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

November 12, 2007

"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

November 12, 2007

David I am a better person from knowing you. Your life is an inspiration and example. We WILL continue to fight the good fight and win. Thank you for all of your and your loved ones sacrifice. You will be remembered.

Ofc. Howard Smith
City of Florence Police Department

September 20, 2007

We are appreciative of your service to the profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find the rest you are so well deserved.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

June 25, 2007

David,
I am a better person having known you, I only wish I had known you better. You are greatly missed. I still expect to see you on your motor in the morning when I am on my way in to the office, and you are on your way out to the street. I can't recall one time when you didn't wave or have that smile on your face. Your smile and laugh could make any day better. I know that good will come out of this horrible tragedy. I am comforted with the fact that at this very moment you are with the same Christ that you served and loved so much. You will not be forgotten.

Det. Monty Merryman
Criminal Investigations Division
Florence, Alabama Police Dept.

Det. Monty Merryman
Florence Police

June 13, 2007

David was my Uncle. His passing was something I never saw coming. I couldn't believe it the first time I heard and now a month later I still don't believe it. To Donna, D.J. and Aimee. I find comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord and I will see him again soon.

Clint Anderson
Nephew

June 5, 2007

TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER YOUNG, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
I LOST MY BROTHER LAST APRIL.SEEMS LIKE IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY THOUGH. I KNOW YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A VERY SAD TIME NOW, BUT TRY TO THINK OF ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE OF HIM. AND KNOW THAT HE WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A TRUE HERO. I CARRY MY BROTHER'S HEART IN MY HEART. YOU'LL HAVE MANY MANY MORE SAD DAYS AND WONDER WHY THIS HAD TO HAPPEN TO SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON. I GUESS WE ALL WILL WONDER THAT TIL WE SEE THEM AGAIN.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. OUR HERO'S ARE GUARDING THE GOLDEN GATES. BLESS YOU ALL.
SISTER OF FALLEN OFFICER
CPL. ANTHONY M. ANDREWS
EOW: 4/7/06
SARALAND POLICE DEPT.ALABAMA

Madonna Andrews
friend

May 30, 2007

On Thursday May 3, 2007 The Florence Police Department lost a very valuable person. Officer David Young was killed in a motorcycle accident. David was a child of GOD a teacher and a preacher of his word. At first I questioned why him, why David, he was ministering to so many people and I just did not understand why and then a very special friend of mine sent me an email and it helped me so very much. It said God has showed us that he is using David's death for good and that the devil had meant for it to be evil. There will be many lives saved because of his tragic death...sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring a new beginning. David enjoyed ministering to others and actually that is what he has done. He has lived his life for CHRIST and has shown others how to live...We should live like there is no tomorrow and that is what is so evident with this whole horrible accident. David is still ministering just in a different way and place. Please keep David's family in your thoughts and prayers!!!!!

Secretary Investigations
Florence Police Department

May 30, 2007

The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf. -Shakti Gawain

Officer Young -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Young -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

May 25, 2007

Rest in peace fellow motor man, your dedicated service is not forgotten. My prayers are with your Family, friends, and fellow officers

Fto M. Sisler (Ret.)
Mount Pleasant SC PD

May 23, 2007

On behalf of the Mesa Police Traffic Unit, we wish to express our sorrow for the loss of Officer David Young. Motors are a rare breed. It takes a special person with extraordinary courage to do the job. Ride well Officer Young. By the grace of God I know we will ride together one day.

Motor J. McInnis
Mesa Police Department, AZ

May 22, 2007

Officer Young, the city of Florence is grateful for your service and sacrifice. You will be missed. May God comfort your family.

T. Hunt
Youth Detention Officer and Florence resident

May 22, 2007

I'm with our motor unit here in SC. I know how tight nit motor officers are and want to express our condolences from the motor unit with the SC Highway Patrol.

G/Sgt. G.S. Owens
SCHP

May 21, 2007

i am so very sorry for your loss and am remembering you during these days. know that many officers and their families from across the nation are truly thinking of you with heavy hearts, and are wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

my deepest sympathies,
carla lyon, widow, asst. chief deputy keith lyon, knoxville, tn. eow 05.09.06

May 19, 2007

Officer Young, you are a shining example of hard working police officers everywhere. I could see that you touched many lives through your daily duties and your ministry. I regret not knowing you, but you live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Thank you for being a role model for all officers. The Blue Notes 5 send their prayers as well as the entire Huntsville Police Departement. See you in heaven. Rest now brother.

Ofc. Charles Draper, Jr.
Huntsville Police Department

May 18, 2007

David is an example of what being a good man in this mixed up world is all about. He exemplified Public Service in the best sense of the term. It was a calling to Officer Young. As a public official myself his spirit will be with me as I go forward. I wish his lovely wife and family well and tell them that we love them and are here always. Godspeed.
Scott E. Carrier

Scott E. Carrier
Florence City Council

May 18, 2007

Let your light shine, and you did. Your were an example of what an officer was to be. Most people don't know this, David at one time mowed the grass of a one sweet lady's yard who husband had passed away with cancer for three years and at one time she tried to pay him, and he cried and refuse it. And at one time on the range I offer to pay for his meal for the help he gave, and he refuse it. They just don't come any better than he did. A man of God, a honor to the badge, a great man, and one who LET HIS LIGHT SHINE.

Ray Jordan
Friend

May 18, 2007

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
CHP

May 16, 2007

David I miss you! All those years that I was on Night shift I didn't have the opportunity to work with you. I am so glad now that I moved to Day shift. If I hadn't, I might never have really gotten to know you like I did. I might never have known what a warm, funny, sweet, thoughtful, caring Christian person you were, and a great officer! I am grateful for the last 3 years. I miss our talks over coffee every morning. Thanks for always listening, for your wise words of wisdom (you know what I'm talking about) and being a friend. Your sweet infectious smile and big laugh always brightened our day. We will always remember how you walked into dispatch and greeted us with "There's my favorite dispatchers!" Work is not the same without you, but I keep reminding myself that you are in Heaven now with our Lord & Savior, and that makes me smile. I will continue to pray that Donna, Aimee and D.J. find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead. Rest in peace my friend. I love you.

Communications Officer Kim Higginbotham
Florence Police Dept

May 16, 2007

What a Friend, David was a one of a kind person, kind, considerate and very caring.

He is a great Christian Person that lived that life every day. I always enjoyed joking with him and calling him Mr. Smiley, because he always was smiling.

He touched so many lives with his Christian Faith and the way he conducted himself.

I will miss you very much as a great friend and my heart and prayers go out to your loving family and I am so sorry for the hurt they are having to go through.

God bless you and your family.

Roger Lovelace
Friend

May 15, 2007

I had met David several times over the years when I was a local Police Officer there in the Shoals. I remeber him as one of the hardest working officers there was. My you rest in peace my brother.

Deputy U.S. Marshal
Chris Askew
Del Rio, Texas

Deputy Christopher Askew
U.S. Marshals Service

May 15, 2007

Rest In Peace Officer Young and may your family know that you are remembered.

Jessica Buce
Wife of MPD Officer

May 15, 2007

THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW OFFICER YOUNG PERSONALLY , I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THOSE WHO DID. REST IN PEACE.

CPL DET OFC B BURNS
BRYAN COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT, GA

May 14, 2007

Thank you for your sacrifice and your family's sacrifice as well.

KRISTI
CITIZEN

May 14, 2007

From all the Officers at the Mountain Brook Police Dept. - We are in shock at yet another Alabama Police Officer Death. Our Officers train on a regular basis in Florence on the UNA campus. Our hearts go out to the family of Officer Young and to the Law Enforcement Community in the Florence area.

Officer R. Knecht
Mountain Brook Police

May 14, 2007