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 14, 2007

Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

August 29, 2007

I am sitting at my computer looking at this picture of my son whom I will never, never forget. I still have a hard time letting him go in my heart and I have very hard moments of crying still after almost 21 years. I know someday I will meet with him on the other side of Jordon and share more good times with him and the Lord. He lived a faithful and devoted life to family and God and is still forever missed dearly.
Tommy Herring, Dad

Tommy D. Herring
Father of this lovely son.

June 30, 2007

I grew up with David, & he was always a lot of fun to be around. He was someone you could count on, who was honest & true. I look forward to seeing him heaven.

Love,

Wanda Yadon

Wanda Yadon
Family Friend

February 5, 2007

David,
I fondly recall,working survival tactics,and at the simulator bldg, with you, and VJ Smith,Kenny Racine,Mike Liotti,and others. Boy did we have a great time, or what! Especially when we taught folks at Virginia key.
You were the junior guy out there,and always pulled more than your fair share of weight. God bless you buddy,
RIP,Dave Collis........

Retired Lt. Dave Collis MPD: 1973-1995
City of Miami P.D.

January 30, 2007

Memories race across my mind as I recall David as a cute young red head! He always had a smile. I remember him in my children's cooking class held in the church kitchen. We made homemade yeast rolls together. His young life was needed elsewhere, leaving us with vibrant memories and sad hearts. God bless his wonderful parents and family. We will gather with David around the throne someday soon!

Estelle Rogers
friend of the family

October 7, 2006

It is always sad when we lose someone who served and was loved by so many people. May God bless him and all his family.

William
USMC Retired

William J. Shank III
Friend of family

September 22, 2006

It is our privilege to write this tribute to our nephew, David, on this the 20th anniversary of his untimely death. Our memories of David are of a happy person who enjoyed making other people happy. David loved his church, his family, his work, and his friends. Although his first love was his police work, David also had a love and God-given talent for art. That gift was used in different areas of his life. He used it in church work for various projects that needed that talent. We remember how David made a set of angel wings for our daughter Diane who was dressed as an angel for a church function. This special talent was also used at the training center where he worked. He built some of the Props that were made to look like a city street. This city scene was used to train the officers. After his death this building was named the DAVID W. HERRING TRAINING CENTER.
David was our family clown and always seemed to be the center of attention at family functions. We miss our little "Howdy Doody" still. He lives on in our hearts, and we know we will meet him again some day in that heavenly city.

Loving you always David.

Mr. & Mrs. William G. Edwards II
uncle and aunt
2006-09-19

Mr & Mrs. William G. Edwards II
uncle and aunt

September 19, 2006

Twenty years ago today David went on to be with our Lord. David was one of the most friendly people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. We had alot of fun growing up together. He could make you smile just by entering the room. A bit of a clown he was, but David was also a very compassionate person. His heart was golden I'm sure of it.
He loved God and was so faithful to him.
I miss him still but know he is in a better place and shall see him again some day. So until that day I hold dear to my heart the memories that I have of him and our years togehter as children and young adults.
Missing you David!! Love, Rebecca your cousin

Rebecca VanNess
Cousin

September 3, 2006

David lives on in the thoughts and hearts of all who were
close enough to watch his life and fall in love with him,
from babyhood through young man.

Donna Bryan
friend

July 7, 2006

David.
One of the kindest most gentle people I have ever known. No matter how long you are gone, you will live on in the hearts of those who knew you.
I learned much about love and laughter from you. I will always love you. There will always be an incomplete part of me that only you could have filled.
Love always, Diane

Diane (Edwards) Mahoney
Cousin

July 7, 2006

David was one of best son a father would ever want to have. He was a faithful son to both Mom and Dad. A fine Christian who always loved to attend church and worship God. He always looked out for those who were less fortunate in life and took time to show himself friendly to them. This coming September 03, 2006 will be 20 years since his passing, but it seems as though it was only Yesterday. Surely a big part of our life is missing without him, his smiling face will never be forgotten.
Love, Dad

Tommy Herring
Father of this fine officer

July 6, 2006

Miss you David. I still have dreams that we are kids again, and we are playing in that gigantic tree in your back yard. I hope your family is well. Fondest memories of my life are with you and your family.
Larry formerly of 561 E. 60 street

Larry Taylor
N/A

March 19, 2006

David, I had the pleasure of watching you grow up from a young boy at church into a fine young man. I am proud that you chose to become a Police Officer and serve the city that you grew up in.I know that you are in a far much better place now, May God bless

Lt. Eddie Crawford
Henry County Police Dept Ga.

January 8, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

joe caragiulo (retired
miami