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

December 12, 2007

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 2, 2007

MY DEAR FRIEND FRED,IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY THAT WE LOST YOU,YET WHEN I THINK BACK,IT SEEMS LIKE A MILLION YEARS AGO WHEN WE WERE IN THE 38th RECRUIT CLASS TOGETHER.I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE ALWAYS LOOSE THE VERY BEST.YOU SIR WERE THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST,A TRUE FRIEND AND GENUINE GENTLEMAN.

SGT.PAUL BRAMLETT-PILOT
FHP RETIRED

January 23, 2007

Dear Fred:
When I received the news of your being shot on the Turnpike, I remember feeling sick, then angry. I was assigned to the uniform division of the Sheriff's Office at the time, and volunteered my time and efforts to assist in the manhunt for the suspects.
We never met before that tragic day. But your death, though tragic, has been a wake call for all of us to always be on guard. Twenty-two years has come and gone, but be assured, you will NEVER be forgotten, nor the sacrifice you made to our State and our country.
"Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called the children of God".
Rest in peace, my brother. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office

August 11, 2006

you changed my life..and for that i thank you..i think of your kindness and advice often your passing hit me hard but your laugh overshadows all......God bless and hold you for eternity...

Leo McHugh
Auto Express Towing & Recovery Inc.

September 18, 2005

Fred was my neighbor and friend when I grew up in West Palm Beach. I was on duty with the US Army Military Police at Camp Casey, Korea when I learned of his death from a newspaper article mailed to me. Fred was the nicest person I have ever met in law enforcement. He will be missed.

Officer Steve Eubanks
Customs & Border Protection

August 1, 2005

I remeber sitting at the dinner table when the call came out that you had been wounded on the turnpike. I responded to the scene and was part of the 36hr manhunt which apprehended your killers. After that day I really learned how special we all are to one another even though we had never met.Your commitment and dedication will never be forgotten by your brothers in law enforcement, rest in peace brother.

Det. Fred Araujo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

June 7, 2005

Trooper Groves attended the 38th recruit class of which I was a member. Trooper Groves exhibited leadership qualities and was/is respected by all that knew him. Trooper Groves took his duty very serious and would have had a greater career had his tour of duty not been cut short.

Trooper Groves, you are not forgotten.

Trooper Darrell E. Burnham (RET)
Florida Highway Patrol

April 9, 2005

You have left us but I think of you often and the many great things we did as kids.

Nancy Smedley
Sister

January 20, 2005

Gone home and will never be forgotten. You are truly missed.


2004-03-17

Trooper Jonas C. Jacobs (Retired)
Florida Highway Patrol

March 17, 2004

I continue to think of you often. I miss you and will always love you.

Michele Groves
Daughter

February 17, 2004

My father graduated from the 43rd Recruit class. Trooper Frederick Groves took over my fathers patrol area. My dad speaks nothing but good words about this trooper. My father says Groves was very respectful and professional at all times. I hope to become a part of the FHP in the future. Rest in peace sir, your spirit will move on to many troopers to come.

Bill Nickolson

William Nickolson
Future FHP

February 14, 2004

Rest in peace brother, you taught me a lot and were instrumental in getting me through my rookie years. You and your family will not be forgotten!

Captain Mike Cowart
Florida Highway Patrol

December 31, 2003

Not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

December 5, 2003

Freddie,

I will never forget your smile and dedication to your family and friends.

Chief Jim Howell
Florida Highway Patrol

September 23, 2003

Rest easy, Troop. You gave your all and are now rewarded. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

September 18, 2003