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 2, 2008

On your birthday Jerry and I along with your brother and his family placed "30" blue balloons for you at the cemetary in celebration of what would have been your 30th birthday.

On the 27th we went to Caroline's "1st" dance recital. We were soo proud of our/your little princess. She was adorable!

Saw both the children at the ballfield Tuesday. Of course, that is always a highlight for me. I just love it when they run up to me. We played for a little while--hide and seek.

Until I see you again---
I'll love you forever!
Mom

Kay Wood
Mother

May 3, 2007

May you be ever blessed

April 26, 2007

To the family of Deputy DeVanie...I see your recent reflections and my heart breaks. I am a mother of a son, and the wife of a police officer, and I cannot imagine your pain. You are all in my prayers.

Lisa Tyndall
Wife of NC Police Officer

April 26, 2007

Happy Birthday son! Today would have been your 30th birthday. I miss you sooo much!!!

I'll love you forever,
Mom

Kay Wood
Mother

April 26, 2007

Yesterday was a day of remembrance. I did not work. I spent the day honoring your memory. At lunchtime I went to the school to see your precious children, my grandchildren---Just needed to be with those we love so dearly. Those little kisses and hugs did me wonders.

Your brother joined me in placing a red rose near your obelisk at the Public Safety Complex. Of course, we cried and cried. I made all the usual stops with roses in memory of you.

You are always in our hearts. We miss you more than words can say.

I'll love you forever!!!!!
Mom

Kay Wood
Mother

April 3, 2007

Four years have passed and I know not a day has gone by during that time that your loved ones have not thought about you or shed those silent tears of love. Continue to watch over them and protect them. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 2, 2007

Hey man. Thinking about you and keeping you and your family in my prayers. Ethan Glen Denning DeVanie had a big time at his 4th birthday party. Sure wish you could have been there. I miss you, man. Love Dad (CPD, Charles Patrick DeVanie)

Charles Patrick DeVanie (CPD)
Father (Dad)

March 21, 2007

Glen,
Jerry and I celebrated Ethan's 4th birthday with him on Saturday and Sunday evening. He had enough things for a "KING". I know he was one of your pride and joys as he is ours.
This is a hard time of year for me. I miss you sooooo much!!!
I'll love you for ever!!!!!
Mom

Kay Wood
Mother

March 13, 2007

I STILL MISS YOU, MAN ! WISH YOU WERE HERE. THINK ABOUT YOU DAILY. SO PROUD THAT YOU CONTINUE TO BE HONORED.

DAD

DAD

March 5, 2007

Glen, I think about you every day and miss you very much. I pass the memorial in front of the police station every day on my way home from work and I say a prayer for you. You were always such a wonderful Nephew – very caring, loving, and giving. Your little son, Ethan Glen, will be celebrating his 4th birthday soon. It’s hard to believe it has been four years since you were called away from duty. I will never forget that day. You have such beautiful children! I have never missed a birthday party. It’s always fun to see Caroline and Ethan Glen and how much they’ve grown! They are so adorable and look so much like you! I will always be there for them! We love you and miss you very much!

Aunt Jan & Uncle Jerry

Jan & Jerry Redner
Aunt and Uncle

March 5, 2007

I had the pleasure of teaching Glen in the 5th grade. He was one of the sweetest, most polite young man that I had ever had in my classroom. He not only was a good student but kind and caring even at such a young age. As he got older and grew into a handsome deputy and father, he never lost his sensitivity for others or love of family and friends. He always had a smile on his face and a welcoming hug for those who knew him. Glen had a special way of making you feel important. He will never be forgotten.

janice moreau
rapides parish school board - teacher

March 2, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother. Your wife and children are in my prayers.

Detective
Chicago Police Department

March 2, 2007

Glen,
I am just now getting to this, however there are so many days that I reflect back to "our Glen" who Randy & I loved so much. I think about how we crawled on the ground that night, looking for treasures with our flashlights, riding with you to look for a sno cone stand and you had to put me out because your job came first and you saw someone that needed immediate attention.and our famous picture of your high school dance where you were so handsome!!
You were a guy with high morals that was reflected upon our son, your were a guy with a vision of you and your families future, you married the sweetest girl and have the most beautiful children who will be honored that you are there dad who is now serving our Lord in heaven and I know you have lights flashing up there and you are watching us below, because you are our Hero!! Randy & I see people all the time and say hey look he looks like Glen. We do miss you so much and you are never forgotten, and I am so thankful my nosey self went out that door that night to ask you when Ethan was going to be here and low and behold you had him and came to visit and shared all you did of your goals. It is a memory which will never be forgotten, because we love you!!!! Glen you were one of a kind and I am honored to have known you and to have been able to call you my friend. Your mom misses you greatly and we will keep hugging her and keeping her in our prayers and we will never ever forget YOU!!

friend

February 2, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 19, 2006

Just thinking of you---your brother came by my office today and we talked about you---about how much we both miss you. I love you son!

I'll love forever,
Mom

Kay Wood
Mother

September 14, 2006

I so wish you were here now to give that all knowing advice. Life is such a journey that leads in all different directions. You are missed so much. Your kids are doing great, they are so smart and precious.

August 3, 2006

You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. I know the many broken hearts that have been left behind and the long road they have traveled. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Wrap your wings around your loved ones to protect them and help them with their grief. Your family will always keep your memory alive for your children.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

July 15, 2006

Another officer has lost his life this past week in Louisiana. Everytime I hear of another fallen brother I think back to the day I recieved the news of your accident. The pain and tears come back just as if it were yesterday. Good things are happening these days. With love, you are greatly missed.

June 19, 2006

Dear Family of Deputy DeVanie,

It's hard to explain how some days bring more pain than others when they are all so unbelievable, but they do, and it has to be so hard to have Glen's birthdate and EOW date be so close and in the same month. Matthew was born on Mother's Day weekend, so I have Matt's birthday, Mother's Day and Police Week all in one week now. Please know we share in your grief, but we also honor your son's life and memory. I have been reading reflections left for Glen and feel the love and "specialness" that was and is Glen. I can tell he made a difference while he was here and still does.

With love,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse, EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 1, 2006

Yesterday was your birthday---Happy Birthday! I spent some time with your children prior to going to the cemetary. They are adorable! I whispered Ethan's "whole" name in his ear and he just laughed.
Your nephew says your eyes are open and you are flying. They talk about you often.
Happy Birthday!
I'll love you forever,
Mom

Kay Wood

April 27, 2006

Happy Birthday Glen, in the presence of the Lord, what a great Birthday. Iwalu, Pat Carruth

Pat Carruth

April 25, 2006

It has been over 3 years since you were called away from duty. I know the tears still flow from the hearts of those that love you so dearly. There are no magic words I can give to comfort them except that they live their lives one day at a time. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. Wrap your wings around your loved ones in an effort to ease some of their pain.

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

Bob Gordon

April 24, 2006

Three years have passed since your death and every day is just as hard as it was the first day. You are truly missed. Your children are beautiful and growing up fast. God is continuing to bless your family, your children are just as beautiful as they were the first day you laid eyes on them. You meant so much to everyone on this earth. It will be a joyus day when we are all reunited.
Yours Truley

April 22, 2006

Three years ago today we buried you. It was absolutely one of the hardest days of my life and will forever be a time that will not be forgotten. You were honored by many, making your family proud not only for us, but our community.

Last night you were honored at your university--a plaque was given to me naming you the 2006 Criminal Justice Distinguished Alumni. Two scholarships were also given in your name. You will always be with us....and

I'll love you forever,
Mom

Kay Wood

April 5, 2006