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

October 3, 2007

My friend Billy,

We grew up together in North Miami Beach. Next door neighbors, schoolmates, playmates. We were best friends and even our lives took us in different directions, we always kept up our friendship.

It's hard to believe how much time has past since those days, and since your untimely passing.

For what it's worth I have one child, a wonderful son.

I named him Billy.


Lenny Cooperman

friend

March 26, 2007

Billy,
I still think of you often. You were one of the people I respected while working together at JMH as police service officers. You were quick to help those of us who were new to the job, and in need of seasoned guidance.
I still remember your infectious smile, quit wit, and eagerness to help people.
It's been almost 28 years since your death, and I am close to finishing my law enforcement career. I am grateful every day to be above ground, and I never forget those like you who've paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's so important to get home at the end of the shift.
Rest in peace my friend.
Big Bill

Big Bill
PSO @ Jackson Hospital 1975

March 19, 2007

I think of you often Bill. I only wish things had not gone so wrong that day. Your courage was outstanding as well as your actions to protect your fellow officers.
Rest well my dear friend.

Chief Dale P. Bowlin
Metro-Dade Police Dept. (Retired)

January 27, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

May 16, 2006

Bill, 27 years have passed, quicker than a blink of the eye. I still recall what happened on this day 27 years ago, just as clear as if it was yesterday. Just wanted you to know that I'm still here and I haven't forgotten. Rest in peace, sir...

Capt. Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, GA. PD

May 16, 2006

Billy, I married a good friend of yours one year and one day after your brutal murder. He remembers you to this day and talks about the good times when you were both growing up. He has never really gotten over your death and thinks of you every time he puts on his uniform.

wife of a leo

August 18, 2005

Bill, As we attended high school and college together, I came to the realization that you were not only one of the nicest people I had ever encountered, but, also years ahead of the crowd in maturity and personal vision. I never dreamed that your path in life would have ended this way 25 years ago. I will admire your bravery forever and rest assured that May 16th will never be forgotten.

Captain Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, Ga. Police Dept.

June 18, 2004

Rest in peace. your bravery will be remembered.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department