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

November 7, 2007

Rusty,
You were a good husband and father and I know that you have watched over your wonderful sons all these years. You have been missed and never forgotten. I know that you are very proud of the men that your sons have become.
We love you and miss you,
Carolyn

Carolyn
Wife

June 28, 2007

On this day, 29 years ago, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am sure your family felt horrible sorrow in your untimely murder as well as terrific pride in your job as a Police Officer. Thank you for bravely and proudly serving your community. You will always be a hero who will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant
AR

June 26, 2007

May you always rest in peace knowing that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 26, 2007

Your dedication to all you served will always be remembered.
Rusty, you were a friend to many and still remembered and missed.

February 14, 2007

Dad,

I never truly got to know you in the three years you were with me. I have now grown into an adult and have two of my own that I wish you could know. You would be proud of the two sons that you briefly knew.

May God keep you close and may you watch over your grand-kids with the ever wactchful eye.

I love you Dad.

Albert

Albert M. Claggett V
Son

August 2, 2006

On this anniversary may we never forget this Warriors sacrifice..May God Grant His family,Fellow Officers, and Friends the Serenity to accept the things they can not change, the courage to change the things they can and the wisdom to know the difference...Rest in Peace Blue Angel.

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp PD, Lewisburg, Pa.

June 26, 2006

Dear Po Claggett,

You were my Dad's FTO and now I'm follwing in his footsteps because of you. I will never forget and I appreciate everything you gave including your life to save people. You are a hero and will never be forgotten. #2853

Po Jensen
PGPD

May 26, 2006

Rusty, you are the kindest and most gentle man I have ever known. You were and are my true life hero. You gave without question to many. You will never be out of our hearts and minds. You still keep us safe.
Much Love
Pam

May 11, 2006

Heroes never die.

Sarah

December 18, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 5, 2005

Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 3, 2005

I recently thought about Officers Claggett and Swart while reflecting on the internship I spent with Judge Levin of the Prince George's County Circuit Court back in 1978. I was a twenty year old college student when the suspect "TJ" was arrested and charged as an adult for his crime committed at the age of 15. The crime was so horrible and without purpose and the impact so great that I mourned for the victims and followed the case through the sentencing and for a time thereafter.

TJ's violent tendencies didn't end with his arrest as I followed his life in prison. It was astounding that he shot the two officers while being charged with stealing money from a coin laundry machine. A petty matter indeed.

Sadly, I ultimately remembered TJ by name and had since forgotten Officers Claggett and Swart when this morning I thought to look up where TJ is today.

TJ is gone by his own hand in 1997 which didn't surprise me. I will make an effort to think of Officers Claggett and Swart whenever I reflect on those terrible days of 1978 again.

Joseph Klapholz

July 3, 2005

God Speed brother

December 25, 2004

I remember being a 22 year old, living in Prince Georges County, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life when this tragedy occurred. I had just been in the Hyattsville station the day before, because I had gone on a ride-along with another officer. I was devastated that this could happen. I now work for the Florida Highway Patrol in an administrative assistant capacity. I still think about that awful day, and pray that it never happens to anyone again. My prayers are you and your family.

Sandi Parrott
Florida Highway Patrol

August 6, 2004