Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

June 20, 2019

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 “it’s 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.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452), Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Officer Jim Weaver
Los Angeles Police Department retired

June 20, 2019

Always on duty, always serving those we swear an oath to protect!
Rest in peace Officer Hetland you have done your job well.

Cpl Investigator
Paul A. Loop
Churchill County Sheriff's Office
Churchill County Sheriff's Deputies Assoc - President
Fallon, NV

June 20, 2019

So saddened to hear the news.

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 Gary Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

June 20, 2019

Rest In Peace brother

Patrol Officer S. Lund
Casper Police Department, Wyoming

June 20, 2019

RIP Patrol Officer Hetland. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones and fellow colleagues for their tragic loss. Thank you for your service. Salute and Respect

Constable Tessa Le Roux
South African Police Service

June 20, 2019

Rest In Peace Officer Hetland

DOD Officer James Friedman (Retired)

June 20, 2019

RIP

President Bobby Jenkins
Florida State FOP Lodge

June 20, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer Janet Sanchez
Yuma Police Department

June 20, 2019

Rest in Peace Officer Hetland. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

June 20, 2019

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

June 19, 2019

A real "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 (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

June 19, 2019

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 19, 2019

RIP Brother god bless your family friends and your department

captain E. BRIAN Grubb
Denton Police Department North Carolina

June 19, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Hetland!
You will not be forgotten!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA!
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

June 19, 2019

Officer John Hetland, my squad mate and friend. You truly were the heart of this department and I don't think you realized how much you impacted those around you, whether your family, the public, or blue family. We are all shocked at your untimely passing, but not at your bravery because that is who you are. John was the Officer you wanted at your back. I will miss our chats and responding to calls with you and it was a privilege to do so.

I still remember the two of us walking out together after work on that fateful day, 06/17/19, and as we parted as was often said, "Have a good night, I'll see you tomorrow." Tomorrow didn't happen the way we had planned, but I pray we meet again someday. Until then, rest in peace John, we have it from here.

Officer Kristin Mireles
Racine Police Department

June 19, 2019

Rest in peace, brother. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Kyle Donahue
Dracut (MA) Police Department

June 19, 2019

"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
Powell, Wyoming

June 19, 2019

Rest in peace gallant officer, for your service and bravery will not be forgotten, my brother.

Captain Jeffrey K. Morris
Zionsville Police Department

June 19, 2019

Rest in Peace Brother

Sgt. CCB (Ret)
USPP

June 19, 2019

We all grieve when a brother in blue passes away, but when it happens at the hand of another, it's much more ominous. Thank you for your service PO John Hetland!!!
You will be welcomed by the many heroes, who have also gone too early, before you.
Peace and prayers to your family and brother and sister officers who must now go on without your guidance.

Flo Coen-Lahoz, CO
President, NYS FOP LODGE 46

June 19, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero for your sacrifice and service. Thoughts and prayers for your family, friends and brothers/sisters in blue.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 19, 2019

Final Salute Officer Hetland. Thank you for your service. You are a hero. Rest peacefully in the presence of God. We are praying for family and fellow officers.

Former Patrol Sergeant
Johnny Allison
Wylie TX Police Dept

June 19, 2019

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Retired

June 19, 2019

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

June 19, 2019