Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

September 20, 2007

It seems like only yesterday when we were patroling the town of Poway! Your smile and your ready wit will never be forgotten.

Suzanne Hatcher, Retired Officer
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept

May 15, 2007

Deputy Brewer your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 22, 2006

I watched this incident unfold on TV when I was in the 8th Grade.I now am a Police Officer on the SWAT Team as you were. Your picture hangs in our station and the memory of your sacrifice is always in my head. Thank you for paying the ultimate price. You will not be forgotten.

Police Officer Whitaker
Escondido Police Department

January 13, 2006

Today I'll share your story with the deputies that make up my patrol team. Your memory and sacrifice won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

Rick Z., Sergeant
San Diego County Sheriff's Department

December 5, 2005

Although not on duty the day of the horrible event, it happended in our town and we did not have a swat team so the Sheriff's was called in. You came not only to the aid of the citizens of Escondido that day, but you came to the aid of your fellow officers when we needed you. Our department grieved and although I'm no longer in Police work, I'm honored to have worn a badge like you did. Not the same badge but in a sense they are all the same. Thank you, Jack

former officer Jack Lane
Escondido P.D

February 11, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

We will love and miss you forever, Lon. You are not forgotten.

Allison Brewer

December 12, 2004

05/01/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 1, 2004

I'll never forget watching that incident unfold it was like a slow motion movie. You paid the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace brother and know that we will never forget you.

Lt.
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.