Temple Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, November 21, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer James O'Brien
I miss u more and more everyday, as time goes on I think I will be better. And everyday I get up and you are not here with me. Sometimes I think it is more than I can take. But when I do finally shut my eyes, I can hear your footsteps come to my bed each nite. I am not sure how much more I can take. How do I go on witout you? How do I live? I work all the time, because I do not want to go home and be without you. If I could just feel your touch one more time. If I could just hear your voice. If only I could just see your smile. That smile, smile as big as Texas. I know I will keep going on until we can be together again. ALL MY LOVE...
March 25, 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 27, 2008
"It Sounds Like Thunder Far Away"
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them by...
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble, they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes, you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again
Drew
December 19, 2007
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the star-shine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
ALL MY LOVE,
December 3, 2007
Rest in peace Sir
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 30, 2007
Daddy, Darrel and you, tine does not make it better. Still miss you.
Sherry
November 23, 2007
4 yrs....... where did the time go. you're loved.
your friend
November 21, 2007
Devil Dawg:
May You Rest - In - Peace.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
November 21, 2007
Thanks for your service to your country and community.
What a beautiful smile! Judging from these reflections
you've left behind many friends who still miss you!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
November 20, 2007
Another of your brothers in blue has been called home, James. Please watch over him and all of the other brothers that have been called to be with you!!
Matthew Jarma
Temple Towing Service, Inc.
September 16, 2007
Thinking of you and your family tonight, remembering the night Angie called me, remebering having to tell all of your former coworkers. Standing out in the middle of a parking lot after the football game with my son wanting to know. Moma, who died now? The boys and I lost so many loved ones in that 8 months that recovery is still ongoing. You and Dennis were always there for me. Dennis is still here for me but I feel at times that I need to give him a break. I have tried really hard this last year to keep things to myself. It has been hard raising these two boys on my own. I miss Daddy, Darrel and you so much that I cannot describe the pain. We are okay, but as the boys grow older they don't need me as much and I am struggling on what I do next. The office that you left is no longer the same I am no longer there either. Schelana and I are together again. I still remember her wedding when you and Darrel finally buried the hatchet. So many fun times that we all had together. The night of the flood when we spent the entire night rescuing people and then me finding out the next morning that you did not know how to swim. Talked to Kim and Tawnee is headed to A&M and Chase is doing just grear but you know all of that. I only ask that you send me a sign if you see me fumbling because I will always need your help. Forever my friend. Never cry because it is over, smile because it happened and I want you to know that I am smiling as I write this because I just remembered you killing that rat when I was on top of the desk when I was 8 months pregnant. Love YA
Sherry
Other Sherry
CPD Former
September 15, 2007
ah, my friend. you're on my mind alot lately.
s
September 9, 2007
Well I can't beleive how long it has been. I think of you often and miss you so much. My regret will always be that I let someone drive a wedge between us and never got to tell you how much I truly loved you and cheerished the times we had together. You looked out for me and tried your best to lead me where I needed to go during a difficult time. My dad and I were talking about you the other day and it was obvious how much he truly respected you. I truly believe you were always his favorite. I remember the last time I talked to you so well. I have gone over the conversation so many times and regret what was left unsaid. I truly could use your friendship right now. I love and miss you.
D
May 30, 2007
I sit here alone. All I can think of is you. I miss you so much. I try to move forward, but just can't. I carry you with me everywhere. I don't know how to live without you. There is no life without you. Why did you have to leave? I will never understand. Why? Why you? I can't get past you. You are my soul mate. No one can ever LOVE me as you did. I will never love again. I only had one shot at finding my soul mate, and that was you. We were going to grow old together. Now I will grow old alone. I gave you my all. I have nothing to offer. I miss you so much. I will never let you be forgotten. ALL MY LOVE
February 17, 2007
my friend, you're on my mind alot today. things have come and gone and so much has happened since you left. i wish you were here. i miss our buddy time and all night phone conversations. i love you
s
January 20, 2007
Today is not easy for me. We always had such a great Christmas together. And today is just a big void for me. Just another day. Another day without you. Another day to wonder, why? I can't understand why you had to be taken from me. I don't understand why you. You were my strength. You were the reason I got up each day. You made me think I could do anything. You had so much faith in me. Everyday I think of all the what if's and why's and almost go out of my mind. I can't live with the what if's and why's, they will drive me crazy. I miss you so much, so much I think sometimes my Heart will stop, if I can't see you. But I somehow, without knowing how, manage to make it through another night. I know that you are with me everyday. Sometimes I think I can feel your breath on my skin. If I did not have Amanda, I do not know what I would do. She has turned into a great daughter. We talk several times a day. We never fail to speak of you. She loved you so much. She always tells me, Mom I did not have his blood flowing through my veins, but he told me that I did not have to have his blood in my veins to be his daughter. I guess that is true, because she is just like you. She is so protective of me. The pack that the two of you made years ago, about taking care of me, she did not forget. I miss you so much. I will forever Love You. ALL MY LOVE
December 25, 2006
Maam,
I have read some of the words you have left for your husband. I cannot begin to think about that kind of pain. But please remember that we havn't forgotten.
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called Sons of God"
Off. A.M. Whelchel #227
Waco Police Dept.
December 18, 2006
Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.
Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
November 27, 2006
My thoughts are with your family on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and visit them in their dreams so that they know you are close to them and watching over them. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.
Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 21, 2006
Its been 3 years.....I will never forget those words they told me when they came to my door that afternoon. I know you are still so very happy now as you were when you were here with us. I know you are looking down on us with that Big beautifal smile. Theres not a day that goes by we dont think of you. You changed and touched so many peoples lives, life will never be the same with out you here, and I know you are still here..in my heart. Words cant explain how much you are missed and loved. You will never be forgotten, as long as I live.....Always
November 21, 2006
My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. I know the daily pain they feel and the continuous thoughts of you through out each day. You have not been forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. Stay close to your loved ones, protect them from harm. Visit them in vivid and colorful dreams to let them know that you are watching over them. Keep watch over those still on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die.
Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 21, 2006
though you've been gone for some time, your friendship remains with me. i believe i will carry it with me always. this day 3 yrs ago was normal and typical until late that night when the news came. ..... the time following that was the worst in my life. thoughts of the years we were friends brings happiness and a smile now, where before it brought pain, sadness, and almost a desperate void that couldn't be filled. life continues dragging us with it kicking and screaming. then one day we realize it will be ok and that's how you'd want it. you're very missed, but i know you're still there so our friendship continues..... just a little different now.
with great memories and as much love now as always, your best friend
s
November 21, 2006
G-d Bless you and your loved ones.May He give them strength and comfort.
November 21, 2006
Three years and yet i can hear your laugh. I can almost feel your touch. I hear your footsteps every night. I do not know how to go forward without you. Why did you have to go? I will never understand why God chose to take you from us. You made my world O.K. With you I knew I was safe. Without you here, I don't feel safe anymore. If only I had one more day. I carry you with me. I pray for you more than I pray for myself. I miss you so. I will forever carry your Love in my Heart, your Love is all that keeps me going. ALL MY LOVE
November 20, 2006
It has been almost three years, since you left us. It seems like only yesterday we were laughing and having the best time of our life. We were living life as if tomorrow would never come. Little did we know, it would not come for you. If only I had known, I would have told you one more time how much I loved you, how you made me complete, how I always, always felt safe with you. I could always close my eyes and sleep like a baby as long as you were by my side. I hear your footsteps every night come to my bed, but when I open my eyes, you are not there. I wish I only knew what you wanted to tell me. I wish I could hear your voice. I don't understand why you were taken from me. Why you? I can't get past you. ALL MY LOVE
October 9, 2006
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