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

July 31, 2007

Provide aerial support from the heavens for your family and fellow law enforcement officers.
Rest in Peace

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

July 8, 2007

I didn't know my daddy for very long, I was 7 when he was taken from us. My kids will never know what a great man their grandfather was. It is nice to know he is still remembered. Thank You.

Robin Manley
daughter

June 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother

Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

February 11, 2006

Hugh:

We still miss you man! Annuit Coeptis, rest in peace my brother.

Lt. S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department

August 23, 2005

Dear Officer Manley,

I am a friend of a friend - I'll tell you his first name and I KNOW you'll know of whom I speak - Judd. I visited your name at the Peace Officers' Memorial in Washington DC this past May and brought back a pencil and paper image of your name to present to your ol' partner.
Thank you for your sacrifice - I know Judd misses you dearly! God bless you, your family, and all who love you, Officer Manley!

Sincerely and gratefully,
Janet (IPD Wife)

August 18, 2005

Officer Manley,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Indianapolis. It's makes me sick that your murderer served less than thirty years and was allowed to go free.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 16, 2005

Rest in Peace my brother in Blue!

Anonymous

March 19, 2004

God bless, Ron...from a brother officer & fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 24, 2004

My condolences to the family and friends of this officer, both for his loss and for his killer being set free. I pray that the memories you have of your officer in happier times will help to ease the pain you're feeling now.
We will never forget.

Monroe County Sheriff Dept.

December 26, 2003

Warrior, unfortunately your killer will walk free in December but we will never forget your sacrifice and we will continue on the fight!...

Anonymous

November 6, 2003

Thank you for your servicie. Your killer was ultimately granted parole in 2003

Anonymous

November 6, 2003

Thank you sir for your service and the honor you stood for in your position.