Sacramento Police Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, August 3, 1974
Reflections for Detective Doyle Allen Popovich
Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 3, 2020
Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
August 3, 2018
Detective Popovich, thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero.
anon
none
August 4, 2017
Rest in Peace, Detective Popovich. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
January 21, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
August 4, 2009
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 DXetective Popovich.
Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 17, 2008
Pete,
My surprise when I saw you being honored on the Past Officers. Still think about the day you were killed, it was quite a shock, still can't believe it's true.
Former CHP #4465
Lt. Gary Carriger, Retired
Sacramento District Attorney's Office
January 31, 2008
You have been gone for 33 years and in that time the world has changed so much. I have been a cop for 13 years and I am still amazed that still more of us fall. Though we are not related, I felt a bond with you when I found your name. Know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten and we remember you, now and always. Watch over the rest of us still walking the beat. Thank you for being an inspiration to the rest of us in law enforcement.
Ofc. Terri Popovich
Orlando Police Department
October 22, 2007
"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
September 20, 2007
Pete, (Doyle) I think of you every time I log onto this website. The last time I saw you and Jerry it was the day before you were killed. I can't believe it has been it has been 33 years ago that you left us. I had the pleasure of playing softball with your brother, Don. He really loved you. Still think of you.
Former CHP #4465
Lt. Gary Carriger, Retired
Sacramento District Attorney's Office
August 4, 2007
you died on the day i was born and i dedicated my career to your life. As one officer leaves this earth another is brought in.
Matthew Hill
Lincoln, AL Police Department
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