Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

uncle darrell, i finally saw the video tonight, i cant hold back the tears. i miss you and know you are in a better place. keep the piano going.... i will be there one day and we can play it then. i love you

Ashley
your niece

December 7, 2008

officer lunsford may you rest in peace brother. my heart goes out to your family and may god be with them and you.

cheif court bailiff
perry co. sheriff dept. ky

November 26, 2008

I saw your video today in a street survival seminar. I learned from it greatly. I wished I could have been there with you but you did not go in vain. 200 other officers learned as well. I'm sure heaven is great....hold it down until we all get there.

P/O A. Young #112
Sansom Park P.D.

October 8, 2008

Tonight at home here in the UK i watched a tv programme which showed the videotape of your last night of duty. I am in tears knowing that there are men out there who are capable of such brutality, but on the other hand i am filled with pride knowing that there are men such as you who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. My niece has recently joined the police force and i am so proud of her as i am sure your family are proud of you. Sir, god bless you and your family and to all police officers everywhere....thankyou.

No rank/Debbie

August 18, 2008

Constable Lunsford, your bravery won't be forgotten. It hurts to see the patrol video, but I know it has saved numerous lives of other officers. Thank you for your service.

Juan Canto
Mexico

June 3, 2008

I remember seeing this video on COPS also, I was horrified!! Constable Lunsford may you now Rest in Peace and Thank You for your service, Sir. As a result of this outrageous act, video cameras are in all patrol cars now..Your sacrifice probably saved many officers lives since that terrible day.

Karen Perrucci

April 9, 2008

I watched a Cops television show and watched the horrible death of officer Lunsford. It was such a horrible tragedy, and when I found out he died from the attack I felt my heart drop in my chest. His life was sacrificed to get those horrible people behind bars, and his death brought police to start video surveillance in cop vehicles. I feel sorrow and sympathy for Lunsford and family, and feel disgust that there are people out there who could do such a thing.

Veronika
TV Viewer

March 30, 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

February 19, 2008

R.I.P. Brother. You are in my prayers. Please keep over those of us who are still on the line. With Love, Robert

Agent Robert Powell
U.S. Border Patrol

February 1, 2008

You will not be forgotten. We appreciate your service and dedication. Your legacy lives on through other officers and law enforcement personnel.

tony
none

January 26, 2008

Constable Lunsford,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nagodoches County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. Like alot of other people who have already left reflections here, I remember seeing video as well when I went through the Academy as well as during firearms requalification training and it sickens me everytime-I just wish your murderers could have gotten the justice they really deserve-DEATH.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

January 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

January 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

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

January 15, 2008

I remember seeing the video years ago, and I always think of Constable Lunsford when suspects speak in their native language -- the reality is that they could be planning an assault on me. Thank you for your dedication and brave sacrifice.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

December 13, 2007

Rest now my brother your watch is over. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and agency. We will continue to train officers that will hopefully live up to your example. Walk proudly on your beat on Heaven's streets and watch over the rest of us continuing the fight.

Lt. James Ellis
GPSTC - Regional Police Academy Tifton

November 20, 2007

I saw the awful video clip whilst in America with another English police officer friend in April this year, and it really got to me. Apart from not having nearly as many of these types of offences against fellow officers as seem to occur in America, it was the fact, I suppose, that it was all caught so matter-of-fact on video that was so disturbing, but ultimately such an advantage, as it helped convicted the people who carried out this crime.

I suppose that it shocked me all the more as, in England, this footage would have never been made public, so to view these events as they occurred really moved me. Police officers obviously don't have guns in England and, although firearms offences against us are, paradoxically, still rare, this video has reinforced valuable lessons in the basics of police work that I so often see overlooked.

Constable Lunsford, you are an inspiration for me, and your determination represents the very reason for most of us joining the police, wherever we may serve. God bless you.

Sgt Ravasio
Police Officer, England

August 10, 2007

Uncle Darrell,

I was so young when you were taken from us. I was not given enough time to really know you. I have heard wonderful stories about what a great man you were. As young as I was I still remember when our family found out the horrible news. I am not sure what made me look up articles about your murder but I am glad that I did. It has been nice to see how so many people truly cared about you. We love and miss you very much. We know that you are looking after us.

Love,
Kameron

Kameron Sutton
Great Niece

June 14, 2007

i have seen your video several times on television. tonight i felt moved to find somewhere to leave a few words to you and your family. there are alot of things i would like to say about the animals who did this to you but its inappropriate to do so here. your death was not in vain. as heartbreaking and disgusting as it is, the video of your untimely passing has helped many officers who otherwise may have been taken advantage of the same way you were. i dont have many heros but i can say that you are on that list. you gave your life for your community and your country and for that there can never be enough thanks. my heart goes out to your family as well. rest in peace Mr. Lunsford. i'll see you on the other side brother.

June 4, 2007

REST IN PEACE Constable Lunsford YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

SERGEANT MIKE MUNOZ
PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 4, 2007

Mr. Lunsford,

I don't know how to put this as sensitive as it should be, but though your actions that night, and your foresight to have a video camera with a remote mic, your untimely and cowardly murder has probably saved more LEOs around this country than anyone will ever know. Thank you for your brave actions and drug interdiction efforts.

Anonymous

Anonymous Police Recruit
trainee, IL

June 1, 2007

I am not a police officer. I am not a dispatcher. I didn't know Darrell Lunsford. I am just a citizen who can't understand why this happend. It never should have. I would like to say to Constable Lunsford, and to any Officer who reads this, thank you for all you do, for all you are. Whether your behind my vehicle writing me a ticket for speeding, or your helping me in my greatest time of need, your work and sacrafices are appreciated by myself and so many others. Thank you for doing the job most of us never could.

April 16, 2007

I saw the video of this horrible event this past weekend- it's as heartbreaking now as it was then. God Bless the wife & family of Constable Darrell Lunsford for allowing this video to serve as a teaching tool for officers worldwide- he has become their guardian angel!
Although he's no longer with us, he is still saving lives today. Thanks again.

A citizen
Lousiana

April 16, 2007

I watched your video on TV tonight. I just wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.

911 disaptcher
Washington County Sheriffs Ofc, Arkansas

April 16, 2007

As has already been mentioned countless times, I remember viewing your video during safety seminars and during my time at the Academy. You are a true hero sir whose memory will never fade. Please watch over your law enforcement family from above and always protect us out there on the streets. Rest in peace sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 10, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will not be forgotten. Constable Lunsford, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten. Continue your beat on Heavens streets.

SPO
Salem, Va

January 23, 2007