Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, November 16, 1974
Reflections for Trooper Charles Eugene Campbell
As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the month & year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Trooper Campbell.
Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 19, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Former Police Officer
D.H.P.D.
November 16, 2008
God Speed, Brother.
P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
July 8, 2008
Officer Campell
I have just heard your story. May the Good Lord hold
you close to him and grant you and yours peace.
God Bless you and all your breathern who risk there lives
to keep ours safe.
Larry
Larry Metzler
A thankful citzen
May 31, 2008
Dear Charlie,
Its been a whole lotta years now since you left us. I'm sorry we couldnt find you in time. Dad and I and alot of other troopers and Law enforcement looked all over Dixie and Taylor counties for you. I will never forget riding with you and having known you and neither will Dad (JR Speed).
God Bless
Jim Speed Jr.
James Speed Jr.
Friend
January 7, 2008
Uncle Charlie,
I came along a feww years after your passing!Everyone has told me wonderful stories of your character.I truly miss not having a uncle to know and love.You will never be forgotten
John
nephew
December 23, 2007
"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
December 12, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 29, 2007
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
October 2, 2007
Trooper Campbell, you shall live on forever in a better place.
September 30, 2007
Like many others I came across you on FBI Files on the Discovery Channel. They play it out like a drama however this one didn't end the way I wanted it too.
It is so unfair how a man like you who displayed such courage to go after this monster passed away as a result. On the surface it seems like justice has not been done. But I know that you are in a place now where you deserve to be.
My heart goes out to the family who loved you. The family that never got to know you and all the people who you touched.
Rest in peace.
Oli
June 21, 2007
Charlie,
Just wanted to to touch base with you again. Sure wish I could have gotten to know you better. I am currently fighting the battle to help the survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty like yourself. As you know, we have now had 3 family members fall in this category including yourself. Please say hello to Uncle Steve Dennard and Cousin Charlie Foster for me. And Great Grandpa is up there with you also, Sheriff William Dennard. Give him a hug for me. I hope I am making your proud. Your deaths will not be in vain. I had to laugh the other day when I got stopped by a State Trooper here in North Florida. It was something minor. I pulled off the road to use my cell phone and wasn't quite off the road. I got a warning. But the funny part was that I just looked in the Troopers face and smiled and thanked him for what he does. I know he probably thought I was crazy. He had a strange look on his face. I couldn't help thinking how dangerous his job really was. Please continue looking down on us and giving us a little boost every once in a while. Your cousin, Debbie
Debbie Newton, President
NE FL Chapter Concerns of Police Survivors
April 26, 2007
I am curently in a forensic class doing a project on serial killer profiling. I had recived your murderer and im deeply sorrowed at the lasting mark the world has with out you here to serve and protect, god bless you and your family along with all PD's in America. You are one of my many insperations to join the force as well.
Student; Frances
December 18, 2006
Gone but not forgotten. Thank you for your service.
November 16, 2006
I met Charlie while serving in the Auxiliary. He was a humorous guy who was a true professional. We all learned from Charlie and we shall always miss him.
I think of Charlie each time I pass the favorite places we met for coffee while on patrol.
I'm sure he's keeping his fellow officers chuckling in Heaven just as he did while he was with us.
God Bless you, my friend. Rest In Peace.
1st Sgt Marshall K DuBois
[Former] FHP Auxiliary - Troop F
October 2, 2006
Trooper Campbell,
You would be proud of your son and the grandson you never were afforded the opportunity to meet. Your son is a Sergeant with the Sheriff's Office and your grand son is a police officer. I have had the opportunity to work with both of them and am sad that you were not able to be here to see your legacy carry on into the future. You have shaped my life as well and provided me with wonderful men to server with.
Rest In Peace
a fellow officer
friend of family
August 19, 2006
Trooper Campbell, I just watched a documentary of your incident on the Discovery Channel. You are a true hero who will never be forgotten. Be with all of us from above, as we carry on the watch beside your Son and Grandson.
JJ Menago
Va Beach, VA Police Dept.
MPO JJ Menago
Va Beach Police Department
August 19, 2006
I just saw your story on the discovery channel. Our family extends the most sincere condolences to your family, friends and co-workers.
Time will not diminish the heroicism of Charles actions.
He will be our prayers.
Officer P K Harding (Ret)
Binghamton (NY) PD
April 9, 2006
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forogtten.
Police Officer
March 25, 2006
Saw your incident on the discovery channel where you gave your all. Semper Fi and RIP. Great job to the guys who were transporting the subject with no injuries to them except the perp...
Detective John Meyer
NYPD-Retired
March 6, 2006
To the family of Trooper Charles Eugene Campbell. I just saw "true Crimes" on the discovery channel. Charles is a true hereo. He gave his life to save many. Thank You, God bless you.
Cpl. Jojo
Mishawaka Police
October 8, 2005
I recently saw your story profiled on the FBI Files on the Discovery Channel and was saddened to hear how your career ended. Thank you for keeping Florida safe.
Deputy Probation Officer Cory Walker
Jennings County Superior Court Probation Department (IN)
September 5, 2005
Dear uncle,
I remember vividly my shock and dismay when I heard on the radio, that morning, of your abduction. As I rushed to the location of your patrol car I was determined to do anything to save you from harm, but we were all to late to help you. We still miss you very much after these many years, your booming laughter and great sense of humor are warm memories now. God Bless You and keep you.
a nephew
August 4, 2005
On the anniversary of your death, I salute your for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies....
Rest in peace, hero.
November 16, 2004
We will always remember your sacrifice.
TROOPER
FHP
June 2, 2004
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