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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 2, 2016

Rest in peace Officer Frank. My sincere condolences to your family and to your department. God speed as you now patrol the streets of gold. Your service will not be forgotten.

OFFICER TERRY F. ZECH (RET)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS DETROIT MICHIGAN

September 2, 2016

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Retired

September 2, 2016

Rest in peace. May God be with your family.

Deputy Micheal Veatch
Macon county TN

September 2, 2016

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Departmen

September 2, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss.

Survivor Jacqueline Rebel
Arizona Department of Public Safety

September 2, 2016

Rest in peace , we ll take it from here.

Deputy Dusty King
Smyth county sheriffs office

September 2, 2016

RIP BROTHER

Stephen Bruet PPO II
NC Department of Public Safety

September 1, 2016

Rest in Peace Brother! We have the watch from here. May God Bless your Family and Friends.

Sgt. A. OROZCO
ADOT/ECD

September 1, 2016

This local agency feels the loss of Officer Frank. May his family/coworkers/friends be comforted at this time. Rest in peace

Diane Benally (Civilian) Equipment Tech
San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Aztec, NM

September 1, 2016

God Speed, Brother.

Sgt. K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 1, 2016

Losing a police officer in any setting is a loss that can be felt across the police family in the entirety. Officer Leander Frank was my brothers friend and close comrade. He honored my brother, Officer Mario St. Germaine, like no other. Truly brothers in arms. The Navajo Nation Police Dept has been dealt a blow of losing yet another good man and exceptional police officer. It is a rariety to see the true character and strength of any man on any given day...but Leander's pride to wear the Navajo Nation uniform and badge was shown in his dedication and service to his people and nation. His mind, skill, personality, and dedication will never be replaced. He had my brothers back while they worked together and my brother him. They both endured trainings, call outs, late nights and tragic events. They both leaned on each other when needed. I will never forget what he told me when we laid brother to rest. I may have lost my older brother, but I gained one in him and the rest of his unit to be there for me. This shows the kind of man he was and is. Rest in Peace brother. We will honor you.

Kristin St. Germaine
Late NNPD Officer Mario St. Germaine's sister

September 1, 2016

So disheartening to hear the tragic news of Officer Frank. My family, extend thoughts & prayers to his survivors. The Navajo Nation DPS will truly miss their fallen Officer but somewhere, under a bluer sky, in a higher realm than where the eagles fly, he will surely look upon them.

LJ Bahe and family
Survivors (NN Officer Sam Redhouse)

September 1, 2016

Gabe have Big pow wow in sky. Thank you for your service.

Retired Chief of Police Johnny Mccurry
West Point , Ga. PD

September 1, 2016

RIP Brother

Deputy Zak Rodgers
Boone County Sheriffs Dept

September 1, 2016

Rest in peace brother.

Corporal (Retired) Glenn Elliott
Temple Police Department--Temple,Tx

September 1, 2016

Rest in peace Officer Frank. Lost your life while responding to help others. Your dedication and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family during this time in their lives.

retired police officer Bob Lester
Midland Texas Police Department

September 1, 2016

R.I.P. BROTHER Frank!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

September 1, 2016

To the Family of Police Officer Leander Frank

During this difficult time, please take comfort in Jesus words at John 5:28,29 where he said that there would be a resurrection. Think of the time when you will see your loved ones again, during paradise conditions, here on earth. My condolences to the family.

Cpl. William Stanback (Retired)
Pennsylvania State Police

September 1, 2016

RIP! Prayers sent to your family and friends! Thank you for serving your community.

Mother of police officers and exwife Deb

September 1, 2016

My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Frank family and the Navajo Police department.
Rest in peace Officer Leandro Frank.

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

September 1, 2016

"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 Wyoming Police Department

September 1, 2016

My sincere condolence to the family of Officer Leander Frank. May his soul rest in peace.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police

September 1, 2016

May God welcome you into Paradise with open arms.

K-9 Trooper D Osborne
Tennessee Highway Patrol

September 1, 2016

Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

September 1, 2016