Fort Worth Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, October 28, 1971
Reflections for Officer Edward M. Belcher
OFFICER BELCHER SUCH A FINE GENTELMAN. WE DATED IN THE EARLY 60'S. I CHOOSE ANOTHER MAN I WAS DATING AT THE SAME TIME TO MARRY. WISH I HAD MADE ANOTHER CHOICE.
REBECCA OVON GRAY TABOR
March 25, 2022
Officer Belcher,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fort Worth. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 28, 2021
Rest in peace Officer Belcher.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
October 27, 2019
51 years ago today, August 30, 1968, I graduated from the FWPD Police Academy with Ed. I will never forget our graduation class #35 and Chief Cato Hightower made his speech. We all couldn't wait to get out on the streets and save the world. (Ok---maybe just the citizens of Fort Worth) Unfortunately, the immediate years following our swearing in ceremony, violence against police officers spread across our nation and Fort Worth was not immune to any of it. There were individuals and groups that targeted police officers. Senseless attacks on men and women merely because they had on a uniform. The offenders didn't know any of us, they just had a hate for the "establishment." I have never and will never forget the night Ed was shot standing in the parking lot after being called to investigate an incident.
As several others in FWPD had done, after 6 years, I left FWPD and pursued law enforcement elsewhere. Now in my retirement I reflect on the many men and women who proudly serve our communities. Unfortunately, the hate against police officers has surfaced once again in our country. I continue to pray for the safety of those that continue to unselfishly serve.
Ed, you will never be forgotten. RIP my fiend!
Gary C Fisher
FWPD Officer, DFW Airport Lieutenant, Randolf County Sherriff Major
August 30, 2019
I worked with Ed in Patrol at Ft. Worth PD and had partnered with him on several occasions. The week Ed was killed he had been relieving me at shift change in beat 364 (He worked Deep Nights relief in the 4 District, and I was the beat officer for 364 on Evenings.) The night Ed was killed I went to give him the keys to 364 when he told me the regular beat officer was back, and he was working 344. Two hours later he was killed on my beat 364. My heart was broken thinking if he worked 364 that night he most likely would have been inside working the shooting call instead of outside on the parking lot where he was shot. Unfortunately, it would have probably been another officer & friend shot in his place. RIP, Ed. I think of you often.
Lt. Larry Lowe (Ret.)
Richardson Police Department
August 3, 2018
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.
My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace
Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater
January 27, 2014
IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.
Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio
October 28, 2013
My dad graduated high school (Paschal) with Officer Belcher. Dad says Belcher was a good guy, and was very sad for the loss.
Officer Steve Hensley
Homewood PD AL
February 27, 2011
"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 6, 2008
You are remembered today and thank you sir for your service
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
October 26, 2007
Rest safe with Our Lord.
July 6, 2006
You have never been forgotten
Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx
January 25, 2006
On October 28th 1971, The Lord was told a message from an angel. In the message this small angel spoke quietly in His presence, saying "Father, I have brought you great news once again" and God spoke with a big powerful voice and said with a loving smile, "I already know, we have inherited another battle warrior and his name is Edward Belcher. He has served Me and his fellow man well, I am eternally grateful for the job he has done, for in it he was able to glorify my name and presence, while giving unselfishly to those he served. I have promoted Edward Belcher to My Plane in Heaven, and from this day forward, he will live in Peace, he will never feel Fear, nor Cry again. This I say and it shall Be Forever. Now send the others forward to Open Their Wings and Open The Gates, I want to hear them singing with Joy, "Welcome Home Edward Belcher, You Have Served Him Well, Here You Will See All Around You, Those In Blue, Who Went Before You, and They Now Welcome You Too" God then spoke to another angel saying "I want you to send a troop down to those who grieve their loss, and feel fear, I want the angel wings around those Children, That Family, and Every Comrade he served with, for they shall blot away the tears and numb the time awhile, although they will be sad to know he is gone to them, they will surely be joyful to know, That Today he Reigns In Heaven With Me and My Promise to them is This, his death on Earth is not forever, it is but a tick in time, you are promised by Me as it is Written, the next time you see Edward Belcher, it will be in Heaven, where time, tears and fears are never again, no more" "The next time will not be but a short tick in time, but rather as I Have Always Promised, Forever, Eternal." "Till then, march on and know I am there with you this day, as yesterday, and will be till time is no-more"
Scott Parker, Texas Peace Officer
October 27, 2005
It has been many years but I still remember that night. You and J.D. left the office to answer another call, but when other officers called for help you responded to the scene without delay. You concern for the safety of others made you a hero then and forever. Sorry it has taken so long to post a tribute, but the words were hard to come by. You are not fotgotten, RIP
David Priddy Dispatcher
Grapevine Police
August 13, 2005
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies....
Rest in peace, hero.
October 28, 2004
It's been many years since your death...but it's never too late to offer a reflection. Thank you for your service Officer Belcher. Rest in peace..you served well.
Policeman's 23rd Psalm
(Author Unknown)
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.
He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.
When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.
He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun
Mother of a Police Officer
October 26, 2004
Heroes never die.
Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., Ca.
August 24, 2004
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