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 29, 2008

Larry,

Its been 26 years today. I know your watching over us, but I just wanted to let you know that we are still remembering you... Today the Department is gathering at your memorial to place a wreath in your rememberance. Thank you Larry for your service.

OFFICER
CITY OF COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 5, 2007

Thanks for your service to our city. Men like you will never be forgotten.

Former Columbia Police Explorer
US Navy

April 2, 2006

without police officers like him this would be a sorry world.job done,R.I.P. a friend of roy sellers.

H.Winch.
retired paramedic,kent u.k.

January 10, 2006

Larry, you are a true hero. I never had the pleasure to meet you, but someday we will meet on that great patrol watch in heaven. God speeed my brother.

Sgt. B. Franklin 176
Maury County Sheriff Dept.

August 12, 2005

I worked for Columbia Police Dept. from 1999-2003. I was part of the Honor Guard Unit, and every year, for four years, myself and 13 other officers paid tribute to Ofc. Whitwell at his memorial spot located at Woodland Park. I was very honored to be a part of the unit and even more honored to take place in honoring this POLICE HERO!!!!! Stay Strong!!!

Ofc. Lucian Johnson
Rexburg Police Dept. Rexburg Idaho

November 22, 2003

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Citizen of Columbia, Tennessee

thank you for the time you gave as an officer. may you rest in peace!

911 dispatcher

That awful night of April 5, 1981, the citizens of our city lost a very brave officer, husband, daddy and friend. He gave his life protecting people he didn't even know. May you walk with the LORD in heaven, Larry, and watch over all the brave men and women of the Columbia Police Department. Thanks for a job well done and the ultimate sacrifice you made!

Friend and co-worker