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 12, 2007

Tom Its been a long time since Brooklyn
Thank You so much for your service. Your family and friends miss You deeply!!
You are not forgotten!!

Burt Pinkston
Friend

December 9, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

Rest in peace my brother, you will never be forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New jersey Cop

November 24, 2007

Tom - I can't believe it has been so long since we were in the Academy together and I can still remember the day that the instructor said "Chances are that one of you in this room will die on duty before your retirement date." I can still remember the looks we gave each other and both of us shaking our heads saying "No way - not us man" Who would have ever thought life would have turned out this way. Just to let you know You are never forgotten and they have a great memorial at HQ for ya. The memorial bracelet means alot too.Well REST IN PEACE BROTHER TOM - and you can show me how to use a Radar unit in Heaven when I get there.

Sgt Patrick Burns
Bayonne PD -- Personal Friend

March 12, 2007

You were a wonderful friend. You are missed!

Nicole Beetel
Friend

July 3, 2006

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace brother!

Trooper
NJSP

April 12, 2006

I can't believe ten years have past. You will always be in my heart.

I miss you,
Love....Mom

Kathy Miller
Mother-in-law

March 20, 2006

Its been over 10 years already and you will never be forgotten. God Speed...

Detective
Cranford PD (NJ)

February 27, 2006

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten!

November 24, 2004

Tom,

It's almost that time of year again.
We will never forget.

Lt. LD

Lieutenant Leonard J. DiStefano, Jr.
Garwood PD, NJ

October 21, 2004

God bless you and your family at your sacrifice.

Anonymous

February 5, 2004

Thomas, Your tour of duty is over. Rest in peace.

Your Brother Officers
Mountainside P.B.A. 126

Will never be forgotten to those he came in contact with..

God Bless you Tom..

Anonymous

Great cop and person.

Dave