Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
manchester, nh

December 22, 2007

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 17, 2007

Harl Jr, I remember when your father was killed. It brought back all the painful memories of my own father's murder at Christmas time nine years prior. I hope you and your sisters, as well as your mother, are doing well. I remember you coming to one GSF meeting many, many years ago. Hope to see you at the upcoming memorial park dedication.

Beth Ferguson
childhood classmates and fellow GSF Member

August 23, 2006

Officer Meister, I remember the incident of your shooting back in 1974 and did not realize it has been almost 30 years. I just read that the individual that shot you never got out of prison and died there a few months ago. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

September 25, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

October 20, 2004

Let no hero be forgotten! Thank you for your dedication to public safety. Forever a part of the thin blue line!

C. Wattson
La Center Police Dept.

August 5, 2004

Mr. mister was my grandmothers nextstore nighbor .His son an I were the best of friends.[ I'v lost touch with all of them .I'd like to talk to them again.]I was only 10 years old when this happend and it still hurts even today and every time I hear about a nother Chicago Police Officer being shot .I can't help stopping thinking about back then.Mr.Mister taught me to respect my elders. To always address them as Mr. or Mrs. and he lead by exampel too.He always address my grand parents as Mr. and Mrs. I too to this day address My elders by Mr. and Mrs.It is something that stuck with me since than.

Michael E Carey
Industrail firefighter

May 29, 2004