Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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

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

This may be re-posted in the Honor of his death and the death of any Law Enforcement Officer!

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

November 26, 2012

Rest in Peace my brother for you are a true hero. May God wrap his arms around your family and fellow Officers in this sad time. Thank you for your service.

Trooper Scott Wernecke #958
Washington State Patrol

November 26, 2012

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle, wife of US Marshal

November 26, 2012

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Deputy Rakes. You answered God's calling, your duty is done, a hero you will always be. RIP brother.....

Lt. Clent Rambin (Ret.)
Shreveport Police Dept. and Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

November 26, 2012

Little did you know that morning, God would call you name. In life you were loved dearly and in death it is the same. My sincere condolences to your unit and coworkers. RIP Deputy Anthony Rakes

Robina Browne
Mother of Dep Sheriff D. Browne-Sanchez E.O.W 2/10/2007, Honolulu, HI

November 25, 2012

R.I.P., Brother.

P.O. Randy Evans
Kansas City Missouri Police Department
Son of Patrolman Robert Wayne Evans
E.O.W 10/14/1971
HEROES LIVE FOREVER

November 25, 2012

God Bless

Officer Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

November 25, 2012

RIP brother. Thoughts and prayers to your family and department. Thank you for your dedicated service

Trooper Matthew J. Demny
Michigan State Police, Rockford Post

November 24, 2012

Rest in peace Brother....my thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of the MCSO during this most difficult and tragic time.....

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

November 24, 2012

Thank You for your service Sir

Chief Deputy Kent Myers
Stanly Co So, NC

November 24, 2012

Thank you Deputy Rakes for your brave service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your law enforcement brothers and sisters. John 15:13

Sgt. Mark Wright
Arab Police Dept. Arab, Alabama

November 24, 2012

May you rest in peace, Deputy Rakes. Thank you for your services in law enforcement!

Deputy Jameson Keith
Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office

November 23, 2012

Rest in peace Deputy Anthony Rakes. You gave all. God's open arms awaits you where He will say, "Well done." May God's peace be with your family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers you worked with.

Ronnie Dooley, Ret. Asst E 9-1-1 Supv
Campbellsville - Taylor County, KY

November 23, 2012

To the family of Deputy Rakes,
My prayers and thoughts are with you! I lost my husband, Jonathan, on Feb. 5, 2011. Words may not comfort you during this time but know that Deputy Rakes will be remembered. We will never forget his sacrifice and commitment to the uniform!

Donna Bastock
Wife of Stow Police Officer, Jonathan Bastock, EOW Feb. 5, 2011

November 23, 2012

Deputy Rakes, Thank you for your years of service and commitment. When we put on this uniform, we never know which tour of duty will be our last. It is the hope that the lives you touched throughout your career made significant impacts. Further, may one day we see the fruits you’re your labor through your unselfish sacrifice to the profession which you served. Thank You Brother, Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Steve Kotschwar
Red Willow County Sheriff's Office

November 23, 2012

Rest in peace brother. You will never be forgotten.

Officer Russell Stratford
Troy police department

November 22, 2012

Deputy Rakes, may you rest in peace. Thank-you for your service.

1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

November 22, 2012

The nation's police family is devastated by the news of the death of a brave Deputy. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Rakes is a true hero who put the safety of others before his own. To your family help support and love one another in the difficult days and weeks ahead. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Rakes will always be with you in your hearts and memories. We will never forget his brave actions.

PTL D. EDDY
MBPD

November 22, 2012

May you rest in peace; you're a true hero.

D.M.S.
Civilian

November 21, 2012

Thanks for serving sir and make this city a better place.
R.I.P brother

Citizen

November 21, 2012

RIP brother, thoughts and prayers to family , and fellow officers . Thank you for your service.

Retired Doug Arnoldt
PCSO

November 21, 2012

RIP my brother. The Lord has called you home to be with Saint Michael and all of our fallen sisters and brothers. Please pray for us who stay behind to fight satin and his evil.

Sergeant Daniel Carlson
LASD

November 21, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Anthony. Thank you for your kindness and help when we needed you. You will be missed.

Mandy Benedict
DCBS, Social Services, Marion County

November 21, 2012

God's peace and speed Deputy Rakes. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP brother.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

November 20, 2012

Rest well, brother.

Sgt. S. Rosenblatt
Az Dept. of Corrections

November 19, 2012