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

February 18, 2008

Trooper Chandler, today marks the 7th anniversary of your tragic death. Amazing how a little needle stick can do so much damage and take a man from his family. Though your years with your family were not of the high quality you deserved, at least you were with them, and though that has changed, I know you ARE still with them. I hope the clown who was responsible for your death faced true justice himself, no matter what that justice might entail.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 21, 2007

May you rest in peace. Seven years ago you made the ultimate sacrafice. May God continue to bless your family.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Dept

July 21, 2007

Trooper Chandler,


On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Today the Day Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s Central Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

July 21, 2007

Thinking of you on the 7th anniversary of your EOW.
Time has not diminished your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 21, 2007

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 3, 2006

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 15, 2006

Drew was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He took me under his wing when I was a wide eyed rookie and showed me how to stay safe. He is truly missed.

Shirley Alejandro (Iraheta)
MSP

May 8, 2006

On your day, i remember you. RIP Trooper Chandler, you did a job only few could do and we honor you for it.

STUDENT TROOPER

July 21, 2005

In memory...

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

Anonymous

January 4, 2005

This unforunate situation reminds us all that not only are we vonurable to gun fire there are many other things out there that will reach right out and bite us too. Trooper may you rest in peace, may God always watch over your family.

Semper Fi and Thanks

72nd RTT (1994 - Present)

Trooper Mark D. Robbins
Massachsuetts State Police

October 11, 2004

Rest in peace brother..you will never be forgotten

Officer Scott Lundegren
Yarmouth Police Department

August 3, 2004

Rest in peace blue angel..........

S. Yates