Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Capt. Shurtz,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 24, 2023

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 24, 2017

Thinking of you.

Civilian Anonymous Anonymous
None

July 1, 2017

Rest in Peace, Auxiliary Captain Shurtz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

"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 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 20, 2007

May you Rest in Peace Sir.

October 24, 2006

To the family and friends of Captain Shurtz and his fellow officers in the Rock Island Police Department, and most especially to Captain Shurtz:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Captain Shurtz so tragically died twelve years ago.

His dedication and valor will not be forgotten.

May you continue to find comfort in the support and caring of your law enforcment family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Captain Shurtz gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 24, 1993.

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

October 20, 2005

Sunday, October 24, 2004
So sad. Thanks for your service and
ultimate sacrifice. You are stil
remembered after all these years.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 24, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

October 20, 2004

Captain Shurtz,
Gone but not forgotten.

Fellow Auxiliary Police Officer