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 11, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 12th anniversary of your EOW. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 30, 2007

Officer Elizondo, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for serving as an officer. R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
EPSO (Colorado)

January 30, 2007

Raul, on the night of your death I heard the sirens coming into UMC trauma and knew something bad had happened. I looked out the Valley hospital window and watched them take you inside. I called our dispatched and learned of the event. A short time later my son was born. I can only hope your spirits passed and your bravery became a part of him. I wish I could have been there for ya. God Bless.

SGT
LVMPD

January 10, 2007

So often I think of you and always fondly... You are a big part of the reason I am who I am today... I miss you so much and so many times over the years when I could have used your wisdom I at least try to think of what you would do in the situation carrying you in my heart keeps me strong.

Missing you

Nickie Mingarelli

Nickie Mingarelli
Friend

January 6, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 6, 2006

God bless! Ive heard great stories about you from a friend of yours! RIP

A.Guerrero
Non affiliate in academy.

February 28, 2006

Raul,
I think of you often and remember your smile. You are still missed!!

Vaso Tzelalis Dispatcher
North Las Vegas Police Dept

February 7, 2006

There is not a day that goes by that we don't remember your smiling face. We miss you.

Joan Solomovici dispatcher
North Las Vegas Police

February 7, 2006

Raul, I love and miss you so much. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing you was truly blessed. I'm so proud that they named a school after you and think of Wrinkles everytime I see they're mascot, the bulldog. Rest in peace and I'll see you again one day.

Tammy Laminack-Cook
civilian

February 4, 2006

Many children will pass through the doors of the elementary school which bears your name. Your legacy lives on. Rest in peace.

A citizen

November 4, 2004

An elementary school. It's about time something like this happened. Raul, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond,VA Police

October 7, 2003

God Speed Warrior...Duty...Honor...Valor...

Gone but not forgotten 09-03-03

A Brother In Blue. (Utah)

Anonymous

September 4, 2003

Thank you for your sacrafice brother.

Ofc. M.Wilhelm
Georgetown University Police

Raul,
No officer's death should go without reflection by the thousands of brothers and sisters in blue that they served with. We all thank you for making the ultimate sacrafice.

Edward F. Beck (Ret)
Stone Harbor PD, NJ