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

July 25, 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

July 25, 2013

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

July 25, 2013

Thank you for time of service. I salute you and your family.

Randalyn Benson
Survivor Daughter of Chief James Leonard Speer

July 25, 2013

You put up the good fight Trooper Martindale , however you were called to another realm before you could fully recover after your heroic efforts including saving two Pilots.

Rest in peace

ACO/CSO Ret. Brian Leap
Sierra County Sheriffs Office, Ca.

July 25, 2013

Till memory fades and life departs, you'll live forever in our hearts. Condolences and strength to your family.
Rest in Peace, Wink.

Tpr. Inge Skinner-Budlong
NYSP

July 25, 2013

Bless Trooper Martindale on his next tour of Duty, and Bless his family and co-workers. Thanks for you Military Service & to service to the Great State of New York .

Master Trooper R. L. Clark # 316 Retired
Georgia State Patrol

July 25, 2013

R.I.P.B.

Sgt.Ret. Robert Cedre
N.Y.C.H.P.D.

July 25, 2013

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo
Nassau County NY, PD

July 25, 2013

Rest In Peace Brother. You are a true hero. Despite your injuries, you continued on and rescued the people from the plane crash. Patrol on from above as your fellow Troopers continue on with the watch in your honor. My condolences to your Family and the NYSP.

Sgt Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

July 25, 2013

God bless Trooper Martindale's family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. Thank you for your service brother.

Sergeant Clark O. Parry
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, New York

July 25, 2013

Rest In Peace Trooper Martindale, God Bless you and your family, thank you for all your service.

Senior Corporal (Retired) THP
Texas Department of Public Safety

July 25, 2013

FALLEN HEROES
From the time I was conceived God had for me a plan
He wanted me to get involved to help my fellow man
I know some were against it but God always knows what's best
Now I'm resting with him and have perfect peace and rest
Heaven is so beautiful I'm walking streets of gold
Now I'm serving others along with the saints of old
God has given every soul a special job to do
Know this my loving family I'm watching over you
Soon we will be together never more to part
Until then just remember I'm as close as your heart

Joye Atkinson

July 25, 2013

May you Rest in Peace my fellow brother!!!

Trooper
NYSP

July 25, 2013

Rest in peace my brother, it is our watch now. My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of this fine young officer, and to all my brothers and sisters of the New York State Police.

Officer B. Ruth
Baltimore County Police Department

July 25, 2013

Wink, as we all called him, could always make us laugh. He was so proud of his children. I was so happy and optomistic for you when I heard that you were finally getting a transplant. It just doesn't seem real that you are gone. I'll never forget you brother. Rest in peace my friend. You would be the first to help anyone that needed it, your brothers and sisters will make sure that Michelle and the kids are taken care of.

Trooper
NYSP- Middletown

July 25, 2013

Rest in peace Trooper Martindale. May God bless you and your Family.

Chief Robert Peloquin (Retired)
NASDPD

July 25, 2013

Rest in peace, Trooper Martindale. Thank you for your dedicated service as a Veteran to our country and as a Trooper to your community. Your ultimate sacrifice and that of your family will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family, friends, NYSP and many law enforcement brothers & sisters. Godspeed and God Bless, Hero.

Kathy B
Grateful Citizen

July 25, 2013

Shield 4715. RIP, brother.

Sergeant Richard White
NYSP

July 25, 2013

Thank you for being you....thank you for making us all safe and free to live the life we love. You are a true hero and will always be remembered that way.

Rest on peace

John Ryczak

July 25, 2013

Rest in Peace Trooper Martindale. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Martindale Family and the New York State Police.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office Paterson, NJ

July 25, 2013

Rest in peace brother, you have earned a new assignment on the Golden Streets. That you for your service to New York and to the United States. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Trooper Martindale during this time of tragic loss.

Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) Sheriff's Dept

July 25, 2013

Rest In Peace Trooper Martindale.

Officer Christopher Goodwin (Retired)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg NC Police Dept.

July 25, 2013

Thank you Trooper Martindale for your years of hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of New York. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever, rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

July 25, 2013

I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization. I have given my life so that others may live in peace. I have lived my life as a dedicated member of the greatest profession. There is no greater honor.

As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.

You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH.

Doug Gist, Capt. (ret) Washoe SO
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, Virginia City, NV.

July 25, 2013