Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 7, 2008

David,
I am now a retired military officer after 20 yrs service. I have honored you, your service, and your sacrifice proudly in our James River High School Class of 1981 25th Reunion slideshow, held 19Aug06 at the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs. You are sadly missed.

Lt Col Eric Claunch, USAF (ret)
High School classmate

August 17, 2006

I was only five when my uncle died, my cosine and I were very close as children. I can remember how much it hurt my family. It changed alot of us. I think of him every day reminded by other police men that risk there lives for us. We will always miss you uncle David.

Keysha Hale
David's niece

June 21, 2006

Remembering you on this the 20th Anniversary of your tragic death. My prayers today will be offered for you and your family. God Bless.

Anne (Civilian UK)

April 12, 2006

You will have left us 20 years ago this April 12th. I miss you as much today as I did the day you left us. You will never be forgotten. You will always be our BABY BOY.

Linda Kelly Sister of David

April 7, 2006

Knew Officer Rickman (David) well. Was and still is an outstanding person, peer, fellow Soldier/ Paratrooper, Military Police Officer, Mentor and Friend.

Thanks for everything you did and rest assured everything you taught me is still being used today.

MSG Collier
Fort Bragg Law Enforcement Center

March 23, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 12, 2005

I'm in the application process in the city with the agencey that you gave your life for. I see you picture everytime I go there and just wanted to say thank you. You are not forgotten.

March 28, 2005

Although I never knew Officer Rickman, I felt I did because of how other Officers talked about him. Everyone spoke very highly of this fine man and COP.

Officer Rickman made the ultimate sacrafice for Roanoke. Thank you Officer Rickman for everything you did.

R.H. McNiff
Roanoke City PD

January 9, 2004