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

August 20, 2007

Sir, I remember when you were my Chief back in Calexico. I have taken over your post since July/2000. We proudly hang your photo and a plaque in your honor.

It was an honor serving you and another honor holding your office. You are a tough act to follow, sir...RG

Chief Reggie Gomez
Calipatria Police Department

April 20, 2007

you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the good people of calipatria. thank you

officer Feliciano
calipatria police

April 17, 2007

To the family of Chief Speer,

My father worked for Chief Speer when he was Sheriff of Imperial County, I was only a small boy at the time but I still remember the stories my dad told me over the years and I still remember Sheriff Speers smile and oddly enough the color of the election signs we would paint (blue and gold). May you rest and peace and you are not forgotten.

2LT Tom Carnes III
United States Army, Military Police

May 22, 2006

Leonard,

It’s been almost ten years and I think of you every day. For the first few years of my law enforcement career, you taught me and guided me. You molded me into the Police Officer I am today, I am forever grateful.

I came to work for you, hundreds of miles from my home and family. You became my family and helped me to make Calipatria home, I am forever grateful.

Now, I have twelve years on the job. Even today, when faced with a stressful situation in the field, I think to myself, what would Leonard do?

Thank you my friend, you are missed and loved. Rest in peace.

James Yesford, Police Officer
Mohave County, AZ

April 21, 2006

To Chief of Police James Leonard Speer and all his loved ones:

On this the eighth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out all of your family. You all remain in our thoughts and our prayers. Zandra, you have so much to be proud of with both of your parents who safegaurded so many others.

Reading the loving reflections about your beloved James gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends. I don't know if the creators of this web site ever envisioned how many of us would communicate with each other, and with our angels through these reflection pages. But we do and I find such comfort in it.

Chief Speer, for forty years you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Chief Speer. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Chief Speer gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 10, 1998.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 14, 2006

Chief Speer thank you for your many years of service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother. May God bless you and your family.

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

April 10, 2006

Chief James Leonard Speer was my daddy! I want to thank those of you who took the time to leave such wonderful reflections!!!! You have truly touched my heart!!!

My dad, along with his wife Sergeant Evelyn Speer, were quite the team. We lost mom September 2004.

Mom and Dad are together again. Like they should be. Like they have been since they were in Junior High.

They will always be my heroes!!!! They loved me, sacrificed for me, encouraged me and gave me the best of everything!!!

I miss them!!! I miss their laughter, their hugs, their kisses, their touch, their voices!! They truly did make a mark for themselves in this world.

They watch over us now, together. Love Never Dies....

Thank you!!!!!
Zandra (Forever Daddy's baby)

daughter, Zandra Speer Pendleton
my mom and dad Calipatria, CA Imperial Valley

April 4, 2006

Chief Speer,
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. My dad worked with you years ago when you were both at Calexico PD. He has told me that you were a good man and I believe it. I'm sure you had my dad's back on an occassion or two and because of that he is still here to tell me what a great guy you were. Thanks for being there. You are missed.

Det. Michael Chesley
Edmond, Ok. Police Department

May 21, 2005

Thanks Chief, you will not be forgotten. My prayers will be with you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

February 27, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, April 10, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Chief of Police James Leonard Speer who died in the line of duty on this date six years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Chief Speer's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

April 10, 2004

Chief Speer....no fallen officer on the ODMP should be without a reflection. Thank you for your service & God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

April 9, 2004