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 10, 2007

Ken I did not get the opportunity to work with you , saddley you were alraedy gone before I got there but I want you to know I felt your spirit there while I worked. I heard so many good things about you. Rest in Peace Brother God Bless You.

Officer Shane Pate
Federal Bureau of Prisons

August 13, 2007

Kenneth and I, served together in the Republic of Panama,
3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group. We called him "Wim" for short, he was a fine soldier and a good friend! When you lose someone with whom you've served with it is like losing a family member you always ask yourself, "Why!" I have come to the realization that all our days are numbered here on this earth and we don't have the luxury to choose when or how we leave. I truly believe that some leave this earth prematurely, but only God can explain that! (He has called Home, "A Fine Public Servant; A Great Husband and Father; One Hell-Of-A-Soldier and A Good Friend!") I'll See Ya, When I See Ya!!

Big Bob
Friend

June 18, 2007

Thank you for your service, you will never be forgotten! God bless the Wimberly family..

Ret. PO
City of Miami

October 5, 2006

By: Kenny Chesney

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
See your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe you're gone

It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing, no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today

Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Someday's the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know, I'll see you again someday

Someday, someday

M.L. Warren S.
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department

September 21, 2006

Every time a brother dies, thoughts return to you and how much you are missed by those that love you. We are doing well and hope you are proud of what we have accomplished since you've been gone. Take care of Detective Stepnowski as he begins this new journey.
Booyah!

Anonymous

June 30, 2006

It is hard to believe that this September will mark eight years since your death. I have served for so many years and yet that day changed my life. I will never look upon this job the same way again. You were one of the best officers I had the priveledge of knowing. You were always ready, you were so enthusiastic, and at times, a real mountain to lean on.I miss the big handshake that always ended in you pulling me up to you. I miss you, Ken.

Captain Dillard Hughes
Supervisor, Friend

June 30, 2006

You will always be in my mind and in my heart. I miss you now just as I missed you when you were taken away.

SO132

PO II SR D. Garner
Friend

June 29, 2006

every time i walk into the department i stand by your memorial.. i pay my respect and by now i know exactly where each of the items pictures are located out of my mind and you will be in our prayers

a citizen

June 28, 2006

Still think about you all the time big Wimberly. I can still hear you doing your Michael Jackson impression in admissions and then you would laugh so loud it would echo through the whole building. You were a good man and I don't know anyone we worked with who had a negative word to say about you. Should never have happened like it did.

Former Co-worker

May 13, 2006

Remembering Deputy Wimberly today.
There is a void in the lives of the families that can never be filled.
They are never forgotten especially the day that they died. They are always in our minds and hearts.

God bless.

Lorraine Bond (Mother)
Hamilton County Tn, Deputy Sheriff:
Donald K. Bond, Jr.
EOW: 09.06.01

September 22, 2005

It will be 7 years since your family lost you. I know their pain is still there and will be for as long as they walk this earth. Keep watch over them and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. You are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon

September 21, 2005

God bless you, your family, friends, and co-workers. Please continue to keep watch over all of them from above.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

March 16, 2005

~~~Eternally and Always~~~

I didn't get to say goodbye
You're gone without a reason why
I've loved you all of my life
and then you weren't there

I didn't get a chance to say
how much I cared
I can't even remember the tears
that I cried
All I really wanted was to tell you
Goodbye

When I last saw you I felt I wouldn't
see you again
There was a distance between us
that I couldn't explain
You wouldn't look
at me but I could see the tears
in your eyes
If you knew then
You should have told me
Then I could have said
Goodbye

So many words left unspoken
So many hearts left so broken
My love for you is forever
And that will never die
We'll be together always
Our souls are one with God
Eternally and Always
I'll never have to say
Goodbye

Anonymous

January 30, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 27, 2004

On this anniversary of your death, I want to remember you my friend. We still miss you, you will always be with us. Watch over us as we continue to do the work you died for. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today as we celebrate you and your life, not your untimly death.

September 22, 2004

Remembering you on the anniversary of your death. May God comfort
all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is difficult at times
and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He gives us many
beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our valleys. I pray you
will feel His presence and know His peace. God bless!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 22, 2003

It has been 5 years, but you and your family are still in our hearts and prayers. We miss you Ken!!!!

Anonymous

September 22, 2003

Happy 5th anniversary in Heaven. You and your sacrifice have not been forgotten. Your story is in my training book for every trainee to see and learn.

Dispatcher
Chattanooga, TN

September 22, 2003

BROTHER KEN, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNOW YOU.YOU ARE A HERO FOR SURE.I STILL REMEMBER THE DAY I MET YOU AND WE GOT SWORN IN TOGETHER AT G.C.S.O.
IN 1995.IT SEEMS LIKE A DAY DOESN'T GO BY WHEN I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU.YOU SHOWED ME SO MUCH,THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. JASON

CUSTOMS OFFICER JASON GREENE
U.S. CUSTOMS

It has been more than four years and the pain is still there. Every day I walk by the shadow box at the Sheriff’s department and I have to stop and place my hand on the glass. I miss you buddy. I miss your smile and your jokes. I wish I could have been with you that day. That must be the worst part, not being there when you needed someone. I pray for your family every night and I know I will see you again.

Anonymous

To our brother in blue may you rest in peace. Your family, friends, and co workers are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless

Officer D. Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for another" John 15:13
Thanks for all you taught me Ken, I'll never forget you. But until we meet again please watch over all of us down here.

Shane Pierce
Lawrenceville PD

IT IS GOING ON 4 YEARS AND THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DO NOT MISS WIMBERLY. WE STARTED AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TOGETHER. HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE THAT I MET, WHEN I MOVED TO THIS STATE IN 1994. A DEAR FRIEND, A WONDERFUL PERSON AND ABOVE ALL, A PARTNER YOU COULD DEPEND ON. KEN, YOU ARE TRULY MISSED...

DEPUTY SHERIFF Z. BYRAMS
GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

It has been 3 years now and I still miss you. You always appeared out of nowhere to back up other officers. You were like a Guardian Angel that appeared out of nowhere. There was no one there that fateful day, to back you up. To make your death even more painful, your murderer was given life with the possibility of parole, by a Judge whose life we protect. "He didn't feel right sentencing someone's entire life away." You were never given that option, Ken.
To our Gentle Giant - we miss your smile, we miss your happiness, we miss you. The world lost a son, a father, a friend and an incredible officer that wanted to help to world. You will NEVER be forgotten, my friend. You left an impression with everyone that you ever touched. You are in a far better place, now. A place that you deserve for every incredible thing that you did on this earth.
Until we meet again, take care, my friend

Anonymous