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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 2, 2008

Frank, I never had the chance to say goodbye to you. You went out of your way to help the NCPD Narcotics Squad take down a major narcotic trafficker and illegal alien (rasta's) smuggler in 1979 and I will never forget your assistance and dedication. Thank you my friend...and goodbye

Detective George Freund
Nassau County Police Dept

April 27, 2007

Frank, my brother Dennis and I will never forget the good times we had in the Army Reserve together. I last saw you when you gassed up an unmarked car in my 105th Pct. Your straight forward wit and funny stories were legend. May you rest in eternal peace brother! I will never forget you. We will meet again at sundown.

P.O. Robert Conner (Retired)
NYPD

July 29, 2006

Officer Sledge,was and will always be a hero.You will never be forgotton by your brothers and sisters of the NYPD.Officers will visit your memorial page and thank you for your Police service. God bless you and your family,rest in peace my friend.

LT.CAROLLO
NYPD

May 19, 2006

Frank
26 years since that ttagic night.
Gone but not forgotten.
God bless!

TPF /SCU
NYPD-

January 26, 2006

RIP-one good cop!

NYPD-

September 16, 2005

I will never forget the night that my "Uncle Frank" was killed in the line of duty- it is still one of saddest memories.

Frank Sledge was a partner as well as a friend to my father in the 69th. I will never forget you and I know my father has never forgotten either.

May you rest in peace.

Kerri Duffy

Kerrin Duffy

September 29, 2004

YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK AND MISS YOU. LINDA, RICHARD AND CORINNE SLEDGE

July 26, 2004

06/10/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Sledge.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 10, 2004

I was in the US Army Reserves with Cecil. He was in the 99th Sig Bn. It was a 'blast' to work with him. He ran a tight ship as company Sgt. A great sense of humor. I think about him constantly and truly miss his funny stories. He died a terriable death. We'll meet again, I hope and share a beer and some of those laughs. You're not forgotten, my friend.

PO Dennis Conner Retired
NYPD

You did not die in vain. 23 years late you still survive through everyone who wears a badge. Rest easy and God bless your family.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)