Beaumont Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, March 22, 1988
Reflections for Officer Paul Douglas Hulsey, Jr.
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Today on the 20th anniverary of your death, we pause and remember you and the loved ones you left behind.
Rest in peace Sir, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc
March 22, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.
Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
February 22, 2008
"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 31, 2008
Thank you Paul for all that you did for the citizens of this area. Even after all this time you are still rembered.
Betty
Citizen
September 7, 2007
Douglas was my uncle and my mother's sunshine. I still remember the call in the middle of the night where my mother screamed and cried for hours. He was so special to her, but I was too young to understand. They are probably together in heaven now.
Cori Edwards
Niece
June 12, 2007
Today we buried another Beaumont Police Officer. My thoughts went back to you Officer Hulsey all those years ago. When our children went to school together. So pure and innocent yet witnesses to such a horrific crime. I know you are still resting peacefully and were there to welcome another fallen officer. May God Bless your soul.
Beaumont Citizen
April 30, 2007
We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Hulsey 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 Officer Hulsey has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.
To the family and friends of Officer Hulsey, 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 Officer Hulsey 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
Abbreviated Enchantment
for Paul's Widow...believe
Bagpipes at an officer's funeral
Hauntingly beautiful
An escort for miles and a salute for eternity
Sobs from a widow's bedroom
Painfully ascend
Tears unaccounted and unwitnessed
Glances toward other couple's debenture
Surely remind
Love and loss coexsist deepening time seperated
Worshipping God restores their covenant
Solemnly reuniting
A veil literally and symbolically lifted
Easing an agogny unparalleled
Gently restoring
Her heart anew and sanctified
Gina Bergman
lived in Beaumont at the time
September 16, 2006
To Officer Hulsey and his loved ones:
On this the eighteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Doug gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was, and how well respected he was by his peers.
Doug, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Douglas Hulsey Jr. I am humbled by your valor, courage, dedication.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Doug gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 22, 1988.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
March 22, 2006
Offc.Hulsey, reading your reflections I can tell you were a man much loved and admired.A man thus remembered is never truely gone from us.Thank you for your service.
March 22, 2006
Hey Blade,
I fondly remember the times working undercover and you, Ruby and the guys teaching a green rookie with very little street experience, how to be and undercover officer. The night that I got arrested out of the "Foxy Lady" because my cover had been burned, and looking up and seeing you in the corner of the club smiling is one of my favorite memories. I learned so much from you that I could never repay you. several years ago, Myself and Officer Paul Love (retired) of the Lufkin Police
Department started a memorial service during National police week. I did this because of you. You were a great friend and a true teacher.
Until I see you again, Thanks.
From a one time green rookie to a seasoned officer thanks to your help.
Rest now my brother, We got your back,
Wes
Cpl. Wes Ross
Lufkin, TX PD
October 8, 2005
YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. A TRUE HERO INDEED.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, THIS HERO DID NOT LOSE HIS LIFE, HE GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND COMFORT HIS FAMILY.
JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL POLICE OFFICERS
August 27, 2005
I got to see your girls at the memorial dedication. They look like you when they smile. I thought about you while working on the sculpture and especially when placing your badgeplate on the star. You were a good partner and you will never be forgotten.
Ron Petitt
Ron Petitt
August 22, 2005
I came across your memorial and knew I had to leave a message to thank you for your service. May you always rest in peace.
Greater Manchester Police, UK
May 18, 2005
10/30/04
After reading these reflections to your memory I realized you were the type of officer that we all strive to be but many never make it. Your community was truly blessed to have had your service. You died a hero sir. Rest in peace.
Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.
October 30, 2004
Paul.....how often do I think of you with great sorrow that I did not learn of your death until it was too late. I was with PAPD in the 80's. We were partners during our days at the academy...we were thrown together by chance due to our names...Halsey/Hawkins but I forever valued your friendship and the good times we shared during our 10 weeks side by side. You will forever be on my mind and in my heart...
Lt. Donald Hawkins
Metro Nashville PD
August 11, 2004
It has often been said that, the brave experience death but once, but a coward dies a thousand times.
The coward who took you from us tasted deaths a thousand times and did feel the wrath of God on judgement day.
You, Officer Hulsey, a true valiant, and courageous warrior shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever and here on earth you will never be forgotten.
Retired police officer.
August 9, 2004
I saw your story on Discovery recently, and I came here to ODMP to follow up and see it again. You were a hero, and it's a shame you were taken by such a ruthless and horrible person. He is now gone and paid the ultimate price for his actions, but it will never be enough for taking the life of a hero like yourself. Rest in peace Officer Hulsey Jr.
Eric
July 18, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you,your family and the Beaumont Police Department.I worked on Texas Death Row for many years.Michael Lockheart was by far one of the most calloused,ruthless,killers I ever encountered.Finally after many long years he had an appointment with the executioner.I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless your family and the Beaumont Police.May you rest in peace until we all meet again.
Former Texas Death Row Correctional Offi
June 11, 2004
Doug, I worked at PAPD and was on duty the night you stopped Lockheat from killing. You bacame a major part of my life and career that night. I was struggling with my police career back then, but when I saw the love and respect the community showed for you, my life changed. You touched many people in such a positive way my brother.
Your sacrifice saved many lives that the butcher would have cut short. The Tom Cruise's and Brad Pitts of the world are not heros. You are a real hero. It was nice to read Carmen's reflection and to know that your family is well. You are missed my brother.
Guy Genovese
Doug,
Although you were taken from us many years ago, the memory of that night is still fresh. I think about you frequently and visit your gave often. Sometimes I talk about your girls. They are so beautiful now. I can still remember babysitting for them when they were young. I think often of the times that we talked on shift to pass the time. You were so knowledgeable and didn't mind teaching this rookie. I miss your friendship and guideance. We still mourn your loss. We have not forgotten the sacrifice that you made so that a serial killer could be brought to justice. Until we meet again....
Patrol Officer Carman Apple
Beaumont Police Department
I learned about this opportunity to leave a few remarks just the other day. I felt that I would be ungrateful if I did not take a couple minutes and say a couple words. I worked at the Beaumont Police Department from 1982-1985. That is where I first started in Law Enforcement. During those first months I had the opportunity to have Paul as one of my training Officers. What an example of not just an Officer but as a person He set for me. I remember him telling me that his job was to teach me to be a good officer and to teach me how to be safe. I remember each evening shift us taking the time to go to his home for a few minutes. Family was so important to him. I remember him getting after me for making an officer safety mistake or two while I was training. He would always tell me that it was his job to keep me safe. I recall one time that we went to a call in an upstairs apartment where there was possibly a man with a knife. I started up the stairs and Paul grabbed me by the arm. He told me that I was to follow him and that He was heading in first. Since hearing about the death of Paul, I have gone to the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington,D.C. several times. I have traced Paul's name on the special memorial card's that they give you and have put it into a frame along with a Beaumont P.D. patch that I hang on my wall.
I will always remember Paul as a very special person that fortunately for me God put in my earthly path. It is my hope that his wife and family are doing well all these years later. I hope things are going well for the entire Beaumont Police Department. I often reflect on those early years of my career. It was there where I had the best training and the best partners of my entire career especially Officers like Paul.
Claude E. Weyant
Sgt. Claude E. Weyant
Windsor County Sheriff's Dept.
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