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

July 25, 2007

Jeff,

As we pay tribute to you today, our hearts hang a little heavier. We all go on with our busy lives, but you are never far from our mind and you are always in our hearts. I miss you my friend; not only because we worked together, but because the world is a little less bright with you gone. We’ll raise a glass at the local watering hole in your honor knowing that you’re smiling down on us!

688
Flagstaff PD

June 21, 2007

Jeff,
It's your 7 year anniversary since your life was taken in the line of duty. I find it hard to believe that you have been gone for 7 years. So much has changed. Your boys have grown and by now are beginning to know who their Dad was and what a great man he was both on duty and off. I know they will miss you come time for baseball and all that Dad's do with their sons. God bless you Jeff. Miss you.

June 21, 2007

G-d bless you and your loved ones.

June 21, 2007

Jeff,
I can't believe you have been gone for almost 7 years. Seems just like yesterday we were having code 7. I miss you and think of you often as do so many. I wonder how your boys are and if they know how much their Dad meant to so many. I can't beleive your gone. I miss you.

June 13, 2007

I knew Jeff in High School - 20 years ago. I went on to work for a Judge in Florida - and couldn't believe when I heard Jeff had been killed. He was a wonderful person - always smiling, always positive, and always wanted to do the right thing - even as a teenager! I have a 7 year old daughter now, and cannot imagine the emptiness left in his family since he's been gone. Having worked for a Circuit Court Judge who presides over felony cases, I was nervous when the Clark was declared incompetent. I am glad that he was convicted and it was upheld. I wanted to leave this message so Jeff's wife, and parents, and brother will know that he left an impression on more people than you will ever know, even before he became a police officer. I also wanted fellow officers to know that the sacrifice you make every day to protect, honor and serve your communities, neighbors, friends, and families is appreciated by those of us who benefit from it. Thank you, Jeff, I will always remember you with fondness, and will always remember your wife, parents, brother, and sons in my prayers.

Cortney Menendez
friend

May 7, 2007

Jeff- Hello again my friend, it is funny how many times i come here seeing your smiling face and wonder what could have been. I see you and the man you were and can only hope i too am viewed the same way. God, knows as do you i have made mistakes, but know that each day i strive to be a good, honest, caring man as you were. Seven years is coming fast, but it shall pass with a cold beer in honor of you and a warm feeling in our hearts as we honor the man you were. Please know, you my friend shall never ever be forgotten now matter how many years it has been or will be.

May 3, 2007

Hey Jeff. Just wanted to say Hello. My husband is in Bagdad now. I miss your family since I moved away.
I think about Stacy. I think about Ben, Mom and Pop. Watch over them like you do.

Anonymous.

April 29, 2007

Jeff,

You may have lost your battle, but you are still winning the war.

Rest in peace my friend.

"Eric Clark will not be granted a new trial, says a Coconino County Superior Court Judge. In a ruling handed down Thursday afternoon, Judge Dan Slayton denied Clark his petition for "post-conviction relief" on grounds raised by Clark's new defense attorney."

Rick
CCSO

March 17, 2007

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

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

Happy Birthday my friend!!!!!! Hope your enjoyed the treat left for you!!!

December 23, 2006

Jeff- This holiday season brings with it another one of your birthdays. As always on midnight of the 23rd we shall meet at your rock on Gillenwater. A favorite beverage of yours shall be poured out for you, as well as a pinch of hagen, "don't tell staci." You are missed my friend, and know not a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers. I have a son now who has been to meet you and has already learned of the man you were, sorry he has no clue yet, but someday he shall know. Thanks for guding us my friend and looking over our shoulders each and every day.

December 5, 2006

It has been 6 years since your tour of duty ended. I can not believe that the individual that caused all this pain that will be felt by those that love you, especially your children, only received 25 years for what he has done. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. I know they are all proud of you. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 13, 2006

Your killers case is being reviewed by my graduate school class, and I am pleased to agree that his conviction was upheld. Your legacy will not be forgotten.

Officer
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

July 31, 2006

Jeff,
You are not forgotten.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Arizona’s law on the insanity defense is not too restrictive in limiting evidence defendants can present at trial. By a 6-3 vote, justices affirmed the murder conviction of Eric Clark.

Rick
CCSO

June 30, 2006

Jeffrey,

I still find myself thinking about you after 6 years. You can still make me smile. Life really didn't turn out the way we thought it would. I thank God every day that we had our friendship. There are so many things I would like to share with you I hope your kids know the impact you made on the lives of others. I miss you.
You really did have a great smile and a warm heart.

anonymous
friend

June 22, 2006

Jeff,
Here I sit at work on the anniversary of your death. Seems like the past 6 years just flew by. I think about and miss you all the time. I wish you were still here so we could chat like old times. I have not forgotten you my friend. I treasure all the good times and will visit you on the mountain soon. Rest my Friend, till next time.

Flagstaff PD Retired
Friend

June 21, 2006

You live on because it is obvious that you are remembered with love and respect.

June 21, 2006

Jeff,

Almost 6 years now since that fatal night and it still seems like yesterday we were working together south. I haven't seen your boys but I'm sure there growing everday and look more like their dad all the time. I know someday they will come to learn what a special man and father you were. I miss you everyday and look forward to seeing you again. Alot has changed in the City, but one thing that will never change, is your memory. Always in my thoughts.

FPD Retired
Friend

June 7, 2006

hey buddy every time i get down about what goes on at work or am tired, i come here to see you. seeing you and the effort you put forth everyday for the citizens of our community reminds me why i became an officer. i thank you for impacting me everyday at work. tonight while at work i shall pass your rock and as we all do put my lights on in honor of you and what you gave to us. god speed jeff!!!

April 21, 2006

Coming up on six years now, still feeling the sting of our loss. I come here from time to time, just to remember you, Jeff. That picture is a perfect example of your 1000-watt grin that I miss so much.
Coming here is like a reunion, of sorts. Everyone I used to work with up north has been here, and said beautiful things about this wonderful man. Through all the places I've worked, and agencies I've worked with, I still have not met an officer as professional, and as pleasant to work with. I still tell your stories, Smilin' J.
I still go to Flagstaff frequently to visit my "home". Every time I drive by that neighborhood, I look up the hill and think about you. But I have not been able to go up that hill. I'll be up north again soon. Maybe I can do it this time.
We will all see each other again. In the meantime, please watch over us. Sit on every Rookie's shoulder. Admire every seasoned Veteran's antics. Bring calm and steady hand to every Dispatcher and Jail Officer. And Justice will be done.

E14
Chandler Police Dept

April 1, 2006

Jeff - I witnessed the very sad funeral today for an officer killed in the line of duty from Las Vegas. I can't help but think of you and how saddened the whole community was when you left us. I knew you for many years, even before you were an officer. My greatest hope for you is that your two precious boys will know what a wonderful, happy and courageous man you were. Rest in Peace Jeff.

Saddened friend

February 7, 2006

jeff, today i stumbled upon this area of reflection, and realized just how much you are still missed today. not a day goes by that you are not thought of by many and missed by all who knew you. you were truly a friend to all that had the opportunity to know you. please know that your legacy remains, as the officers in the flagstaff police department pass on your stories and name to those who never had the chance to know you or work with you. many a locker of rookies bare your name from the wall in washington, to remind them that each day they go out, you too are looking over them. god speed my friend and i await the day to share a cold one with you....

January 29, 2006

Jeff was my FTO for my first phase right out of the academy. We had such a great time and I learned so much from him. He was a great officer and is greatly missed. I can't believe it has been five years...It seems like it was just yesterday that I was talking to him. Jeff, you are always in my thoughts and I will never forget you. You have had such an impact on my life and I thank you for that.

Former Flagstaff Officer

October 20, 2005

Jeff will live on in my memories of he and I kayaking and laughing together. He is an amazing man who passed his traits onto others.
I miss you, Jeff.
Dave

Dave Shoob
Jefferson County Schools

October 19, 2005