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

October 18, 2007

18 years now daddy and you are not forgotten and never will be you are in all of our hearts, minds, and memories. thank you for everything that you could teach me in 16 years that we had together. i love and miss you more each day. Chad

Chad A. Landrum
son of deputy landrum

March 20, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten. Deputy Landrum, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

February 15, 2007

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I did have the honor of marrying your daughter, Lisa. You would be proud of her, for she followed in your footsteps and became an outstanding officer like you were! She misses you greatly and the pain of losing you is always with her.

Sgt. Don L. Weilhammer Jr
Indianapolis Police Department

February 28, 2006

Almost 17 years now and it has not been getting any easier to deal with your passing.I wish that you could have been here to watch all of us grow-up and grow old with mom.We all love and miss you so very much.You will always be in my heart and soul.Atleast you cant drag another dog with your truck.Accidents happen as we all know.I love and miss you deeply. Happy Valentines Day Daddy.

Chad A. Landrum (Son)

February 6, 2006

I still think of you. It has been a long time since I was engaged to your son Kurt, but I still miss you. Of course I followed in your footsteps and I got that special vest you told me about. You are in my prayers as well as your family still is.

Officer P. Taylor
Peoria Police Dept.

December 15, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS THE LANDRUM FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. MAY THEY KNOW THE LOVE AND COMFORT OF GOD AND HIS SON. MY BROTHER, DEPUTY LANDRUM, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL, NOW REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

December 7, 2004

You are missed deeply at this time of the year. We all love and miss you deeply dad. "No greater man is he than a man who lay his life down for a friend".

Chad A. Landrum (son)

November 20, 2004

Rest in peace!

Dep. E. Thoresen
Marion County Sheriffs Office

August 14, 2004