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

March 31, 2014

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

March 31, 2014

Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for your service and bless your family and crewmates during this terrible time.

Special Agent
Department of Veterans Affairs-OIG, Dallas, TX

March 31, 2014

Fair winds shipmate. Heaven has a new MA on patrol.

MA2 Morris, S.
USN

March 31, 2014

Thank you for your service MA Mayo. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace..

Chief Joseph A. Edwards
Columbia Police Department, IL

March 31, 2014

"Greater Love hath no man then this that he lay down his life for his friends." Petty Officer Mayo's selfless act of courage will not be forgotten. Honor Courage and Commitment Personified. God Bless You and Your Family MA2.

DK1(SW/AW) Retired David Rogers
Grateful Shipmate/Veteran

March 31, 2014

For Master-at-Arms Mark Mayo:

The military security officer is hardly given enough recognition for the extreme risks that he or she faces, especially in today's world of threat and insecurity. We regret that Mark would be the next military security officer to forfeit his life protecting his ship and fellow ship-mates.
We pray for Mark'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 render a final salute to Master-at-Arms Mark Mayo a military hero and soldier-of-the-law.

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

March 31, 2014

To the family of Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Mayo, friends, co-works & United States Navy Security Forces
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and hold you close now and alway. John 15;13

Patrolman A.S. (Scott) Batson
Cherry Police Department Goldsboro, NC

March 31, 2014

We hope knowing that you are thought of today in a kind and loving day will help ease your sorrow and bring peace today and in the days to come. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker, Director Govt Relations
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

March 31, 2014

Rest In Peace!

United States Air Force Reserves
Security Forces

Lt. John Fortune (Retired)
Panama City Police Department, FL

March 31, 2014

Rest in peace our Navy brother, we have the watch now. Thank you for your service to our great nation. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of MA2 Mayo during this time of tragic and senseless loss.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) PD

March 31, 2014

Thank you MA2 Mayo for your faithful service. You will be remembered. May God grant your family and shipmates peace and comfort.

Trooper Joe Dellwo #446
Minnesota State Patrol

March 30, 2014

Rest in peace shipmate, We got the watch

Master-At-Arms retired

Cpl DQ Aguirre
NDW Police Dept / NSAB Bethesda

March 30, 2014

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My condolences to your family, friends and coworkers of the United States Navy Security Forces. May you rest in peace.

Ptlm. William F. Shields
Federal Reserve Police/Philadelphia - Retired/Haverford Police

March 30, 2014

My friend and Shipmate. Always great to talk to and shoot the breeze with. He was probably one of the most approachable people I've ever met. He is missed and loved by all who knew him.

MA2 Broyles, Joseph
Naval Station Norfolk Waterside Chief of the Guard

March 30, 2014

God bless Mark and may God watch over his family I can't imagine your grief, but know we grieve with you as he is our loss too.
I am so sorry for your loss

Becky Shearer
NAVY momma

March 30, 2014

God's peace and speed MA2 Mayo. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP brother.

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

March 30, 2014

My sincere condolences to the mother and family of this fine young man.
We should all honor his sacrifice to the greatest country in the world.
I salute the family of this fine young sailor.
Never forget to honor him and all the other veterans that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
I am a US Navy Veteran myself and I thank you for his service.

Bill Turner E-3 US Navy 1980-84
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Oklahoma

March 30, 2014

As a Navy mother and American, my heart broke. My prayers for this young man and his family.

Donna Hahnan
none

March 30, 2014

God bless.

Officer Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

March 30, 2014

My heart goes out to the mother of this fine young man. I can offer no words to take away your pain, I wish that I could. I can only offer my gratitude for his duty to our country. God Bless.

Patricia Brecheisen
Proud Navy Mom

March 29, 2014

This is so sad.

Mark, I may not have ever met you, but, I know the good lord has wrapped his arms around you and granted you eternal rest in his incredible home. I just wish this never happened to you or to anyone. Please continue to watch over us down here on earth. I, as someone who also served in Military Law Enforcement in the Army, keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Josh Holcomb
none

March 29, 2014

"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 PD, WY

March 29, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Master-at-Arms 2 Class Mark Mayo. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your family as you go and touch the face of God.
Your honorable service and sacrifice and bravery to the citizens of The United States will not be forgotten. God Speed and God Bless. Rest in Peace Sir.

Final Salute

VIPS 750 Jeff Claybern
Alexandria Kentucky Police Department

March 29, 2014

Every soldier that gives his life is such a hero...God has taken you home sadly for those here on earth, but I know you will continue to guard those you love here. Take with you our gratefulness for the duty you gave to this country, and the honor and respect you so deserve. God Bless You Sailor!!! A proud Navy Mom! Barbara Freeman, My son and daughter in law both serve in Norfolk. God Bless you and keep all of those who loved this hero!

Barbara Freeman
Proud Navy Mom

March 29, 2014