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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 5, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero to us all. GOD bless your family and continue to watch over them. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 17, 2008

You are missed so much Lee! You were a good man who loved his family. God Bless You and your family. Rest in Peace.

Wanda Ryan, Reserve Deputy
Reeves County SO

February 4, 2008

To Lee's family, friends and the Ward County Sheriff's Department:

I just recently learned of Lee's death when his mother passed away. I went to school with Lee in El Paso Texas and my parents knew both of his parents. Lee was the best friend anyone of us could have had. He always spoke of becoming a law enforcement officer and we all knew he would make a difference. I read all of the comments regarding Lee, and each one who wrote was touched by his generosity and kindness, as were each of his friends here in El Paso. I pray that God watches over his family, children and the Ward County Sheriff's Department. No matter how much time passes, the loss is still felt and the pain of the loss just becomes more bareable, but never goes away. I am a better person for knowing Lee Russ.

Katherine Brieden
High School and Family Friend

November 8, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is pleased that you were able to serve justsice on your own behalf.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 29, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Russ on the anniversary of his passing.
May God continue to bless you all. Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 29, 2007

Today is the 6th anniversary of 9/11, and the 7th anniversary of your death will be coming up soon. Though I miss you terribly, part of me is glad that you did not have to see the horrors of that day, 9/11/01, because I know that it would have broke your heart. You remain in my thoughts, always. I miss you.

September 11, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 20, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 6th anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten.

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

October 29, 2006

So happy this man met his match in you! Even though
you no longer live to bring joy to others, he no longer
lives to bring pain to others. Thank you for your service,
your sacrifice and your good aim.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 29, 2006

This is one of the most heroic events I have read on this site. I hope not only your department honors you but also the entire county of Ward Texas. God Speed Fellow Brother!!

Former Jackson Police Officer MS

October 29, 2006

I wanted to let Jason know that he is not alone. There are many of us Blue Star family members out here. Keep your Dad's memory alive and never let him be forgotten. Those that love him will never let him be forgotten, nor will the Blue Family ever forget him. Your Dad was a true hero and heroes never die. I ask that your Dad wrap his wings around all of his loved ones and help them with their grief and protect them in their daily lives. Know one knows why our loved ones have been taken from us, but that will be one of the first questions I ask when I get there, WHY.

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

Bob Gordon

July 15, 2006

Father,

I know now how you felt. All that we love is taken from us. Why do we walk this road alone, father?

- Jason Russ

Jason Russ
Son

June 20, 2006

Your daughter left a reflection for my friend Officer Courtney Dickerson who was killed in an auto accident, so I thought I'd leave one for u. You left behind 3 kids who need you, so watch over them & keep them safe. And if you don't mind since u been there longer show Courtney the ropes! He's a real sweetie so ya'll should get along fine. May u both RIP.....

friend of fallen hero E.O.W. 11/11/05

January 9, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Russ , and his fellow officers with the Ward County Sheriff's Dept:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Deputy Russ was brutally murdered five years ago. His dedication and valor will never be forgotten. No person could have exhibited more bravery than Deputy Russ did the night his life was so unjustly taken.

Our family grieves with you and for you.
We share your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

May you continue to be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. There are many who will always be with you each step of the painful journey you face. To his children, I am sure your father is as proud of you and your accomplishments as you are of him.


This refection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Russ gave to his community as a law enforcement officer, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 29, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept, eow 4/24/05

October 30, 2005

Daddy,
It's hard to believe how much has changed since you were taken from us. I wish you could be here to see the people that I, Jason and Ben have become. From that day, when I was just in junior high, to today, a college student, you have been and will be my inspiration and my hero. I hope that you would be proud of me, because I am so proud of you. I love you so much and will see you again someday.

Miranda

October 30, 2005

Lee Russ was onew of the finest people that I have ever known. He and Mikel Strickland taught me a lot as a young police officer. May god truly bless you as you watch over us from heaven.

Lt. Joe B. Hoard III
Gray County Sheriff Dept.

October 22, 2005

Lee,

You were my friend and my family's friend.

You were also my Brother in Blue.

You have now gone to God's House to join our friend-Dave. Hopefully, your both enjoying a good poker game together. You've earned it.

Please protect us and be our guardian angel as we protect others.

Rest in Peace

Paul Boothe
McKinney Police Department

June 21, 2004

Lee;
You were my first training officer when I started at the Sheriff's Department. You were always in a good mood, smiling, whistling, or humming. I will never forget your beaded seatcover in your patrol car and the rope on your gear shifter that you always fidgeted with while patrolling. It was an honor to work with you and a blessing to know you. You will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Donnie Taber

Dective Sergeant Donnie Taber 166
Malvern Police Department

May 13, 2004

Lee,
You are missed and will never be forgotten. You will be in the hearts of all that knew and loved you forever.
We miss and love you!

Anonymous

March 9, 2004

I knew Lee most of my life growing up in Ward Co. Lee always had a smile for anyone he met on duty or off. He spent a great deal of his time talking with me and my friends either giving sound advice or just catching up on the latest news. One valuable lesson that Lee taught me at an early age was that each and every person deserves to be treated fairly no matter what side of the law that they were on. Lee was one of the greatest influences on me becoming a law enforcement officer....I only hope that I would make him proud in all that I do wearing the badge. Lee 's legacy is one that will never be forgotten.

Kenneth Roberts Deputy U.s. Marshal
United States Marshals Service

October 2, 2003

I would just like to say thanks to Deputy Sheriff Lee Wayne Russ and express my sorrow to his family for his death. Deputy Russ did what many of us hope we would do in his situation, he did everything in his power up to the point of his own death to protect the victim of a horrible crime. No one could have asked for more from any peace officer.
Although I never had the honor to meet Deputy Russ I felt the same sorrow at the time of his death that I am sure his co-workers did. I know he will be missed.

Deputy Christopher Whatley
Denton County Constable Pct #6

Lee, I guess this is my way to say good-bye. The day this took place I was standing next to you at the office and I left without saying good-bye. I'll never forget the day I was complaining about all the paperwork I had and what you told me. Thank you for being a friend to me and to my family. I'm sorry that I was not there for you. I was two minutes away and it seemed like it took forever to get there. You were a hero that day. God Bless you.

Trooper Phillip Breeding
Texas Department of Public Safety

To the family and Ward County Sherriff's Department I am sorry for the loss of Deputy Russ. Although he is no longer with us I use his story to train active police officers and new recruits about the will to survive. I begin and end defensive tactics and PR-24 classes with a brief summary about Deputy Russ's last few minutes with us, trying to save the life of another not to mention his own. While very tragic, his death has inspired myself and others to never give up the fight. I'll try and make sure his sacrifice is not forgotten, and maybe save the life of another officer through training.

Police Officer
Knoxville Police Department

Deputy Russ, your watch is over and our department salutes you and your tour. May you watch over the gates of heaven, as you watched over the citizens of Ward County, Texas.

Deputy J. Allen
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas