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

February 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 13, 2008

We still miss you Becky. You were the heart and soul of your family and the love of Tommy's life. Many out here do not know you but I consider it a treasure to have served with you and Tommy. Rest in peace. I now God has a special place in Heaven for angels such as you.

Bobby Grigar

Deputy R.C. (Bobby) Grigar
Harris SO

January 7, 2008

It has been 8 years since your were called away. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

February 13, 2007

It has been over 8 years since your tour of duty ended. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 21, 2006

Dearest Becky,
We knew each other from the beginning. We started the department together and quickly became friends. We went to the academy together and you inspired me so much. You were there for me and my children, who love you dearly. You are such a wonderful friend. I often think about you. You left me with so many wonderful memories of our career and friendship.I will always love you and never will I forget you.

Detective Diane Melroe
Harris County Sheriff's Office

February 17, 2006

Deputy Shaw,

Now, eight years after your untimely passing, we take time to honor your memory. Thank you for your service, your dedication to the people of Harris County, and to the State of Texas.

May your family find peace today, and I hope they know your memory will never be forgotten by your fellow brothers and sisters in uniform.

Grace and peace to you, Deputy. We salute you.

Patrolman John S. Griggs
Pueblo Police Dept, Pueblo, CO

February 13, 2006

Rest in peace my sister in blue. May God bless your family.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

February 13, 2006

Officer Shaw,
When you left, you left a beautiful daughter named Joy. Thank you for her. Knowing her and working with her at the Harris County Sheriff's Office was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had my oldest child 2 days after her youngest and I know how proud you were of her babies, your babies. Thanks for all the lives you have touched even now almost 8 years later. God bless you and your family.

Corrections Officer Wendy Crawley
Salt Lake County Sheriff's Officer

April 15, 2005

Dear Deputy Shaw,

I believe I was directed to this website for a reason. I am confined to our home because of failing health and was beginning to think I had no purpose left on this earth. And, in a strange way, God saw my depression and brought me to you. Now I collect angels in heaven who can pray for me as I pray for them. You see, our son recently lost his partner in an auto rollover and this was our first experience loosing a hero while in the line of duty. Now I check this site daily and make sure to add all you special angels to my prayer list.

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. May your family find comfort and peace in God's mercy and grace. Rest well dear one. We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Kern County Deputy Sheriff

September 28, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 15, 2004

Gone but never forgotten... Rest in Peace- Sister in Blue
May your Family, Fellow Deputies, and Friends Have Peace in their Hearts...

Officer Debra S. McFall
East Buffalo Twp P.D. Lewisburg, Pa.

March 27, 2004

Becky, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 21, 2004

Your memory will be in our hearts forever.

Cadet Berry
LIT Regional Police Academy