Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This poem was written after getting my wife’s 19 years perspective of being a police officer’s wife.


“He Does it For You!”

He doesn’t do it for the money,
Cause surely there’s something better to do,
He says, “Someone has to do it!”
So really, he does it for you.

His eight to twelve hours is from call to call,
From a murder to a cat in a tree,
You say he’s never around when you really need him,
But without him, where would you be?

You curse him when you get a speeding ticket,
And scream there’s something better he could do,
But have you looked at how many deaths there are on the highways,
So really, he’s doing it for you.

He’s always seeing so much bad in the world,
He really doesn’t know what to do,
He wonders sometimes if it’s even worth it,
But he knows he has to do it for you.

Each day when he leaves for work,
And I always kiss him good-bye,
I don’t know if I’ll see him again,
Cause the day might be the day he dies.

So many times he comes home from work,
And I see a small tear in his eyes,
I ask him what is the problem dear?
And he says another innocent person has died.

You always say a cop isn’t human,
Cause at a tragedy he’s cool from the start,
But you don’t have to live with him,
And watch his mind and heart break apart.

I remember one hot June night at work,
His supervisor came, “Your husband’s been hurt!”, he said,
It was such a long ride to the hospital,
They wouldn’t say if he was alive or dead.

Crime is always on the increase,
The streets a battle ground,
And when one in “Blue” is slain,
At the funeral-taps will sound.

He’ll lay in a flagged draped coffin,
An honor for those who die for this land,
Just like the Army, Navy and Marines,
He died by the enemies hands.

Most ordinary citizens won’t be at the funeral,
But you’ll see plenty of people wearing blue,
You’ll see dozens of marked patrol cars,
Honoring the one who died for you.


Written by David L Bell Copyright © 1991
Retired Deputy Sheriff after over 38 years
Richland County Sheriff’s Dept
Columbia, SC

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

May 5, 2013

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

May 5, 2013

TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COLLEAGUES OF SHENANGO TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT, PATROLMAN WILLIAM J. "JERRY" McCARTHY IV.

My heart is filled with great sadness at learning of the lost of your loved one and fellow Officer.
We in the law enforcement community are a family.
Though we may wear different uniforms and have different badges, shields, or stars pinned upon our chest.
We consist of many different agencies from across the nation, for we are:
Municipal Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, State Police Investigators, State Highway Patrol Troopers, Conservation Police Officers, Campus Police Officers, Correctional Officers and Federal Agents just to name a few.
We patrol small towns, large cities, college campuses, county roads and state highways.
Whether active duty or retired, we are one family, a law enforcement family, brothers and sisters bonded together by HONOR, SERVICE and PRIDE.
Daily we honor our fallen brothers and sisters never forgetting their sacrifice.
Daily our position is clear that we will SERVE and PROTECT our communities without faltering and with no hesitation.
Daily we show pride in our chosen profession, LAW ENFORCEMENT, for we willingly walk the line of GOOD over EVIL facing the unknown with COURAGE keeping our trust and faith in GOD.
We know that evil roam these streets and at any moment in the course of performing our duties the ultimate sacrifice might be required of us in the service to our community, for LAW ENFORCEMENT is not a job but a calling and only a few will make the decision to commit to that calling to serve for some will give all that they have.
PATROLMAN McCARTHY
You did not die in vain
You sacrificed your life in the service to the citizens of Shenango Township in the State of Pennsylvania with Honor, Pride and Distinction.
I'm proud to have worn the uniform of a law enforcement officer like you did.
I'm proud to have pinned the badge upon my chest like you did.
I'm proud to have served and protected my community as you did.
I'm proud to call you my BROTHER!
I commend you my fallen brother for making the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of your duty.
For you left us doing what you chose to do.
Performing a job you were trained to do.
Upholding the oath you swore to do.
Most importantly doing what you loved to do........................SERVING and
PROTECTING your community with HONOR and PRIDE making a better and safer place for us all.
FINAL CALL
OFFICER McCARTHY STATUS.............OFFICER McCARTHY STATUS...........
OFFICER McCARTHY STATUS................................................................
ATTENTION ALL UNITS........................................SHENANGO TOWNSHIP
POLICE DEPARTMENT, PATROLMAN WILLIAM J. "JERRY" McCARTHY IV HAVING SERVED THE CITIZENS OF SHENANGO TOWNSHIP IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA WITH HONOR, PRIDE AND DISTINCTION IS NOW 10-42.
Rest in Peace my fallen Brother, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!

Senior Master Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01

May 5, 2013

Rest in Peace Brother. We met a in Gettysburg at the Crime Prevention Training. I was so sad to hear of the loss. Rest In Peace Brother, we will take over from here.

Cpl. S. White
Clarion University of Pennsylvania Police Department, Clarion, Pa.

May 5, 2013

Rest in Peace Jerry. Your brothers and sisters at Grove City College will miss you, and your decades of loyal service will always be remembered.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort go out to your family, friends and co-workers.

202 Off Duty. God Bless.

Director Seth Van Til
Grove City College Campus Safety

May 5, 2013

Officer McCarty, you are the true hero and citizen - May God give comfort and strength to your wife, children and fellow officers.
As a reserve officer to serve your community is a sure sign of your character and dedication to service. WE THANK YOU and you will never be forgotten by your fellow brothers and sisters in uniform.

Deputy David Green
Torrance County Sheriff Department

May 5, 2013

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

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret.
Jackson, NJ PD

May 5, 2013

For Patrolman William J. McCarthy, IV:

The number of incidents and situations that place the patrol officer at high risk are almost too numerous to contemplate. The only protection we really have is to continually recognize this and thus minimize the possibility of tragedy. That is why in-service training remains essential. We regret that our brother Jerry would be the next patrol officer to forfeit his life in the protection of others.
We pray for Jerry's family, friends, co-workers and all who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.
We are proud to Officer William "Jerry" McCarthy, a soldier-of-the-law, a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Plice

May 5, 2013

Rest In Peace....

John Ruth, AEMD Comm. Specialist
MOMR, Farmers Branch,TX

May 5, 2013

You are a hero & an angel. God bless you & your family.

D/S Timothy Hernandez & D/S Christina Hernandez
Escambia County S/O. FL

May 5, 2013

On behalf of the Stark County Sheriff's Office and it's Honor Guard, we would like to extend our condolences to the family of Officer McCarthy and to the Shenango Township Police Department.

Stark County Sheriff's Office
Deputy CD Newman
Honor Guard Compliance Officer

May 5, 2013

By recognizing the heroes of our past, we honor and appreciate the warriors of our present. Your heroism and service is remembered with gratitude today. We thank you for your courage and sacrifice. You gave your all to keep order. Your jurisdiction is safer because of your willingness to put yourself in harm's way, standing between the citizens you swore to protect, and the evil that exists. Thank you for helping to make America a safer place. You live on in our memories as you continue to inspire. Time will never diminish our respect. You have not been forgotten, my brother. You will always be remembered. God bless you, and rest in peace.

David F Hoechstetter
ex-Patrolman (Disabled)
Conway Police Department
Pennsylvania

May 5, 2013

"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 judgment 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."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police Department (WY)

May 5, 2013

Rest in peace blue brother.

Deputy T. Luttrell
WCSD-TN

May 4, 2013

Rest in Peace Sir..........................

Offc. Thomas Wiederhold Ret.
Fort Worth PD, Texas

May 4, 2013

RIP brother Jerry.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det. Bevenour
Gettysburg Police Dept

May 4, 2013

I was really saddened to hear this news. Jerry was a nice guy and served the college well for many years. I heard good things about him from students. Rest in peace, buddy.

Jeff Wolinski
Physics professor, Grove City College

May 4, 2013

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

May 4, 2013

Rest in peace, my friend. I'm glad to have been one of your "little brothers" and I am thankful for your service to the College. You'll be remembered for your service and your great sense of humor.

Larry Hardesty
Former Co-worker

May 4, 2013

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now. Thank you for your service. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer McCarthy during this time of tragic loss. God speed to the partner of Officer McCarthy for a complete recovery.

Deputy Sheriff Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) Sheriff's Dept

May 4, 2013

Our Prayers to his family and friends. A GREAT lost. He should get life. That's what he took that's what he should be doing. He chose to RUN. Someone died because of his choice.

Larwrence J. Faulkner Sr.
BlackHawk Security

May 4, 2013

Thank you for your service!! You will not be forgotten. May the Holy Spirit place peace and comfort into the hearts of your family, friends and colleagues. God bless you!!

Steven L. Thompson, Probation Officer
NCDPS -Division of Community Corrections

May 4, 2013

RIP fellow brother God Bless you and your Family

Patrolman
Pennsylvania (cambria county)

May 4, 2013

RIP Brother you sacrificed all because you answered the call, St. Michael Protect Him, St. Michael Pray for Us.

P.O. B. Clancy #304
Oak Lawn,Illinois PD

May 4, 2013

Rest in Pease my Brother. Thank for your sevice to Shenango Township and to Your Country.
God Bless His Family and Help them get through this Hard Time.

Pete Vantell- Security Police- Veteran USAF

May 4, 2013