Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dearest Bill,
It's been almost 28 years now since you left us. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you, and wondered if you were watching over me as you did in life. I have missed you so much and sometimes it's almost unbearable. I come to visit you when I come home and hope that you can hear me when I talk to you. You've always had and still have a special place in my heart that nobody can fill but you.

Now, I'm grown with a daughter of my own and I tell her about you and what a wonderful person you were and if she ever found someone that can come even remotely close to you, to grab them up, cherish them and don't take them for granted. People like you are so few and far between; a gentle, kind soul, that truely cared about people and I was Blessed to have known you and loved you and have you in my life for such a short time. The impact you had on me was great and I became a better person for it. I hope I have made you proud of me as I grew up. I love you and miss you and you will never be forgotten!

To A Policeman
William (Bill) Bowlin

They're in the Line of Duty,
Morning, noon, and night,
Be it a break-in or car wreck,
Or to break up a simple fight.

They're there because it's protection,
Of people like you and me,
The live for what each day brings,
The future we cannot see.

They pursue in the line of Justice,
And see no harm is done,
To life, limb, and property,
They're our darling sons.

They swear to uphold and enforce,
The laws of our city and land,
Three cheers for the Policeman,
A salute to the fearless man.

When they leave home what ere the shift,
They know this could be the day,
That life could be snuffed out,
By a fool with guns on the way.

Are they perfect, no are any of us,
God said there's no not one,
But praise the Lord they're trying,
This mad race to run.

They're kind, loyal, and helpful,
To listen to other's woe,
They can get tough if it's needed,
To some of the places they go.

Soon, we will lay one down to rest,
An Officer true and brave,
Whose life was given in duty,
Humanity to save.

So three cheers and a prayer of thanks,
That they who try day and night,
Will not meet with destruction,
As did this young one last night.

God send your Guardian Angels,
To ride in these cars of white,
As they try to keep law and order,
In Nashville day and night.

Written by Louise Berryman
August 5, 1982

Sissy

March 21, 2010

Hi Bill
I sit here tonight with tears running dow my cheeks because I miss you so much. Time has not removed the pain of losing you at such a young age. You were a great young man, a fine officer and a super son. Rest in peace. I love you.
Your Dad.

Malor Jack Bowlin Retired
Father

March 12, 2010

I do not have the words nor can I put in writing the feelings your death had on my personal life, my career and the way I train my officers. I still remember the Bat Turns on state route 45 in Lakewood, you laughing about what your Tact O Graph might say. You were so full of life how could you have died so young? I don't know why Ive watied so long to write.(27 years) When the Officer's ask about my tatoo I tell them about the blood drop that belongs to you. I have also told my 17 year old son, [who is now in the Tn. Army Guard, and wants to become a police officer] about you. I know you are in a better place, I just want to leave my thoughts, you have never been forgotten, rest in peace my brother.

Lt. Ricky Knight
Brentwood Police

January 19, 2010

Billy, you are missed!!!!!!!!!!!

SGT Robbie Keeler

October 18, 2009

Officer Bowlin your work on this Earth as we know it is now done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 28, 2008

"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 30, 2008

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

November 28, 2006

"Billy Bob", you are greatly missed. I think of you often. I miss your friendship. When I was still a young officer after just graduating the academy, you taught me a lot. The times we rode in the same patrol car I always learned. My very first call where I was involved in a shootout situation, we were together. You taught me to stay calm and how to deal with the aftermath. There were other times I can recall that you helped me. There are too many to list. I thank you most of all for you Christian witness. You were never ashamed. In part, because of you, I later became a Christian.
Thanks, buddy. I miss you and love you.

Sergeant Jeff Grimes
Metro Nashville PD

August 24, 2003