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 17, 2007

I know it's been a while just dropping by I am a Music Artist now and of course working in the daytime but I know that's one curriculum you love very much when we use to do recordings at your apt...and how you use to tell me your sing better then me (of course I didn't think so)...lol...but anywho I'm doing concerts and performing in different places and everything I know one thing it sure is tiring sometimes but as our elders use to say work ain't never hurt nobody...lol...Well just thougt I would tell you a little about whats going on with me oh and you have 4 beautiful great nieces and 1 great nephew between Me, My Brother and My Sister anywho we love you with all my heart and miss you sooooo much...but I know your happy and that's all that matters...Love You Always Uncle Johnny...Muaaahhhh...Your Niece...Sharena

Sharena
Niece

August 18, 2007

As we turn the pages of time of life we reflect each other remembrance laughter was wholesome. "Tony P" mentioned the sad loss of you at the CPD. Johnny could always produce the winning smile in class and out.

We all share his loss in law enforcement and family & friends,

R. Hawk, Director of security SJHS Westchester, Il Class of 79 (Senn high) Go-bull dogs Go-Johnny!

Director of security SJHS
Senn high school classmate

January 30, 2007

Johnny,

It's been a long time since the Academy and 013. You were a class act then, and I'll bet nothing's changed as you hang with St. Michael the Archangel.

You're in my prayers.

Kevin Ryan
Former CPD

January 23, 2007

REMEMBERING MY UNCLE WHO WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A BLESSING TO ME HE HAS OPENED MY EYES TO THE THINGS THAT I NOW SEE. HE KEPT ME SAFE FROM HARMS WAY WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND HE CONTINUE TO LIVE IN MY HEART 'TILL THE DAY IS DONE. I LOVE HIM VERY DEARLY AND WISH HE WAS STILL HEAR I KNOW THAT HE HAS WENT HOME BUT ALWAYS NEAR WELL LIFE WITH OUT HIM WAS VERY SLOW BUT KNOWING HIM HE'LL TELL ME TO LIFT MY HEAD BECAUSE HE ALREADY KNOWS. WELL ME BEING THANKFUL FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT LOVED HIM AND WAS CLOSE ALTHOUGH I NEED HIM HERE I SEE GOD NEEDED HIM THE MOST. WELL TO END MY LITTLE POEM I WILL END IT WITH A KISS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY UNCLE J WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED. LOVE YOU UNCLE JOHNNY YOUR NIECE. SHARENA. (SMILE) XOXOXOX

SHARENA MARTIN
FAMILY

September 13, 2005

~~~To those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 20, 2005

Johnny, was my older Shaolin Kung-Fu brother and always will be my brother in spirit and mind.May he rest in peace, we love you Johnny.
Martial arts training temple.

Investigator: Enola Lee Lera
Cook County Sheriff's department

June 17, 2004

i was one of johhnys best friends love him dearly god rest in peace love you bro god bless his mother and family love abel almodovar

December 15, 2003

Rest in peace blue angel

Anonymous

October 27, 2003

I worked with Johnny, he was my first partner on the job. All, I can really say is: Working with John, made me a good cop. Calling him my friend, made me a better Human Being. I miss him.

K-9 Officer Juan H. Martinez
Chicago Police Dept.