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

October 8, 2007

I have only heard great things about you,but never got to see you or talk to you before you were taken away.Your two grandsons and I are very proud to have had a Policeman for a grandfather and a Father.May your soul rest in peace.
Your only son,Kieth

Brian Kieth Barkwell
only son

June 2, 2007

I wish I could have known you, but you were taken too soon. I know that you are looking down on me and your beautiful granddaughter and loving it! I miss you and always love you, Dad. Keep us safe!

Sabrina
Daughter

March 7, 2007

I am his widow and still miss him very much. We have a 14 month old grand-daughter and another due any day now. He would be proud of the way his children have turned out.His grand-daughter is beautiful. I look at her and see her Mom, She was 2 years old at his death and it sure brings back memories. He was loved by many and is a legend to all who knew him. He was a great police officer and loved his job so much. We Love and miss you.
Linda (Wife)

LINDA BARKWELL

March 4, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

June 19, 2006

Officer Barkwell,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection, "No fallen officer should go without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Atlanta.
R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
Anonymous

January 4, 2005