Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

IN 1972/73, GEORGE & I WORKED FOR SGT. AL CHANCELLER IN A "NEW" E/COMPTON PROGRAM CALLED TEAM POLICING. I REMEMBER GEORGE & ME APPROACHING A HOME, USING NEW OFFICER SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES. GEORGE HAD @ 1-2 YEARS PATROL SENIORITY OVER ME & I SAW HIM AS A POLISHED PROFESSIONAL IN PATROL WORK. HIS PASSING TAUGHT ME THAT "ALL" LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONAL ARE SUBJECT TO THE WORSE OF CIRCUMSTANCES. WE WERE NOT SOCIALLY ACTIVE, BUT CERTAINLY PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS. TODAY, AS I HAVE OFTEN DONE, I AM 36-37 YEARS REMEMBERING BACK, HOW WE APPROACHED A HOUSE, USING OFFICER SURVIVAL TACTICS. REST IN PEACE GEORGE, I HOPE TO SEE YOU AT MY LAST CALL. BOB MIRABELLA (OCT. 23, 2008)

CAPTAIN BOB MIRABELLA
EAST COMPTON PARTNER IN TEAM POLICING

October 24, 2008

"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

September 12, 2007

George,
When I was a boot trainee you, and others, showed me how to be a street cop and awed me with your abilities. You accepted me as a brother and paid me the highest compliment one night; a clap on the shoulder and saying "Good job, Deputy." You went down like a man, gun in hand. I was there when we laid you to rest. I'll remember you forever.

An Old Firestone Deputy
L.A. County Sheriff's Department

February 28, 2007

Found your soldier dog tag in Saigon, Vietnam in a coin and medal shop. Your cousin just happened to see it on eBay. I'm happy to return to him free of charge. Long journey, from Vietnam to Canada back home to your family in California. Only took 30 years but hopefully it gives some comfort to your family.

Ralph McLean
Military Historian

October 17, 2006

You are not forgotten George. You are in our hearts and prayers today. God Bless You.

April 19, 2006

Both you and your partner are true heros.Thank you for your service.May you Rest in Peace.

April 19, 2006

George, Pathfinder in Viet Nam,Excellent Street Cop, Rest in Peace we all remember you

Lieutenant Brad Welker (Retired)
LASD

December 1, 2005

Let it never be said that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has forgotten its own. Your name is on our wall and will always be in hearts.

Rest in peace.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 2, 2004

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten as a hero never dies. Thank you for your service.

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

September 3, 2003