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

March 3, 2008

i was working that night in port isabel,and remeber talking with you at our station. i was the first officer at scene with const rosales.i was a cop for approx month,and we visited alot. i thought wow a trooperand better a great man. your death almost ended my career,but you memory kept me going.i was in washington dc,and traced your name from the wall,along with another dear lost freind."david" you did texas proud,and was the ultimate trooper.i am retired from michigan law enforcement,and i still have those bad memories of that night,but knowing your safe takes care of it, and to the dirt bag dope dealer,remember god had the last say,and im sure your not in a cool place.it's sad to think that our lives aren't worth alot to alot of the public, as we are lumped in with the disgraceful ones. you will alway be remembered by me,along with another fellow fallen officer steven ruther milan police,milan michigan. god's past your torch to another line of defenders. tom peters muskegon michigan

retired dep/michigan/frmr port isabel po
port isabel police 1981-1985

March 2, 2008

I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your tragic and brutal murder. Thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May all your family & friends take comfort in knowing you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten! The slime ball that murdered you was a cop hater in the worst way, and I am glad that TX put an end to his reign of terror in 1993 at Hunstville!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 7, 2007

I was in Los Fresnos Texas visiting my parents the day you were killed. I heard the shots fired that ultimately caused the death of the Los Fresnos Police officer who stopped your killer. I attended your funeral and cryed as the poem you wrote was read in church. I have always remembered you and your sacrafice. It carried through the remainder of my career. God bless you and your family.

Retired Sergeant Richard S. Bond
Florida Highway Patrol

February 22, 2007

I knew David Rucker, he was always professional and polite.
But I also remember how David and James Turner used to joke and laugh so much! I think of you often you have never been forgotten. Thanks for the support and encouragment when my family needed it the most. When James fell on the line of duty, I was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, her name is Jamie. To your family, my deepest regrets. I know the pain. God Speed David.
Madel Turner-O'Neil

Madel turner O'Neil
friend

August 21, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

June 19, 2006

I knew David when I was a rookie officer in Brownsville, Tx. I would often see him at the Cameron Co. Jail. He was always nice to me and was always trying to get me to join the DPS. He was murdered shortly after I left Texas in July of 1981 to become a police officer in Huntsville, Al. I think of him often and remember how much I enjoyed his company. God bless you David.

Patrolman Mark Hastings
Huntsville Police Dept., Al

May 26, 2006

Daddy,

You must have known in your heart that you would not be with us for long because you filled us with enough love to last a lifetime. I miss you so very much. Love, Christy

Christy Rucker Ferrara
daughter

December 23, 2005

Today, on the 24th anniversary of the passing of Trooper David Rucker I would like for the family to know that he will forever be remembered as a true American hero.....thanks in part to the ODMP.
May God keep safe from harm the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety. They are among the best that law enforcement has to offer.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas (Retired)

September 29, 2005

TO MY DADDY, WHO I MISS VERY MUCH. I LOVE YOU AND AM VERY PROUD TO BE YOUR DAUGHTER.

DEBRA RUCKER

DEBRA RUCKER
DAUGHTER

April 29, 2005

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

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 29, 2004

Rest in peace brother.

Dep. Eric Thoresen
Marion County Sheriffs Office

May 31, 2004