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 18, 2007

I think and remember each day.

Deputy R. H. Skutley
Lake Co Sheriff Retired Next to you that day

August 21, 2007

God bless you and your family.

March 7, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir. You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

December 9, 2006

On the 30th anniversary of your last watch this is just to let you and your family know that you will never be forgotten.

Brother in Blue (IL Retired)

June 15, 2006

Even though I was only one year old at the time of your death my grandfather,your cousin,would tell me your story throughout my life. I am proud to follow in your footsteps and serve my community.

Chief of Police Tim Wise
Annawan P.D.

August 2, 2005

Although killed when I was only 13 years old, I have often reflected on the solemn memorial plaque in our departments lobby in Deputy Murphy's honor. The Lake Michigan patrol boat dedicated to Murphy has long since been decommissioned and sold. The sign boards for the boat were retained and one of them has been put on display along with photos of the boat and a photo of Deputy Murphy. This second memorial can be seen at the Sheriff Department's newly constructed Marine Base at 703 N. Highway 12 in Fox Lake Illinois. Rest in peace Deputy Gary D. Murphy.

Anonymous

January 15, 2004