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

December 13, 2007

I just want to thank you for what you have done for your community and country... I just watched your story on dateline and it sickens me to think that one animal can carry so much evil in them...

Bless you and your family always....

In memory of OFC.
Larry B. MItchell E.O.W. 5-30-01

September 16, 2007

I just want to not only thank you but to all law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect us. You will never be forgotten and we will make sure that justice is served. May god be with your loved ones.
Thank You from the bottom of my heart

Jennifer
Citizen of Albuquerque

August 28, 2007

Officer Smith,
Two years ago you were called home, and many years from now you will still be remembered. You had the rare courage to choose a profession that asks SO much of you. You gave the utmost sacrifice, and in doing so, you left behind a legacy of profound dedication and committment.
How can we ever thank you for that?

Pennsylvania citizen

August 18, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 18, 2007

As the 2nd anniversary of your brutal and tragic murder approaches, I know the pain is still fresh in the hearts and minds of your friends and loved ones. May all of them take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero. May God bless you all.

SGT, Retired
AR

August 14, 2007

Thinking of you and your family today as they celebrate Law Enforcement Memorial on the Civic plaza here. I hope your family, friends and co-workers find a smile today.

Rest well.

APD LEO's wife

May 11, 2007

Officer Smith, thank you for your service. There are not enough ways for me to express my appreciation for the job that you and your fellow officers do. John 15:13...Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Josh Hedberg
Citizen Of Albuquerque

April 26, 2007

Officer Smith, I just watched your story on Dateline and I must say that my heart goes out to you and your family due to this senseless tragedy. You've done your job well and will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace forever.

Wife of a NYS Trooper

April 15, 2007

Calling all Angels, Calling all Angels, Mike and Rick are within your ranks. They are greatly missed.

Steve Aragon
Ex-APD Officer

December 21, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Richard King and his fellow officers with the Albuquerque Police Departmtent:

On this the first anniversary of Richard's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Richard's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by his friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Richard was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 2005.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 18, 2006

On Angels ...

"The wings ain't anything but a uniform, that's all. When they're in the field so to speak, they always wear them." - Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Rick ... it's been a year. You're not forgotten.

August 18, 2006

Your family is in my thoughts this Father's Day. May God grant them peace and comfort.

Fellow APD Spouse

June 15, 2006

With honor and respect we heard your name read in Washington.

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

Linda Rittenhouse

May 17, 2006

"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who didn't do anything about it" Albert Einstein.

Thank you for doing something about it. I will be thinking of your family at the Memorial in DC and hoping your family feels your presence there with them as the whole nation honors your sacrifice.

L Robertson
APD Wife

May 11, 2006

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

May 7, 2006

To Officer Richard W. Smith Jr. and his loved ones:

Richard, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers. Reading all the loving reflections left for Richard makes it very evident that he is well loved and missed by a lot of people.

Richard, for many years you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Richard Smith. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD
eow 4/24/05

April 29, 2006

Officer Smith and family,

Of course all of Albuquerque is thinking of you and officer King, since the death of officer McGrane. How sad it is that we have lost another Hero. I made the giant badges that were left at your memorial. I will now leave one for Officer McGrane. I also displayed 2 badges on my truck for you and Officer King to honor you and I have also done the same for officer McGrane. I pray for strength in your families and the officers that are still serving proudly. I also pray for God's protection upon all officers. Thank you so much for the ultimate price you have paid.
My heart aches knowing that there are so many of you willing to go out and protect us.

God Bless!

Pamela

April 3, 2006

Richard you are very missed by all of the guys that worked with you.A man with few words but a great person to be around.You are a true hero, Was thinking of you with the recent death of deputy MCGrane,May you rest in peace and god bless your family.

mike esquibel
unmh hospital

March 29, 2006

Rick-I saw you 2 weeks before that dreadful day, you were doing what you loved, APD will never forget you and your service, not many days go by without thinking of you and Mike, you are truly missed, rest in peace, god bless you

Officer Trish Hoffman
Albuquerque Police Department

March 23, 2006

My thoughts are with Richard and his family. I never knew you, but as I read the words left by others I see how much you are missed. We are all brothers and sisters working together with the same goal. To lose you is to lose a member of our family, a family in in law enforcement. Forever be in peace my friend.

Ian

Detective Sergeant Ian Thomson
Strathclyde Police, Scotland

February 28, 2006

Richard it been 6 mos. and it still hard for me,but that night you and Mike weren't alone,,I stay with you guys til help arrived.Take care my friend,GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,, YOU AND MIKE RIDE WITH PRIDE....MISS YOU GUYS

J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)

February 20, 2006

Richard I know we never really worked around each other much. But I do remember some times where we assisted each other on accidents when you on motors. You seemed to be a quiet guy and I don't think I ever saw you get upset at anyone. I believe that is one of the many qualities that make a good officer. You will be missed. Hey if Mike is still popping wheelies tell him to have fun. hahahahahha

Officer Mark E. Mabry (retired)
Albuquerque Police Department

February 6, 2006

Lord,
He was yours to give,
and yours to call home,
please stand by his brothers,
so they don't feel alone,
dry the tears of his family,
so they clearly see:
that he gave his all,
so all could have peace.
Blessed are they,
the children of God,
with heavy hearts,
and honor they trod,
to pay their respects,
to give their salute,
and to ask for your mercy,
on heroes in Blue.

Richard, rest easy brother, we have the watch.

Mesquite Police Dept., TX

December 7, 2005

Brother Smith,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle

December 2, 2005