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 23, 2007

On the very day you died I started my career in LE. I'm still at it nearly 22 years later, and I salute your sacrifice to this job which can be either the best job on earth or the worst nightmare--all in the blink of an eye.

August 6, 2007

I new ken since 1959 he was a great guy norris fisher memphs tn.

June 5, 2007

I was on the job seven years when I attended your funeral. Rest easy brother.

December 11, 2006

At the time of officer Dawsons death, I worked with his wife at a news agency in Northbrook, Il. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. I also resided in Wheeling, in the neighborhood where he was slain. I stood in silence at the intersection of Milwaukee and Dundee as Officer Dawsons funeral procession passed on the day of his burial. I have thought of his family and his sacrifice often since his death.

Chris McCarthy, Detention Officer
Apache County Sheriff's Department

November 23, 2006

I can't believe it's been over 20 years. October and November '85 was an uneasy time in the northwest suburbs with Mike Ridges and you paying the ultimate price. You are both heros and will never be forgotten.

Brother in Blue

June 14, 2006

You were a man among men, the best
a fair and honest cop, there is no one
who ever came close to being the person
you were. You are missed more than you
know.

November 7, 2005

I lived in Wheeling until I left to join the Coast Guard. I heard the news while in school in Michigan. I wept for you and your family.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, sir!

PO2 Patrick J Knowles
US Coast Guard (served)

June 23, 2005

Godspeed old friend!

Tad Leach, Chief of Police (Retired)
Lincolnwood, IL

April 15, 2005

Although its almost 19 years this week Kenny, I still think about the fun times we had back then, and still miss ya.I wont forget you.

Deputy Scott Milliman
Mchenry County Sheriffs Office

November 3, 2004

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. It is such a shame that our Gov. Ryan commuted these killers' sentences. Rest in peace, sir.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 22, 2004

We will not let you be forgotten...rest in peace, my brother

Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County Illinois

September 1, 2003

Rest easy Brother...we will never forget you...ever

CPD

17 and a half years later, you are still remembered. Rest easy.

Anonymous