Vinton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio
End of Watch Sunday, August 30, 1970
Reflections for Sheriff Harold A. Steele
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I am 40 yrs old, born on the date of your murder. I have been in law enforcement for the past 14 1/2 years. I have taken pride in my work and removing felons from our streets. When I think about those that blazed the trail long before me, I hope I make them proud. You are a WARRIOR, we are Warriors. God Bless you sir.
Lt TDW
ADOC SRP
March 28, 2011
Sheriff Steele,
On today, the 38th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Vinton County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
August 30, 2008
"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 8, 2008
I often stop by this site in memory of some fellow members of my husband's department. Today, your memorial came up.
I hope that your family, friends and co-workers have found peace and comfort in the knowledge that you now patrol the streets of heaven, honored and cherished as all law enforcement officers should be while they patrol here on earth.
Rest well, warrior. Your brothers and sisters will walk the thin blue line in your honor until we all meet in Heaven.
APD LEO Wife
November 9, 2006
You are gone but never forgotten. Rest easy, brother.
Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
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