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

January 24, 2008

Sgt. Taylor,

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered.

Ofc. Ken Stevwing
Pittsburgh Police

September 22, 2007

Once you take the police officer oath, you are on duty 24/7. Even on your days off, it is your job to stop crime and help those in need. It is horrible that you lost your life doing your job. Please continue looking over your fellow officers and make sure you are at the gates to welcome them if they should leave us. It has been many yrs since you passed but you aren't forgotten.

michigan LEO wife

January 3, 2007

Having lost my own brother, I know what it is to lose someone and wonder how it can be that the world just somehow keeps going on; people living their lives all around like nothing happened. The day you were killed, I was absorbed in my own problems and did not even know you died or that you had lived and served, until now. But I want you and your family to know that sometimes, those folks who make up the rest of the world DO stop--albeit belatedly. Thank you, Sir, for serving--for keeping us safe, and for your sacrifice. May God bless you in Heaven, and your family here on Earth. The next time we are painting over graffiti in Lawrenceville, my team's wall will be in your honor.

Civilian, Angelle G.
Volunteer/CPA Alumni

September 26, 2006

Sgt. Taylor, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Phila PD

May 28, 2006

R.I.P. Officer Taylor. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Police Officer
Clearwater P.D., FL

December 7, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty (or off duty as the case may be). I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Remembering you on the anniversary of your death. May God comfort
all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is difficult at times
and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He gives us many
beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our valleys. I pray you
will feel His presence and know His peace. God bless!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 22, 2003

To our brother in blue may you rest in peace. God bless your family and friends.

Officer D. Johns
City of Decatur, GA Police Department