Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Clarke,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Millry. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P:
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 30, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 30, 2020

Rest in peace Chief Clarke. Young and valiant.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2019

Never met Chief Clarke but his son is my best friend! Many times we have spoken of his father and many times i have seen his face and knew he was thinking of him. Fear not Chief Clarke your son is a great man and loves his family. Im sure you would be proud. Raleigh jr has also given your name to his son. And wow he looks just like you!!RIP Chief!

Friend
Sons best friend

February 24, 2018

I remember the night it happened. Johnny Frost was an auxiliary policeman and would have probably been working with Raleigh that night but we had to go out of town. Raleigh just came to my mind yesterday and then this shows up today. He had the best smile. I’ll never forget him.

Dottie Williamson Fore

February 24, 2018

The Tragedy of A Young
Policeman


As a boy back then, some twenty years ago,
This young lad wandered to and fro;
Not quiet sure which way he should go,
Swayed with the wind for a year or so.

He served his country well in the navy blue
Offered his life that others might live,
But his job here on earth was not done yet,
For he had not been called to pay that final debt.

At home on leave in the fall of sixty-seven,
His call came close, for his eleventh hour was near,
But his work here on earth was still unfinished;
He refused to surrender to the call of death,
On to serve humanity he forever pushed.
As he donned the mighty blue, the law he swore to keep.

He challenged many, both large and small, friend and foe alike.
Armed with a trusting soul and a friendly grin,
This light-haired lad of only twenty-three,
Moved into manhood as upon his chest they placed
That golden badge of service, for which he gave his life.

Oh! the offers came, both large and small,
To buy that badge which upon his chest he proudly wore,
But it was not for sale, for upon humanity he placed a higher price.
Yes, he refused to turn his head as others are now doing,
And for that he paid an eternal price.


For on that fatal night, a summons he received from o’er the air,
“Come quickly!” went out the call from his trusted deputy.
“It looks like trouble brewing.”
“Sit tight”, instructed he, “until I get there.”
With a mighty dash he was off to the scene,
Ready to defend the right as he deemed.

Instructing his deputy, “standby,”
As he walked to the door and on it did knock.
Silence crept over the dance hall floor.
“What’s the problem,” he inquired as he stood there tall,
Unsuspecting of the danger about to befall,
For to him there was no man he need fear.

“The law.” Cried one, “get him!” called another.
Upon him three sprang with all hell’s fury:
A set up suspected he as he moved swiftly to the door,
“Too late,” cried the fourth, when with a flash and a roar,
A fiery .38 its deadly path tore.

He reached for his gun, his head spinning fast,
As he realized this may be his last.
“His unborn son never to see,” thought he,
As he stood there startled, his vision fading fast.
He could feel the warm blood as it freely surged.
His knees began to crumple, he could stand no more.

As his deputy reached his side, he in agony did plead,
“Get me to a doctor, hurry will you please!”
“For my unborn child I surely want to see.”

Into the patrol car which was parked nearby,
He was placed by his deputy and in the back seat he would lie.
“No, no,” cried he, “In the front seat I shall ride.”
Clutching his short wave weakly, he did place his last call
“I am shot! wont you please take over my calls.”

Shortly there after, his head spinning fast,
Thought once again about his unborn child,
Thought of his young bride so tender and sweet,
Thought of his dear mother and his father as well,
Thought of his lovely sister and his brothers all five,
Thought of all the children he loved so well.


When suddenly his thoughts were shattered forever,
For the blood upon his brain, he could no longer bare,
As he slipped into the shadows.

The doctors labored long and hard;
The family gathered 'round.
Few words were spoken, for all knew well,
That only time could tell.

The days went by first one then two,
Then three, four and five,
By then all knew well that in this world
He would no longer dwell.

For here his work was complete.
He did his job, he did it well:
He paid the price, he did not sell.
He gave it all that he could give.

And to those who are saddened here below
Take comfort in the thought:
Raleigh died, but he died proudly.
Raleigh died, but he died bravely.
Raleigh died, but he died with honor.

And more than that, no man could ask,
But more than that he surely gave,
For through his bright blue eyes another looks today.
We know not where nor does it really matter.
For such a man as this will live for evermore.

And if from this we but learn,
The man for sale is such a little one,
Then Raleigh will not have died in vain.

- Raymond Clarke,
Brother of Slain Police Officer

Raymond Clarke
Brother of slain Police Officer

June 10, 2012

Jody Clarke
Nephew of Chief of Police D. Raleigh Clarke

February 24, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 23, 2013

Thank you for your heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 30, 2012

The Tragedy of A Young
Policeman



As a boy back then, some twenty years ago,
This young lad wandered to and fro;
Not quiet sure which way he should go,
Swayed with the wind for a year or so.

He served his country well in the navy blue
Offered his life that others might live,
But his job here on earth was not done yet,
For he had not been called to pay that final debt.

At home on leave in the fall of sixty-seven,
His call came close, for his eleventh hour was near,
But his work here on earth was still unfinished;
He refused to surrender to the call of death,
On to serve humanity he forever pushed.
As he donned the mighty blue, the law he swore to keep.

He challenged many, both large and small, friend and foe alike.
Armed with a trusting soul and a friendly grin,
This light-haired lad of only twenty-three,
Moved into manhood as upon his chest they placed
That golden badge of service, for which he gave his life.

Oh! the offers came, both large and small,
To buy that badge which upon his chest he proudly wore,
But it was not for sale, for upon humanity he placed a higher price.
Yes, he refused to turn his head as others are now doing,
And for that he paid an eternal price.


For on that fatal night, a summons he received from o’er the air,
“Come quickly!” went out the call from his trusted deputy.
“It looks like trouble brewing.”
“Sit tight”, instructed he, “until I get there.”
With a mighty dash he was off to the scene,
Ready to defend the right as he deemed.

Instructing his deputy, “standby,”
As he walked to the door and on it did knock.
Silence crept over the dance hall floor.
“What’s the problem,” he inquired as he stood there tall,
Unsuspecting of the danger about to befall,
For to him there was no man he need fear.

“The law.” Cried one, “get him!” called another.
Upon him three sprang with all hell’s fury:
A set up suspected he as he moved swiftly to the door,
“Too late,” cried the fourth, when with a flash and a roar,
A fiery .38 its deadly path tore.

He reached for his gun, his head spinning fast,
As he realized this may be his last.
“His unborn son never to see,” thought he,
As he stood there startled, his vision fading fast.
He could feel the warm blood as it freely surged.
His knees began to crumple, he could stand no more.

As his deputy reached his side, he in agony did plead,
“Get me to a doctor, hurry will you please!”
“For my unborn child I surely want to see.”

Into the patrol car which was parked nearby,
He was placed by his deputy and in the back seat he would lie.
“No, no,” cried he, “In the front seat I shall ride.”
Clutching his short wave weakly, he did place his last call
“I am shot! wont you please take over my calls.”

Shortly there after, his head spinning fast,
Thought once again about his unborn child,
Thought of his young bride so tender and sweet,
Thought of his dear mother and his father as well,
Thought of his lovely sister and his brothers all five,
Thought of all the children he loved so well.


When suddenly his thoughts were shattered forever,
For the blood upon his brain, he could no longer bare,
As he slipped into the shadows.

The doctors labored long and hard;
The family gathered 'round.
Few words were spoken, for all knew well,
That only time could tell.

The days went by first one then two,
Then three, four and five,
By then all knew well that in this world
He would no longer dwell.

For here his work was complete.
He did his job, he did it well:
He paid the price, he did not sell.
He gave it all that he could give.

And to those who are saddened here below
Take comfort in the thought:
Raleigh died, but he died proudly.
Raleigh died, but he died bravely.
Raleigh died, but he died with honor.

And more than that, no man could ask,
But more than that he surely gave,
For through his bright blue eyes another looks today.
We know not where nor does it really matter.
For such a man as this will live for evermore.

And if from this we but learn,
The man for sale is such a little one,
Then Raleigh will not have died in vain.

- Raymond Clarke,
Brother of Slain Police Officer

Raymond Clarke
Brother of slain Police Officer

June 10, 2012

Never forgotten...RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

June 29, 2009

Chief, thank you for your service. I, too come from a small town in Alabama so I know how close people are. I look forward to seeing you and all the other HEROES who have gone before us. When our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST returns we SHALL all be together for eternity. May the LORD Bless your family always. Again, thank you Brother.

Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol

June 3, 2008

"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

July 19, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MY SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

February 17, 2007

Rest in Peace, Chief Clarke. Your sacrifice if not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 26, 2006

After 35 years Raleigh is still sorely missed by his five brothers and one sister. His son is reminded of his Dad often and missed his fatherly guidance that every child deserves to have.

Thank you fellow officers for your kind reflections, Know that you are in my prayers on a daily basis. " Service to humanity is the best work of life".

Joe N. Clarke
Brother

July 7, 2006

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 24, 2006

Chief Clarke,

You came to my classroom while I was a bright eyed 3rd grader at Millry Elementary School and talked about police work. Shortly after that visit, you were tragically taken from all of us.

I remember talking to my parents and how they tried to explain why such a great man had been killed.

Now, at 43 years old I still remember the impact and positive influence you had on me at such a young age. You had such a profound affect on me that I knew at that moment that I would be a cop when I grew up. Now, after 23 years wearing a badge, I can tell you that your legacy lives on. May you rest in peace and know you are missed.

Dan Chason
Law Enforcement Ranger
Office of State Parks, Louisiana

Ranger Dan Chason
Louisiana Office of State Parks

December 10, 2004

Chief Clarke,

I honor you Sir. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

July 30, 2004

On behalf of the members of the Millry Police Department, thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten. Although it has been nearly 32 years since you were murdered, the citizens of Millry still speak, with honor and respect, of you and the work you did.

Chief Jeff Pruitt
Millry Police Department