again..Standing on his Promise..

J. Lejeune MO Probation and Parole
Wife of MO. State Trooper
2007-03-14

Still not forgotten after 20 yrs. Your family will be in my prayers today on the anniversary of your EOW.
Melissa
wife of michigan leo

wife of a leo
2007-02-08

19 yrs. ago this day, never to be forgotten. God Bless the Harper family.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD (Fla)
2006-02-08

Trooper Harper, rest in peace. We will never forget you.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!... Come and share your master's happiness."

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

2005-02-23

Justice served.
Rest In Peace.

Police Officer
C.P.D. ILLINOIS
2004-02-07

I have just received a retirement announcement from one of my Patrol recruit class members and that made me think of the Patrol members who will never be allowed that priviledge. Trooper Russ Harper and Trooper Hank Bruns, both classmates of mine have made the ultimate sacrifice and will never enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best to make the world a better place, and that you can now go home and leave it with somebody else. I miss both of them terribly even though its been 15 years since they both departed this world.

Ret. Sergeant J. W. Burford
Missouri State Highway Patrol

I went to school with Trooper Harper's sons in Osceola. I was in the Navy when he died. I've-been on the Memphis Police Dept. since 1990. Russ's murder always sticks in my mind whenever I make a traffic stop, and I try to make an impression on my Trainees to get out of our squad car before the person we're stopping does, using Russ as an example of what can happen at any time. I often think of Russ and his family, and I pray God gives them peace of mind, and comfort. God Bless!!!

Patrolman Brad Holland
Memphis Police Department