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

September 20, 2007

Just a reminder to the criticizing public that are not aware of the dangers we face everyday that anybody, regardless of sex, height, weight or physical disability, can hurt you if they want to. Rest in peace always sirs and know that you will never be forgotten for your sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 13, 2007

Thank-you for your service to your country and Riverside. You are a hero and a true warrior.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 21, 2006

Dennis and I attended high school together. After high school we both were drafted and served in the U. S. Army with tours in Vietnam. After the Army we both became Riverside Police Officers. Dennis was the best man at my wedding to my wife, Madeline and helped us with our oldest son when he was born. More important, Dennis was a true friend to all of us. He was always there when you needed something.

On the day that he died, a part of me died with him. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my friend and just how much he is missed by all of us. Dennis and his partner, Phil Trust, were and remain special people who made a difference to their community and to their friends.

Knowing you made all of us better people. Rest well my friend.

Michael Watts, Sergeant (Retired)
Riverside Police Department

April 18, 2006

Just thinking of you and your family on this Thanksgiving...........

AZ Narc

November 23, 2005

To Officer Dennis Doty:

On this Veterans Day, I honor your distinquished service to your country.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

November 11, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Dennis Doty, his fellow officers, and most especially to Officer Doty:

It has been twenty three years since you and Officer Trust were so brutally murdered. We honor and remember you. Rest in Peace, Officer Doty.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend to your loved ones our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss they suffered when Officer Doty was killed in the line of duty.

To Officer Doty: I am friends with a medically retired Concord officer who served along side you in Riverside, and we have often spoken of your tragic death. I was sickened to read in yesterday's paper that the despicable criminal who murdered you and Officer Trust has been granted a new trial. It is very disheartening to know that twenty three years after you were robbed of your life, that a new trial is being granted.

That news makes me cry for you and your family.

May your loved ones continue to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with them and for them.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Doty gave to his community and the citizens of California, and to his service to his country through his tour in Viet Nam, and the supreme sacrifice he and his familly made on May 13, 1982.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larrry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 4, 2005

You were such a kind and compassionate man Dennis and you always had a smile for everyone. I still think about you Doc. God bless and keep you always.

Jan Fosmo

November 4, 2005

Thank you for your service to our country in Vietnam, "Welcome home soldier", and you are a true hero for your sacrifice on May 13, 1982. you will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 19, 2005

06/03/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Doty.

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

June 4, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Dennis, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

November 21, 2003