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

January 7, 2008

Rock,

Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you. Show Brian the way!

"Peace brother"

SGT John Thompson
Illinois State Police

November 1, 2007

Its hard to believe over a year has passed. You were a class act, always willing to give a friendly ear. You are missed.

M/Sgt J.Kofshur
ISP-Classmate CC-87

October 30, 2007

A great man with a big heart. That is how I remember Rodney Miller. I first met him back in 1994. He was working a case that was close to my wife and I. We would always return a phone call or be happy to just call you and ask how you were doing. He instantly made you feel like a good friend even if you had just met him. He had a very strong drive of perfection in his everyday duties. His professionalism was unmatched.

I continued my friendship with Rodney I became employed with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. It was very common to get a phone call at the jail and it be Rodney. He would stop by the jail quite often while working a case or just to say hello. He always had a smile on his face and was happy to make the effort to walk over to you and shake your hand. If he ever had a bad day, you would never know it.

I heard the news of his passing on the radio. I couldn’t believe it and had to make some calls just to make sure it was true...It was so hard to go home and tell my wife. My heart will forever go out to his family and friends. Sergeant Miller was a great man.

Senior Officer
Dept of Justice B.O.P.

October 8, 2007

Decatur, IL had the first annual Rodney T Miller Triathalon this month. It was a hugh success. Thank you for protecting us. Keep a watchful eye out for us.

July 5, 2007

Sergeant Miller:
I met your parents during police week in Washington. Watch over them , and your children, and let them know you will be there, with my brother, and all the fallen hero's waiting for us.

Tom Cabral
brother of Lt Robert Cabral Swansea, Ma PD EOW 11/05/05

May 18, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY SARGE. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

SERGEANT MILLER, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

May 12, 2007

Rodney,

It was one year ago today you were tragically taken, though the exact date is tomorrow. It has been an empty place without you. I miss your impromptu telephone calls while on your way home to check on me, Jack, and the kids. You truly were one of my dearest friends and I miss you very much. Watch over us until we get to see you again.

Forever your friend,

Kim

Sergeant Kim Frick Baskett
ISP - friend

May 12, 2007

Hey Rock,

I know its comming up to a year, but Lea Ann and i still think about you and the great relationship we had. We still talk about some of the best memories we had at Millikin and the swim team. Your Friend always Dave

K-9 Officer David A. DeMarais
Lake in the Hills Police

May 4, 2007

Sgt. Miller,
Though its over 20 years since I wore a badge I still have all the respect in the world for all the good officers in this country and the work you do. I would be the first one to help a fellow officer if he/she requested it. Though I never met you I'm sure you were a respected officer, a great husband, and father. I know that down here in Central Illinois and good ole District 10 we all feel for the loss your family has gone through.
Rest well, my friend!

Barry M. Burnett
former small-town police officer

April 27, 2007

Rodney,

I was hunting in Greene County last week. Just one year ago we had met up there. I really enjoyed our conversations and emails after we had met. I thought about you many times while sitting in a tree stand this year. I have continued to pray for your family and will continue to do so.

Before that day in May I was looking forward to seeing you again in Greene County and now I look forward to seeing you in Heaven.

God speed my friend.

Lt. Joey C. Brown
Georgia State Patrol

November 15, 2006

As it states on my fathers head stone, "No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his friend."(John 15:13). God be with you and your family. God speed.

chad landrum
son of fallendeputy john d. landrum 2-15-89

October 16, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06

July 15, 2006

Sgt. Rodney Miller,

Thank you for the service you provided to the citizens of Illinois and the integrity you brought to the Illinois State Police. You will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

"A true leader is judged not by the wealth or power he attains, but by the number of people who choose to follow him".

You were and always will be a true leader brother Miller.

Your Family
ISP District 9 FOP

July 12, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

June 28, 2006

Rest in peace my friend. Even though we never met, we did have a lot in common. We love serving our fellow man and our states bordered eachother. We will carry on the proud tradition and you will never be forgotten.

Sgt. C. H. Fulkerson
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Troop E Zone 4

Sergeant C. H. Fulkerson
Missouri State Highway Patrol

June 27, 2006

You stood your watch well, sir!

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

PO2 (vet)
United States Coast Guard

June 13, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Miller, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading all the reflections left for Rodney, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Rodney's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Rodney's life was about so much more than the way he died. Rodney will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Miller, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

June 12, 2006

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting. R.I.P.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

June 5, 2006

Rod,

We were extremely proud of you and your accomplishments! You have a wonderful family who misses you so much. As I said in the Letters to the Editor, "You made your home run in this life, now you are competing in heaven". God Bless You!

Thank you to all the officers for writing a memorial and everything you have done for the family. We can never thank you enough.

Dave and Ellen Miller, Proud Parents

Dave & Ellen Miller
Proud Parents

June 3, 2006

Thank you for your service to the State of Illinois. I am sad to see you go so soon. God Bless you and your family

Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff Patrick Baker
Ford County Sheriff's Office

June 3, 2006

FROM ALL ON CHICAGO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT...
OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO KNEW
SGT. MILLER

DETECTIVE P. FANELLA
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 2, 2006

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Rodney was his smile. I seriously can't recall ever seeing Rodney in a bad mood. You could be having a crappy day and his presence alone would cheer you up. Rodney was taken much to soon but the impact he had on his family and friends, as well as those he touched through his work will forever be in our hearts and minds. Watch over us brother and we'll continue to fight the good fight, God Bless.

Buschman

Sergeant Jeff Busch
Macon County Sheriff's Office

June 2, 2006

Sarge, may God keep your loved ones close in this horrible ordeal that they are now involved in without choice. We here in Chillicothe, Ohio will keep each and every person that you have touched in your life in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy sir, we have the watch from here.

Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department

June 1, 2006