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

December 27, 2007

Patrolman Cain,
We are remembering you today, seven years since the anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for serving with a passion and committment that so few can actually do.

You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

July 24, 2007

Your accident happened on my birthday. It's your young
age that makes me the saddest. You were well respected in your career and it's sad it was cut short.
Time has not diminished your sacrifice.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Blessed are those who mourn
for they will be comforted."
"Blessed are the meek
for they will inherit the earth."
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
for they will be filled."
"Blessed are the merciful
for they will be shown mercy."
"Blessed are the pure in heart
for they will see God."
"Blessed are the peacemakers
for they will be called Sons of God."
"Blessed are those who are
presecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kindgdom of Heaven.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 23, 2007

Officer Cain, Just letting you know that you have not been forgotten and thank you for the Sacrifice you gave.

Tammy Persin
Mother of Fallen Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason
8/9/2000

July 9, 2007

So young, so very young.Rest in Peace.

June 14, 2007

May Our Lord bless you and your loved ones.May you Rest in Peace and may your family have comfort.

November 19, 2006

It has been 6 years since your tour of duty ended and I know that the broken hearts left behind still cry for you. Those that love you dearly will never forget you and think of you each and every day. Wrap your wings around your loved ones and protect them, also protect those still out on patrol. I know their pain and that all any of us can do is take one day at a time. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as true heroes never die.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Member

July 24, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 28, 2004

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Cain. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

September 4, 2004

Your work here is now done. Rest in Peace Justin.

SC Brad Taylor
Metropolitan Police (London)

July 22, 2004

I didn't know Justin that well I believe he came to LPD after I went to work at E-911 in Troup County. I worked with him via the radio and he was a very professional, curteous and generous person. I was working extra the night that this tragedy occurred . Justin is missed by a lot of people . I will never forget him and have regretted never meeting him personally .

civilian
ex-lagrange police department clerk

To Justin, his friends, co-workers, and family,

Justin, for those of us who were privileged enough to know him, was an extremely different and sacrastic guy. Always the first to come back with a witty, sarcastic remark, that usually left us thinking where he could have come up with it. But none the less, he made people think and was always able to brighten up someone's day with his odd humor. The loss of my big brother has been more than I can bear at times, but knowing how much he meant to the people he worked with, the people he served, his friends, and his family has made his death alittle bit bearable. And to notice how much he wore off on me allows me to see that he may be gone physical, but in no way is he gone emotionally and spiritually from our lives. Thank you to those of you who have been there for myself and even more for my parents, this shows us how much Justin made an impression in your lives as well, which in turns makes us so much more proud of him and all that he was able to do in that short of a time. I'm honored to have had him in my life for as long as I did as a brother and someone to follow after. I love and miss you Jus. I haven't lost you as my brother, but have gained you as my guardian angel.

Elizabeth

Dear Justin,

Wow! This is so great! I've loved e-mail and the web, since I got involved with it. Despite some people's abuse of it, this is so wonderful in assisting us to keep you alive in our hearts. I know that you are looking down on all of us (your Dad, Mom, Elizabeth and the rest of us). Please guide us to stay out of trouble's way! I regret that it took your death to bring your dear mother and I closer, but please thank "the BIG GUY" (you know who I'm talking about)for me. This has been a wonderful gift you have given us. You are with us always! love from your Mom's crazy friend, Ann

Ann Clem

Justin was a remarkable young man. As one of his FTO's, I had the pleasure of getting to know him, not only as a trainee, but as a friend as well. Justin was a leader in his own right. He listened with compassion to the needs of others and he had the courage to stand alone, to make tough decisions if need be. He did not set out to be a leader, but became one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. He had patience and understanding, perseverance, wisdom and faith. Justin did not lead by command but by the force of his good character. He was also a good follower, he helped shoulder his loads and shared both hardships and joys. His tragic death has left a void in all our lives, but he still finds a way to touch our hearts as we remember him. I remember him when I see his dog Charo. I see him on the back of a fellow colleague's ball cap. At the recent funeral for Atlanta's first female officer killed in the line of duty, I saw a tall, thin young officer in a sea of 3500 officers who looked and sounded just like Justin. I think it was his way of saying, "I'm still here." And indeed he is. Although we will always miss him, he still lives in all our hearts.

Corporal Natalie Smith
LaGrange Police Dept.

I had the honor of knowing Justin for two short years. Justin was the kind of person that everyone liked and he always had his own unique way of making people laugh. I will never forget Justin and the times we spent together. I pray for the Cain family everyday and ask that God takes away some of pain from their loss. When Justin passed away we all suffered the loss of a great person, a great friend and a hero.

Officer Lane Johnson
Cobb County Police Dept.

To Family and Friends,

We really miss Justin. He was a quite and humble man. One who truely loved the job he was doing. I first met Justin two years prior in the Police Academy. I had also worked for his dad Col. Cain as a Military Police Officer the two years prior to that. Col. and Mrs. Cain you did an excellent job in raising Justin to being the fine upstanding man that he was. He always strove to be the best he could, and never wanted to let his family down. He fought long and hard to try and recover from his injuries, but was just unable to make it back with us. He is in a better place now, and died doing what he truely loved doing. I only wish you, me, and the rest of the world could have gotten more time to spend with him. But I am greatful for the time I did get to spend with him, and get to know him. God rest your soul Justin. You are still missed and loved.

Your Brother in Blue

Leo

Corporal Leo Durnen
LaGrange Police Department

I only knew Justin for two short years. I sat across from him in our police academy class. He was a quiet man, not looking for fame or glory. He just wanted to do his job. That is what he did, and he paid for it with his life. Although we may never know what exactly happened to Justin, let us not forget his sacrifice. We miss him dearly and feel great sadness when we think of the pain and suffering that he endured. He fought like a hero to stay alive, but lost the fight. We who are fortunate enough to remain, must carry on and always remember Justin as we go about our daily "routine".

Officer Gino Grippo
LaGrange Police Department

To the family of my fallen comrade,

My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am the son of a 24-year veteran of the Easton, Pennsylvania Police Department. It is with great sadness and grief that I learn of the death of your love one. Whenever a brother or sister falls in the line of duty, it always has a profound and lasting effect on me.

Although my father was and “inside” officer for his last 14 years of service, I often feared for not only his safety, but also for the men and women who serve along side of him. Being a police officer in this day and age is the most difficult job out there. Your loved one has paid the ultimate price protecting the citizens of your community as well as the entire country from those who have now regard for humanity. Please know that there are many other people who are sharing in your pain and grief at this very moment, for when one of our own pays the ultimate price, a little bit of us passes with them. Your loved one is a hero who will never be forgotten. I realize that the pain and grief may seem too great to handle, but feel comforted by knowing that is an extended family out here who support you and are praying for your comfort, safety, and well being. Your family will always be in my family’s mind and prayers. We wish you peace in handling the rough times ahead. May God grant you a speedy closure.

Respectfully yours,

The Hess family in Easton, Pennsylvania

Chris Hess
NAPO

Geez, Where to begin... When I first met Justin I met him at the Police Department and thought, "This guy is a good one." The short time that he was on our shift before he went to K-9 was great. He was always more than willing to get into something and usually did. Then when I became his neighbor I was able to see the other side of Justin. The crazy things he used to do and the fun all of us had together hanging out and staying up way to late. I remember everyday I'd be going into work and would pass him at the same intersection everyday and we'd wave to each other. I really miss being able to do that. There are just so many memories that he made for me and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember something that he did and the impact that his passing has made on my life. I miss him dearly and will never forget my friend. As for Tom, Cindy, and Eli I can never image the way you feel and the pain you have gone through you are a wonderful family and wonderful friends. I love you dearly.

Patrolman Jeannette Richardson
LaGrange Police Department

the first time i ever met justin i thought to myself, he has the prettiest blue eyes. well, he had the personality to go with them. he would visit us at our center. he was always in uniform when he visited and i remember asking him one day, "are you always so serious?" he said with his hands folded behind his back, "when in uniform yes, it's my job, but on my own time i can cut lose."

i will never forget what happened because i was his dispatcher that day and wished among his fellow coworkers i could have done more. justin is greatly missed by many people and i think of his family often.

srcommunicationsofficer
troupco911

As a Traffic Officer who investigates wrecks on a daily basis I usually find it easy to determine how these unfortunate occurrences take place but Justin's wreck bothers me to this day. AS one of the investigating officers, of this collision, I am still searching for answers as to how this collision took place in order to provide some type of closure for fellow officers, numerous friends, extended family members, myself, and most importantly the Cain family. While I knew Justin only on a professional basis I found him to be an exceptional man. If you needed something, Justin was their to assist you in obtaining it, if you had a question, Justin was their to either answer it or show you where the answer could be found, and most importantly Justin was a person who could be relied upon to perform as a genuine leader during a time of uncertentity. Justin was, and still is, a credit to his family. His devotion and commitment to duty unfortunately resulted in the utmost sacrifice. Justin, please continue to watch over your family and guide them in a way that will help them continue the healing process. As your sister Elizabeth stated "you are a guardian angel".

I would like to personally thank the Columbus Police Department and the Fort Benning K-9 unit for providing a great, and much deserved, funeral escort and presentation.

Corporal Mark C. Kostial
LaGrange Police Department

He is unique. Until I got to know Justin he came off as quiet, just as he did to everyone else. I was fortunate to live across from Justin in our so called "West Division". I got to see both sides of Justin then. He was an excellent asset to LPD. Hard working and determined, irreplaceable. But when I remember him it is always of him laughing and joking. Whenever he had something witty to say it was funny whether anyone understood it or not. He was always fun to be around whether hanging out off duty or at work. An idealistic friend. Everytime I hear his music a tear forms. I miss him everyday. Now that his time on earth is through I see how many lives he has touched and brought together. Justin is remembered. To Tom and Cindy, I can see how proud you are of Justin and his accomplishments. To Eli, when times get tough that warmth that overcomes you is Justin's hand on your shoulder letting you know he is right behind you. Without a doubt it shows Justin is missed and loved by many.

Officer Scott Bowman
LaGrange Police Dept

I had only talked Justin (K3) on a few occasions and didnt know that well, but from what I have heard from the one's who knew him and loved him he was a great guy. He was one who brought honor and respect to the badge and was an individual who loved doing his job. He was one, who when you think of what a police officer or a soldier should be, you thought of Justin. Justin will be remembered during National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Week in our nations captital, but Justin is remembered everyday by those who knew personally and those who didn't. Justins name lives on by a four legged friend named "Cain".

Stewart Smith
Troup Co. 911

I wanted to thank you for your kind words and thoughtfulness expressed for our son, Brian Gleason, MP. We do have a lot in common and know just what each other is going through. With God's help one day we will see their smiling faces and be with them forever. Our prayers go out to you and your family.

Persin family of M.P. Brian Gleason

I just wanted to say that I really miss Justin. Coming from someone that doesn't live there anymore, that may sound odd, but some of the memories that I have of Justin keep him very much alive with me. We had some good times together, and I was proud to be a friend. I think back to the time we got lost on Fort Benning looking for the kennels, the party at Barton's house, (those of you that were there know which one), the night in the pool at Lee's Crossing, the day Cato chewed Justin out at Pine Road Park, and the time Charo escaped from the car and "scratched" a shoplifting suspect... I'll never forget the look on Justin's face when I said "your dog's loose!!" I could go on for quite a while. Justin encouraged me to go on with the testing process for the Highway Patrol in Arizona. I still remember sitting in my patrol car talking to him about it at the Shell Mart. And I'll never forget the day that I was told that Justin had left us. It was the night before I started Trooper School in Arizona, and I knew that there was no way that I'd be able to get back for the funeral. I know that Justin would understand, and often times in Trooper School when times got tough, I looked skyward to Justin for that kick in the butt that I needed. To the Cain family, well, you know.. I love you all tremendously. And to Justin, you're missed something fierce, but I know you have my back. I miss ya buddy.

Patrolman Danny Schrader
Arizona Highway Patrol