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

January 1, 2008

On the eve of the anniversary of your death, we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

Deputy Cook- I am a local boy...even though I live in the Metro Chicago area. I was on the list at one time to "come back home and work at the new jail" but I made the choice to stay "up north." If I would have came back to Central Illinois I know we would have met. Even though we have never met I want to thank you for your dedication and memories you gave to DeWitt County. RIP Brother in Blue. You will never be forgotten so long as I patrol. Ill take it from here......................

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

September 5, 2007

Our birthday was pretty depressing for me. I cried the entire day. It sure did wear me out. I miss you so much. I know that you are in a much better place but that still doesn't change my feelings about everything.
Keep watching over me!

April 23, 2007

Our birthday is coming up soon and I will make the annual trip up to the cross to leave balloons there for you. It would have been your big 5-0! I miss you so much!

Love you always!

Jen

March 31, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Cook and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Deputy Cook has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Deputy Cook, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Deputy Cook is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City

March 9, 2007

You were highlighted on the website today. Time has
not diminished your sacrifice. God bless all those
who still miss you all these years later.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 20, 2007

Sweet sleep be yours and May He Bless your Family

October 10, 2006

You served your time, hero. Enjoy eternity in God's care. Ask him to watch over all of your loved ones until you meet them again!

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 21, 2006

Still missing you.........


Jen

August 20, 2006

There isn't a day go by that I don't think about you. All the "what if's" run through my mind and I question why you had to leave.
I miss you!

My love forever,
Jen

June 23, 2006

Jim, Your buddies still miss you. We carry your memory with us on the job every day. I've travelled a long road since you left and have survived thanks to what you taught me as a rookie. Thanks.

Sgt Jered Shofner
DeWitt County Sheriff's Dept.

April 26, 2005

JW, I still love and miss you with all of my heart. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I still take balloons and flowers out to the cross on our birthday and the anniversary of your death.
I love and miss you!!!

Jen

February 28, 2005

JW - We all still miss you and think about you often.

Detective Sgt. Joseph R Bell
Dewitt County Sheriff's Police

June 10, 2004

Still missing my brother ... Betty

Betty Cook-Janes