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 8, 2008

Doug, another year has gone by, Varinia and I think about you often. My boys are growing and they remember you and ask questions about you. I talked to your mom and dad the other day. They sounded good, but they sure miss you. Well friend I just wanted to let you know that you are not fogotten.

Alan

Investigator Alan L. Lewis
Friend/SOCF

May 24, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 9, 2006

Thanks for all the interesting police stories when I was little. I'll never forget the day my dad told me you were gone. Rest in peace, friend.

Steven Biars

July 31, 2006

Doug, Thanks for the memories. It has hard to believe you have been gone for 8 years and the community still misses you. Every time I hear Rose Colored Glasses I remember you singing it in the middle of your living with the stereo turned up as loud as it goes. God Bless and Rest in Peace

Former Patrolman Keith Hammond
Portsmouth Police OH

May 15, 2006

Doug, its been 8 years today. We still miss you. We still talk about all the good times we had. The chases and arresting the "bad guys". You were always there when an officer called for help. You were a great cop and an even better friend. We miss you 7303....

Investigator Alan L Lewis
Southern Ohio Correctional Facility

May 9, 2005

Every time I check this site I try to read a tragedy that has happened to a fellow officer. Sir, you will not be forgotten..rest well.

Tpr D McGuckin
Michigan State Police # 38

November 22, 2004

I had the honor of knowing and working with Doug since 1981. He was a real cop, and a good friend. He will never be forgotten.

Alan L Lewis, Investigator
SOCF

September 30, 2003

me and my father were friends with captain conley for many,many,many,years.
it was so sad when he died .
my dad was supposed to be with captain conley on the night of his death but conley told my dad not to go because another officer needed to go with him.
well this is all i can say and i hope his legacy lives on in everybodies hearts.

asa bentley
none

I had known Capt. Conley since I was young, many nights my father and I were at his house helping him work on the crusiers. When he was killed in the wreak I was in High School and wasnt on the Dept so I didnt get to know him on a personal level like his other co-workers did, but the time that I did get to know him I am grateful for he was a good guy and is sadly missed by many people. He had alot of friends both here on the Sheriffs Office and on the Porter Fire Dept. which I hear people telling stories about him and how much fun he was to run with as well as work with. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends.

Dispatcher Phil Duncan
Scioto County Sheriffs Office

As our uniform is the same, you will always remain. Never forgotten, rest easy brother.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

Working with Captain Conley was always a pleasure and a learning experience. He had ways to take something difficult and making it simple (and usually comical to learn or comprehend. I will not forget Captain Conley and will always remember him as one of the best supervisors I have worked with.

Anonymous