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

November 8, 2007

MR HANNA WAS NOT ONLY A GREAT TROOPER, HE WAS A LOVING FATHER AND HUSBAND, AND AN EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW. HE ORGANIZED NEIGHBORHOOD BASEBALL GAMES IN THE STREET NEXT TO HIS HOUSE, EVERYBODY LINED UP FOR A CHANCE TO HIT IT TO THE MINI GREEN MONSTER HE BUILT IN HIS YARD(LEFT FIELD). I REMEMBER WHEN HIS SON CALLED TO LET ME KNOW HIS DAD HAD BEEN KILLED, I WAS IN TOTAL DISBELIEF. I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM, AND KNOW THAT HIS CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS WERE INSTILLED TO HIS CHILDREN AND RELFECTS IN THEIR SUPERIOR CHARACTER.

TERRY WOLFE
SON'S FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR

September 23, 2007

When I was growing up, I aspired to become a police officer. I used to listen to the police scanner all the time, and I would always hear Trooper Hanna calling in a plate and license number. "668 to C...". He got more "hits" than anyone else I heard on the scanner. Although I never met him, he was always my hero. I was in the airport when I read the tragic news and tears came to my eyes. I just knew he was a good man.

Civilian - Stephen Georgeson

April 18, 2007

G-d Bless.

February 26, 2007

We lived about 3 houses up the street from Trooper Hanna in Holliston at the time. I can remember him leaving for his shift that afternoon and waving to us as his cruiser went by. That night we were watching the ll pm news when the story of his shooting came over. It was probably the biggest shock I have ever experienced. Trooper Hanna was a hero to the entire neighborhood, always watching out for the kids and one time even pulling over one of the neighbors and writing a ticket because the guy was going too fast as kids were playing on the street. He gave his life in the line of duty and for all of us who will ever be grateful for the time he was on this earth.

Robert L.Cohen
former neighbor

November 13, 2006

I now live in VT, but I grew up a few towns away from where Trooper Hanna was killed. I have to drive by the liquor store where he was killed when I visit my family. It is a reminder each and every time to be careful on the job and thankful for each day. Also a reminder of Trooper Hanna's sacrifice and service to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Detective
Burlington, VT Police Department

May 8, 2006

On 07/11/05 RTG 42-05 remembered Trooper George L. Hanna and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 21, 2005

We will not forget you nor the work you did to protect all of us,
J ryan

July 30, 2005

I was a student at Natick High School when Trooper Hanna was laid to rest in Natick. The number of officers from all over the country that attended his funeral always impressed me. Most of the school watched the endless parade of cruisers. I later met Trooper Hanna’s father George when I worked at the local YMCA. I have to say that this show of police brotherhood was part of my decision to become a police officer.

David W. Rice
Greenfield Police Department

July 27, 2005

Gearge, your unfortunate Murder was well before my time with the department. I have meet many people who still speak very hghly of you. I have seen that you are what it is to be a Trooper. I spent time in the academy with your daughter, you did a Great Job as a Trooper and a Father as well. Semper Fi and Thank You !! Rest in Peace.

72nd RTT (1994 - Present)

Trooper Mark D. Robbins
Massachusetts State Police

October 11, 2004

THE TROOPERS LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE TROOPERS STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD NOW, TROOPER. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE TROOPER SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain’t. Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a Saint. I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I’ve been violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that wasn’t mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many unmanly tears. I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you’ve a place for me Lord, it needn’t be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don’t, I’ll understand."


There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As the Trooper waited quietly, for the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, TROOPER, you’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets, you’ve done your time in hell."


Rest in peace brother, and may God continue to look over you and your family.

PS I am the son of, John "Jack" Redican, JR., the 1989 recipient of the Trooper George L. Hanna Medal of Honor

Ofcr Rusty Redican
L.A.P.D. 77th Division, Formerly of the Chelmsford PD

August 26, 2003

I was good friends with Tpr.George L Hanna.He was one of the best.

State Police Dispatcher (Ret) Robert Wil
Formerly at SP Holden

May God Keep You Close My Brother

Cpl.(Retired) F. Ardita
Mass State Police