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 11, 2007

I went to the Law Enforcement Memorial recently on my first ever trip to Washington D.C. While there I took a rubbing of Sgt. Prendes' name to add with several of my friends whose names also grace the wall.

I never knew Sgt. Prendes, I have only been to Las Vegas once in my lifetime. Although I often hear of the tragic news that another officer has been killed, Sgt. Prendes' passing struck me as hard as if it had been one of my co-workers. Sgt. Prendes and I were similiarly situated with the same amount of time with our agencies and for this reason I took this one to heart.

To Sgt. Prendes' family and friends- please know this. I often whisper a prayer for each of you even though I will probably never meet any of you. Sgt. Prendes' ultimate sacrifice helps me keep my priorities in line and helps me make sure I am the best man I can be.

To the co-workers who were on the scene- I am sure this event could still haunt you if you let it. Just remember, the bad guy made this decision and I am sure you each did all you could to fix it. Neither God, nor Sgt. Prendes, could ask for more.

Metro Atlanta area Lieutenant

November 26, 2007

Dear Henry,
I read about you in the Christian Standard today. I was truly touched by your sacrifice, and the strength that your wife has. I know that her strength comes from the Lord, but I also know that she makes a choice daily to lean on Him instead of suffering in self pity, which she could rightfully do. My heart rejoiced that she looks at the events that changed her life so much as a blessing, bringing a real life meaning to "Rejoice in all circumstances". I am so thankful that you knew Jesus as your Lord and Savior and that your sacrifice has had such a huge impact on your community, even reaching people in Indiana! I am thankful, too, that your family has the assurance that you are home with the Lord, sitting at the feet of the creator of the universe. That brings an unexplainable peace to ones in sorrow. Thank you for your unselfish service, and your dedicated life to the Lord that has encouraged so many of us! I will pray for your family, as I am sure the upcoming holidays will be hard to face without you there. I pray they remember that you are with the Birthday boy, and that you will all be reunited one day, and to remain faithful through the valleys of life.

Tracy
Indiana Resident

November 26, 2007

Henry Prendes was a great man. Through and through. He was one of the major reasons I joined the Police Department. When I heard or his passing, I immediatley turned on the news and saw the helicopter coverage. I could see Trajiks body and it angered me. Why hurt someone that has sworn his life to protect you and your community? We love and miss you Sgt. Prendes. I hope I do not fall while in the line of duty but it is a risk I am willing to take, as you did.

J
C

November 19, 2007

Dear Sgt. Prendes,

I am one who loves God with all my heart, and you have as well, which in learning about the exciting life you lived, gives me the encouragement to continue to live for God and to be all i can be as a police officer.

Colossians 2:5
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Great Love,
and Just for you and the Department, as a Furture Police Officer, I wont let you down.

Las Vegas Metro Explorer
LVMPD

October 23, 2007

I think of you daily. I think about how you have in more ways than one touched and saved my life, not just mine but many. I will be forever thankful for getting the chance to know you. Another year of deer hunting is here and although you physically wont be there I know you will be there in spirit and in our hearts so I look forward to seeing you again this year brother. Love ya!!!

Jordan Bauerle
friend

October 3, 2007

I Think about you everyday bro., and will miss you hearing your jokes and trash talking around the camp fire again this year. Your spirit is always with us as we pass by your tree, going up that moutain looking for the big ones. Miss you a ton.
Justin

Justin Bauerle

September 20, 2007

You are never forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Gregory Denue and Family
Policeman's son

July 14, 2007

Henry:
It's been seventeen months today since you went to be with our Lord, but we still miss you every day. Just the mention of your name brings back many memories of the time we spent with you, the good times, the fun times, the not so fun times and the bad times. You will always be in our hearts. Dawn will always remain with us as long as we are here, we will take care of her in your absence. We promise to keep your legacy alive and continue to bring others to God. We know that was your true mission on this earth.
Thank you for always loving us, making us laugh, for the annoying things you did, for being our friend. We love you Henry Prendes and we always will.

Friends of Henry's

July 1, 2007

May you and your loved ones be ever blessed.

June 12, 2007

I live and work in Las Vegas. I also know members of this department. My family and I are thankful and appreciative for Sgt. Prendes' sacrifice. He and others like him will never be forgotten.
God bless you and your family Sgt. Prendes. Thank you for committing the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. What we do on earth will certainly echo into eternity. Thank you, we love you and I pray that God has mercy on the sick and twisted piece of garbage that sent you to heaven. Amen.

Cameron Seisan
Citizen

May 14, 2007

Sgt. Prendes,

Thinking of you and yours today, blessings be with you and safety for your officers always...Watch the hands and always look up.

Ofc. Patty Brown, USMC
San Francisco PD, Bayview , 3rd Watch

February 26, 2007

When I heard your name and where you were from I remembered that formilure pain.
Sgt. M. Poni
Aunt of Office Isaac Espinoza
EOW: April 10, 2004

February 20, 2007

It has been one year since your EOW. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten. GODSPEED

Josh Byers

February 2, 2007

As I reflect on the anniversary today, I wanted to let the Prendes family as well as the LVMPD know that our thoughts and prayers are continually with you. The pain of that day is not quite so fresh for us, and we hope the same for you. Much love and prayers-

J. Hughes
Wife-LVMPD

February 2, 2007

I consider this man to be a hero.. I look forward to the day when i can stand beside you my friend...

To his family "please stay strong"...

Thank you

James Brett Cooke
a friend that will never forget

February 1, 2007

Today is a year since you have left.... My heart goes out to your family... I will forever live 2/1/06 in my mind.. Thank You Sgt. Prendes for putting your life in front of others, not just on 2/1/06 but for years past. You have tried to make this world a safer place for our children for this I Thank You.
To the Prendes Family again I am sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father and friend.. I know there are no words that will make sense or take away your pain, and for this I am sorry.
You may not see him but he is there! Walk with him and hold his hand he will guide you in the right direction in life. Trust in him as you would trust in God.

D.M.

February 1, 2007

Sergeant Prendes,
Thank you for doing the job you did with such courage. I am keeping you, your loved ones, friends and LVMPD in my thoughts as today marks one year. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

citizen in PA

February 1, 2007

I can not believe it's been a year and I still miss you every day. You have been a huge inspiration to my life, my children and career. I pray for you and your family each day before I start my shift. We all miss you and will see you again. Continue to look down and watch over us as we keep our heads up! Rest peacefully brother.

CC
LVMPD

February 1, 2007

Not a day has gone by that I have not thought about you within the last year. We miss you so much Henry...

Zoe
Friend

February 1, 2007

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS FIRST ANNIVERSARY. GODSPEED

Former Police Officer
Warrenton, Virginia

February 1, 2007

On this first anniversary of your tragic EOW please know that you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace, hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

February 1, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this first anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and guide them through life. Visit them in their dreams to let them know you are close. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

February 1, 2007

Dear brother in Christ,
I went to "today in history" and recognized your picture
from your EOW a year ago. I remember being impressed that you had 16 pages of reflections and now there are 37 and growing! Not many have that
many so it is a testimony to the life you lived and the
person you are. I am so proud of how happy you were
to wear the badge Christian. I know that for every
person that receives Christ as his/her Savior and Lord
because of your witness, you do cartwheels and
sommersaults in Heaven with the angels. I know your
loss is such a difficult thing for your friends and families
to endure, but if they are faithful to the Lord we have the
assurance of being with you some day. My heart goes
out to all those who will always love you and miss you.
You did well, Henry Prendes and I'm so happy our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life! See you
soon!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

February 1, 2007

Sarge it has been one year since that day you were taken from us.Know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.I think of that day often and can never forget what happened.

Billy
LVMPD Gang Unit

January 31, 2007