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

December 13, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Today is the 15th anniversary of your tragic death. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

July 9, 2007

Rest in Peace, Ofc. Chavez.

Sgt S Hughes
Elberton PD

June 19, 2007

Ofc. Chavez,

Its been 14 years today since your end of watch. We will watch over your family from here on while you watch over us.

Deputy Callas
Riverside County Sheriff

July 9, 2006

You gave your all and we say thank you. Having served in the Farmington PD 10 years earlier I know they took your death hard. I pray now for them and your family.Farmington is a wonderful Town and I'm sure you served it well.

Offier Thomas Wiederhold
Fort Worth Police,Tx

February 14, 2006

May your soul in Heaven Rest,
For here on earth youve passed the test,
The ultimate sacrifice has been made,
As proof of your commitment lies in your grave,
May you rest in peace protector of mankind,
For bravery as yours is uncommon to find,

August 11, 2005

May we never forget this Warrior's sacrifice. May Her Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends have found Peace in their Hearts...Rest In Peace Blue Angel...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twonship P.D. Lewisburg, Pa.

July 9, 2005

Officer Chavez, when you walk your beat up in heaven, remember that through your daughters you are immortal.
Your courage is known to all who knew you and worked with you.
Your dedication to duty is admirable and your heroism is an example for all of us.
Your will never be forgotten.

Retired police officer.

May 21, 2004