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 12, 2007

Although I never got the chance to meet you Gary, I love your brother Keith like my own brother. I have heard so many great and wonderful things about you over the years. Godspeed and Brotherly Love from a close friend you never met…

Sgt. Phil Fox (Ret.)
San Angelo Police Department

July 28, 2007

I was a kid. I was in 9th grade at St Anthony High School. You use to take me to court with you in the summer time so I would learn how to handle law enforcement protocal in court. Gary, I remember you working on the cars in your garage and having such a good time, always taking time to talk to me and encourage me. I remember little Gary Jr., and your wife Mary who was always kind to me. Thank you for your friendship. God Bless you. God Bless your family... Peter Beaver

Peter Beaver
LAPD Police Commission

March 16, 2007

Officer Elkins, What a great Police Officer, Husband, Father, Uncle and co-worker you must have been. You are only gone in body, but are definitely here in spirit and memory! Jesus wept. Thank you for your service.

Police Officer
Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC

March 14, 2007

A day has not passed without thinking of that horrible day. However, it is all the other days, we spent together that really matter. I'm sure you know you are my hero. I am now passing on everything you taught me to your grandson,Gary Jacob. God has healed my damaged heart with a different Father / Son relationship. Your "Go Go" baton is seated next to me as I type this from the computer in my black and white. You would be suprised how much of you I take with me everyday on the streets. Love, Gary Edward.

Gary E. Elkins
Garden Grove Police Department / Son

October 25, 2006

Rest in Peace.

God bless your family.

Brother in Blue
CE Lima

CE Lima
CCRPV # 2906

October 1, 2006

Gary, how clearly I recall being at your home when you left for the last time to go to the P.D. for duty. How clearly I recall the Officers arriving at my home to inform me of your death. How clearly I recall returning to your home with those Officers to tell your wife and children of your death. How clearly I recall how well we worked together as partners in patrol. You would be so proud of your namesake who also is a Police Officer. My brother, I miss you so much, and love you so much. God love you.

Retired Keith E. Elkins
L.B.P.D. & S.A.P.D.

January 28, 2006

I met a Long Beach Police Officer when I was in the 6th grade in Long Beach. I always remembered him and knew that someday I would wear a uniform, badge and represent everything that is good in a person. Rest in peace, Sir.

AZ Narc

November 8, 2005

GO GO, I had just left the department when you left us. It was sad news to hear and I was not on the department at the time. I have the newspaper article along with too many others, framed and on my office wall so I will never forget. You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Retired-Larry Carter
Long Beach Ca. Police Department

December 2, 2004

I was only 12 when he was killed. The last memory I have of him was on Thanksgiving Day. He was taking the turkey & making turkey sounds and flapping it's wings. He was a character and always being funny. He is missed.

Laura (Niece of Gary Elkins)

May 10, 2004

Every hero here deserves reflection--rest in peace Officer Elkins. Your sacrafice will not go un-noticed. Thank you.

Son of Officer Davis EOW 05-11-95