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 23, 2007

Deputy Nguyen,

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten by the men and women in law enforcement. Our prayers are with you and your family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

December 23, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheiff Vu Nguyen,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We wish we could be there in person to offer support. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. During the holidays remember those special moments you have shared together and the love you shared. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Vu Nguyen is a hero. He will live on through all of you forever.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

December 23, 2007

THE FINAL INSPECTION





The Policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't..... I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Deputy Angie Mackley
Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff Dept. Missouri

December 23, 2007

Vu, I still remember the first day you came to Day Shift in Central. You were the most eager and polite guy I had ever met. As with all "newbies" to the shift, I gave you the cold shoulder for a few days to figure out what you were all about. I could never have imagined that my respect, admiration, and love for you as a beat partner and friend could have grown so quickly. From your neurotic cleanliness, extreme attention to detail, and your uncanny knack of talking about yourself in the third person, you made me and those around you better cops and better people.

Tonight at our annual Christmas party, we toasted you and the joy you brought to all of us. We shared a moment of silence for you but soon realized that you would have wanted us to keep drinking and share laughs instead of grief.

We miss you, I miss you, and my wife and children miss you. By the way, the wife still says that you had the best biceps ever.

We love you...Brother.

Beat Partner,Friend, Brother
SSD Central

December 23, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Your duty is done. We walk your beat with easy steps and heavy hearts.

HuntsvillePolice Department

December 23, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER

DEPUTY ROWE

December 23, 2007

Thank you for your service and dedication.. You are a Hero to many in your community. Watch over the brothers here that continue the watch.. RIP..

VIP
Ventura Calif. police dept

December 22, 2007

This great loss is deeply felt State wide in the CDCR Agency. Our prayers go out to the Nguyen family for their loss of a man who dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Sacramneto as well as those in the State of California. You will not be forgotten for your years of dedication and service. Folsom State Prison and California State Prison Sacramento are grieving with you during this time.

C/O L. Davis
California Department Of Corrections

December 22, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Nguyen. May God comfort you all.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

December 22, 2007

Detective Vu Nguyen, It Was You Who Sacrificed Your Life Standing Behind The Badge This Day, And Walked Where None Of Your Brother Or Sister Officers Should Have To Walk Again. It Could Have Been Anyone Of Us This Time, But It Was You Who Gave All On This Date, December 19th, 2007. You Sacrificed Not Only For The People Of Sacramento, But For Us, You’re Law Enforcement Family. It Was A Pleasure For My POP Team And I To Have Worked Along Side You! You Will Always Be Remembered.

Many Blessing And Prayers To The Nguyen Family.
Sgt. R N James
SSD

Sergeant Robert N James
Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept.

December 22, 2007

Somebody killed a policeman today and a part of America died. Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

December 22, 2007

Officer Nguyen:

Though I didn't know you, I do know that it takes a special person to be a cop. I also know that it takes an exceptional person to deal with the underbelly of the street gangster's world. Most cops don't want to have any part of dealing with gang members as their primary duty, but you took on that challenge. So that tells me that you were a person a great integrity, patience, and compassion. But most importantly it stands as your legacy of bravery.

I sincerely thank you for fighting the good fight, for tring to make the world a better, safer place, and for being a part of the most noble profession on earth.

Rest easy, and be with God. Your brothers and sisters in blue have your watch and your service, sacrifice, and dedication will carry ont hrough them.

My thoughts are with his family and department at this time.

Stephanie
Texas

December 22, 2007

Thank you for trying to make this world a BETTER PLACE. Now with you being an Angel you will contiually strive to protect us. God bless your wife and family,

Robbie

December 22, 2007

To The Family of Deputy Nguyen,
May you be comforted today always.

Holley Orr
Wife Of Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

December 22, 2007

Your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time? May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it. These are "American Heroes" who just yesterday were women and men just doing their job!

REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

December 22, 2007

REST IN PEACE
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF SACRAMENTO
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

MOTHER OF A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

CITIZEN
CITIZEN

December 22, 2007

Even though I have never met you I feel like I know you. You see, my daddy is a deputy sheriff and even though I don’t know everything that he does, I know he is a hero. I know that you are a hero too. You were brave, strong and cared for so many people you didn’t even know. I want to thank you for protecting and saving us from all the bad guys and risking your life. I am very sorry and sad and wish it never happened. Thank you for protecting us. We will all miss you very much.

Sarah - 10 years old
A Deputy's daughter

December 22, 2007

I PRAY FOR YOU!!! I AM SO SORRY

TRANG KLEIN
HIS WIFE'S FRIEND

December 22, 2007

The wound will heal with time but the scar remains forever so he is never forgotten.

Amanda Inzer
Wife of Deputy Alan Inzer EOW 01/25/07

December 22, 2007

Deputy Vu, I only had the the chance to meet you a few times and hang out for a little while with you and your partners while on ride alongs or just visiting the Guys... From what I know and saw you were a incredible Deputy who along with all of the men and women out there put there lives on the lines every day to fight the criminals off of the streets to make it safe out there. Thanks for all that you Gave while serving your time with the Department . You are truly missed by your department, your friends and your beat partners. RIP~

Kimberly
Friend of Many SSD's

Kimberly
Civilian - Friend

December 22, 2007

I had the pleasure of being in the same academy as Vu. He was an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed. 00-SBRA-03

Deputy
SSD

December 22, 2007

Thank you for your service

Sgt. Robert Tabers
1175th MP Company St. Louis, St. Louis County DSN 2966

December 22, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends and your brothers and sisters at the Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. May you rest in peace.

Detective W. Prosser
Nevada Dept of Public Safety / Investigation Division - Las Vegas

December 22, 2007

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9/24/1976

December 22, 2007