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

November 12, 2007

We pause to honor the memory of Officer Sanderson and to acknowledge his ultimate sacrifice.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his surviving family members. May God comfort and keep each of you.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL

February 8, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 9th anniversary of your EOW. Justice was finally served in your case but that does not mend the broken hearts of your loved ones. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 29, 2007

I was honored to have known Sande when we were stationed together at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Fl. Sande was a fine cop and even greater friend. Rest in Peace Sande, you are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

January 29, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Sanderson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

September 25, 2006

I knew Sande from my membership in Lodge 1 of the FOP in Birmingham and from working off-duty at a bar, on his beat, on Southside. Sande was a FINE man. He loved his family dearly. I left the Birmingham Police Department and was working for another department when I heard the news. Police officers are supposed to be 'tough' and not show their emotions...I remember tears welling in my eyes and running down my cheeks as I was working. The Birmingham Police Department lost a fine officer; I lost a friend; and society lost a dedicated, responsible, and honest citizen. Most tragic, however, his family lost a dad and a husband. Sandy, your reputation carries on. [Steve]

Lieutenant Steve Lampley
Retired

May 19, 2006

As part of the Task Force that worked in W/NC for 2.5 yrs, I never met Sande, just the aftermath the incident surrounding his death caused. I met his wife only once, as she visited the Cammand Post in Andrews, NC. However, I spoke with her on several occassions, mostly between the hours of 12 Midnight and 6 A.M. as I worked a shift in the CP. I know she had to be fighting the loneliness and the deamons surrounding the death of Sande. I hope with the capture and plea of ERR, that everyone can now find peace and closure. The place that ERR will likely end up...will one of which he can relate...a mountain side where once again, he will have no meaningful human contact. Maybe then he too can reflect, one long day after another of what a waste it all was, and what a failure he is...as to mission...and life! Sande died, not for what he believed...but for being the person who was able to do a tought job...seperate personal from professional beliefs. He was attempting to provide for a family he leaves behind.

Senior Inspector DUSM Steve Graves
U.S. Marshals Service

April 15, 2005

Sandy was always the first to you if you needed him. He saved my life one night on I-459 while I was wrestling with a drunk. I just remember feeling a strong hand pull me and the drunk out of the road just before an 18 wheeler passed where we had been. Well letting the weasel who murdered him cop a plea is just not right. He needs to be strapped down and injected. I still love you brother and miss you every day.

Deputy W. L. Cope
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

April 10, 2005

I just discovered this site today. I worked with Sande at South Precinct. He was a good friend and I still miss him. We worked some long nights together and he was a goog officer. You are gone, but not forgotten. Sande, they have the person in the County jail but they won't let us have him to apply real justice. Farewell until later.

Officer Lynn (Goose) Nixon
City of Birmingham, AL

June 21, 2004

Rest in peace my friend, and may God look after and bless your family in the years to come.

Ptl. Officer Jeff Postell
Murphy Police Department

February 2, 2004

Sandy, the suspect is behind bars brother....

Pfc. Eric S. Black
Cartersville Police Dept. Georgia

November 27, 2003

May the ruthless criminal responsible for this murder be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. Your service to your community is appreciated by all of us. May God bless you and the survivors of your family. Rest in peace brother.......

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

October 24, 2003

You can rest in peace now Officer Sanderson...we got the S.O.B!!!

Anonymous

I was attending a COPS Meeting in Orlando, Fl with police survivors, when I heard that your Killer was caught, it won't bring you back but, at least your family and co-workers will be glad that this "person" is not out on the street anymore.


To Officer Sanderson's family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio F. Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL, EOW 11/6/86

I was tremendously relieved, and proud to hear the news that your suspected murderer was caught.

I hope you realize that when a brother/sister Officer is murdered, that those of us in the law enforcement community will never stop hunting for the perpetrator(s).

Well sir, the hunt is over. We mourn your loss and thank you for your sacrifice.

At-ease, Officer. At-ease.

Officer M.A. Cipriani
Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office

I knew Robert Sandersen from the USAF Security Police days at Elmendorf, AFB in the early 1980's. He was a fine Law Enforcement specialist then and Im sure it continued once he returned to civilian life in Alabama as a Police Officer. In the military, he was the type of person you would want coming to your assistance on a "bad"call and I will always be proud to have served with him in the Air Force. I was happy to hear of the capture of the suspect today which will help the family start toward closure and healing. I know Sandersen's in heaven helping St. Peter guard the Gate and keeping it safe. Thanks,kc

trooper
north carolina hwy patrol

rest in peace! Your killer is caught.

Officer Sanderson,

It looks like they finally caught the maniac that took your life and hurt so many others. Your family never gave up hope that justice would be served and never gave up honoring you and your life. I hope this helps them find some peace.

A friend

Anonymous

In Memory ...

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us." - Jean Paul Richter

It's been five years today. You have gone on to a better place but your memory lives on. I know you are close to God now, but you will never be forgotten here on Earth. May God continue to bestow His blessings and love upon your wife, your child, your family and your friends.

Anonymous

I first met Sande in 1983 while stationed at Elmendorf AFB, AK. Sande always had a smile and kind word. His quick wit and sense of humor will be deeply missed. I have only just learned of his passing, and still feel a great loss. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends in Atlanta. May his spirit continue to guide you.

Lt. Tami Cokonougher
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Posse

You paid the ultimate price. Thank you for serving the great city of Birmingham. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

William

I only knew sandy for a short time in this short time i realized that sandy was a good officer willing to go the extra mile for any one,i met sandy by ridding with south prct.the thing that stiks out in my mind is that a week before he was killed sandy asked me to borrow 20 bucks so that he could play pin ball when he finished his extra job at a club we hung out at

bryant falls