Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Grandfather I wish I had been able to meet you. I know we would have loved spending time together. Even though my dad was only five when you passed he talked of you often and how much they missed you and they all loved you very much. Grandmother raised all eight kids who grew into great adults. We all love and miss you and appreciate the sacrifice you gave for our safety. Bonnie Blackberg, Granddaughter

Bonnie Blackberg, Granddaughter
Granddaughter

July 16, 2022

Officer Brown,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 17, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 17, 2020

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 8, 2015

Correction to previous posting....Policeman Henry Frank Brown was neither the first SC officer to make the ultimate sacrifice nor the first Columbia PD officer to do so. This does not, however, minimize his service or sacrifice. He is honored among many others at the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame in Columbia, SC.

Marsha Ardila, Administrator
SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame

May 20, 2015

Bonnie, thank you so much for leaving this touching reflection. I am a great granddaughter in Washington, DC. I wish the best to your family and especially your granddaughter!

Margaret Morton

Margaret Morton

January 4, 2015

I have your police hat that was passed down from my dad, frank brown, who was five years old when grandfather wad hot and killed. I have copies of newspapers regarding the incident. You were definitely a hero who left far too early. My granddaughter who is 15 is aspiring to get into law enforcement . She is currently in a program working with the Lexington county sheriff dept.

Bonnie brown blackberg
Granddaughter

October 19, 2014

As your great-granddaughter I could not be more proud. You are the first South Carolina officer to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

None
Great Granddaughter

June 23, 2014

Officer Brown,
On today, the 92nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbia.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 92nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2013

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2011

Great Granddad; Although I never got to meet you, you will always be remembered. Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called sons of God. Mathew 5:9 Love You.

Kenneth R Brown
Clay Co Sheriffs Office (RET) /Great Grandson

January 6, 2011

Officer Brown thank you for your service.May you rest in peace.

Cpl.Chuck Richardson
Chickasaw Police

December 5, 2009

Officer Brown thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

September 9, 2009

Officer Brown,
It has taken over 88 years, but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbia.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 7, 2009

OFFICER BROWN, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

September 7, 2009