Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You left and forgot to tell my heart how to live without YOU!!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

September 15, 2009

Daddy, words can never express how much you are Loved and Missed! You are forever in our Hearts and Souls!! We miss our HERO!!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

March 31, 2009

It's been a while brother Don,,, I was thinking about you and wanted to stop by and show some Respect. You earned it buddy.......

Sgt John L Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

March 27, 2009

"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 10, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 3, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this 19th anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and close friends and also those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 2, 2007

Don was a very good friend of my family and one of the reasons I always wanted to be a police officer. I remember the day of his death like it was yesterday and it still saddens me. I am now employed by the same agency he worked at but how great it would have been to actually do the job beside him. Rest in peace Don, you will never be forgotten!

DS S. Hall
Escambia County

January 18, 2007

Don was always such a pleasure to work with in patrol in Cantonment, FL. He had such a knack for bringing laughter to almost every situation possible.

I remember Don stepping up to the plate and taking assignments that no one else wanted. I specifically recall his taking the challenge to secure an aircraft crash site in the middle of a swamp one night.

I learned many valuable life lessons from this guy, and he is sorely missed still...after all these years!

Jeff Payne
Former Escambia County Sheriff's Office Dispatcher and Reserve Deputy

January 7, 2007

I remember with a smile working off-duty (midnight shift) with you at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Those were good times.
Rest In Peace my friend.

Rick Carvalho (Corporal)
Florida Highway Patrol (Retired)

November 9, 2006

Brother Don, it's been over 18 years ago that you were taken home. I remember that evening as if it were yesterday. I always appreciated you, and our conversations we had, I always held you as a good man, and a great Officer. You are gone yes Sir, but rest assured you have not been forgotten. You made us Proud, and it was an Honor to have known you Sir. Stand easy now my brother, and God Bless you.

Sgt. John L. Gulledge Retired
Friend

October 14, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank your your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

October 3, 2006

Don,You were on of the best guys I ever worked with on the streets.your passing hurt us all,but you are in a much better place now. I hope you got to keep your hat in heaven. rest in peace my brother.

senior deputy gavin price (retired)
escambia so

September 23, 2006

Don, you were a great friend and one of the finest officers I have ever worked with. You are in our thoughts daily.

Investigator John Sanderson
Office of State Attorney/ Pensacola, Fl

July 5, 2006

Don was a wonderful person. He is greatly missed.

Brenda Kroeger

July 26, 2005

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

December 3, 2003