Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still miss riding with George when he was in Wilmer. I was his dispatcher at the time, and rode with him on both days off and when I worked deeps. I have come along way since then, but still remember George and the fun times we had riding together. God blessed George with angel's wings and he serves at His side daily, watching the rest of us in our chosen profession. George was a trooper, George was a comedian, George was a visionary who could see the good in everyone, sometimes overlooking the real harm. George was a true police officer and friend. George, I still miss you and think of you often. I hope I have served as you would have, with head held high and proud of the badge. You are missed my old friend. God Bless You and your family.

Officer Thomas Lauer
Malakoff P.D.

August 14, 2009

When I logged onto the ODMP on October 23, 2008 I searched the "Today In History" section. Officer Raffield's name was on the list for October 23. I hadn't thought of George in some time. I clicked on his name and the memorial popped up. I just stared at the photo, remembering that he was a student at the Tarrant County Junior College Police Academy when he was with the Red Oak P.D.. I was a police officer with the Irving P.D. and taught at the TCJC Academy as a guest instructor for 15 years from 1985 to 2000. George was one of my students in the Seven Step Violator Contact class, teaching the recruits officer safety on traffic stops. It was four, four hour blocks of class, four consecutive afternoons. Two afternoons of lecture, one afternoon of videotaped practical exercises and the final afternoon was viewing the tape and a critique of each individual recruit's performance.
I retired from the Irving PD in 2004 but stayed in law enforcement. I still have family in Waxahachie and my brother has a business in Midlothian. When we're there to visit my memory will at some point to George Raffield.
So, yesterday when I logged onto the ODMP and saw George's picture on his memorial page I remembered the story and felt a moment of sorrow for a fine young man. However, I didn't stop there. I searched his name on the internet and learned of the book "Innocence Lost". Later in the afteroon I went to the local library and checked the book out and have been reading it for the past several hours. I was acquainted with several of the law enforcement men in the book and familiar with a lot of the places mentioned in the case.
His passing was 15 years to the day after I started my career in law enforcement and 21 years to the day that I began reading "Innocence Lost". Odd coincidences I suppose.
As I stated in an earlier posting on his memorial page, I recall George Raffield from his academy class that I taught. I remember him as a polite young man, soft spoken during the practical exercises of the class as well as attentive and respectful of my instruction.
It is my prayer that his family experience the peace, blessings and eternal love of our Lord and Savior in the coming days. And may God bless the men and women of the Midlothian Police Department, keeping them safe from harm.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

October 24, 2008

Thank you for your service Officer Raffield. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest easy and keep a watchful eye over your family, as well as your brothers and sisters in blue.

Detective Chris Haas
Orlando Police Department

October 8, 2008

I lived not even a mile from where George was found. Even to this day, the memories of what happened seem like it was yesterday. George was a true hero. God bless his family and give them peace knowing that he is in Heaven.
R.I.P
GEORGE
BILLY FOWLER
ROY VAUGHN

Ronnie England
TDCJ

October 5, 2008

Although I never had the opportunity to meet this fine young officer, I have been honored to meet and work with his sister, Sheryl. George, you can truly be proud of your family. That they love you, cherish your memory, and continue your legacy of drug awareness is so evident in the way they choose to honor your memory. You can be as proud of them as I know they are of you.

Rest in Peace, Honor, and Love.

Jo Anne Burk
Co-Worker of Sister Sheryl

August 10, 2008

To everyone who visits this site. Tiger's father passed away on June 2,2008 he is now in heaven with his son. Nick his nephew has joined the Marines and leaves for bootcamp on July 13, 2008. He will continue in my brother's foot steps. In my brother's and father's words "do something good for someone in my name when I'm gone".

Sheryl
Sister

June 24, 2008

George, it's been over 20 years, and we still think of you often. My husband and I work with the police departments now, as Victim Relief Ministry volunteers. Every time I crawl into a police car, I think of how you would have enjoyed this, or how you would have teased me for hiding in the floorboard at my first "collar." When someone says how dangerous it can get, I tell them what you told me... "If I die doing this, then I will die doing something I love, (helping the public), and so there will be no reason to be sad." We miss you, and I wish you could meet my new husband and our kids. Take care, we will be coming home soon, and I know we will be reunited there. Leann

Leann Beaver
Friend/ Police and VRM Volunteer

April 8, 2008

"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

February 14, 2008

I read the book Innocence Lost by Carlton Stowers and i must say my heart goes out to George Raffield and his loved ones. I did say a prayer for George after reading the book. Having a son of my own i'm grateful that George and other officers put their life on the line in order to help our kids in the fight against drugs!

Kellie Evans
None

October 29, 2007

I WAS THERE TO SAY GOODBYE...I HAVE NEVER NOR WILL I EVER FORGET. REST BROTHER.

SGT. D.J. ROGERS
Cleburne PD

October 24, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer's opinion is that 40 years isn't nearly enough.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

A tragic loss for the families and law enforcement. It's been almost 20 years now and I have not forgotten his sacrifice to make our communities a better place. I remember the day well, I had only been an officer myself for just a few months. It opened my eyes how things in this profession can turn very ugly very quickly.

It's a shame that the Midlothian Police Department does not have a memorial or tribute to this fine young man on their website.

RIP George Jr.

N Risch

September 14, 2007

I just read the book, Innocencen Lost. I was profoundly moved by the story of officer Raffield. He will be forever remembered by me as a hero. I pray that God will comfort those who love him and miss him and that He will remind them that George is in a better place waiting for them.

God Bless.

January 18, 2007

George was a friend from High School. I remember him coming into my work when he first received this assignment. He was grinning from ear-to-ear and very eager to perform his duty. Of course he couldn't tell me what he was into, so it was quite a shock to get a call stating that George had been killed.

Hopefully his tragic death brought about a positive change in the Midlothian community.

Bless you George, your family, and those that knew you.

Michael Holliday
Friend

November 23, 2006

G-d Bless you.

October 23, 2006

I just want to say thank you everybody who looks at my uncle as a role modle because I sure do. My mom says I act just like him and I would like to go to West Point and hopefully get to be an MP and if not I would to to be with the new Stryker's or to be a tanker.

Nicholas Zanolini
Nephew

October 19, 2006

Patrolman Raffield and family may you be resting in peace and looking down on all of us. 3 of your officers were shot last night in Midlothian and a Trooper who responded to the officers down call...they are all alive thank God were you looking down on them? Did you have a hand in keeping them here until their tour was done? God bless you God bless each and every officer out there.
Sgt Greg Hunter EOW 061804

Grand Prairie Police Dept

August 21, 2006

I became familiar with the story of Officer Raffield through Carlton Stowers' book "Innocence Lost." I was only 17 when Officer Raffield was murdered, the same age as some of the students Officer Raffield dealt with in his undercover capacity. Since first reading that book, I have now entered a career in law enforcement and realize, fully, the sacrifice that was made by Officer Raffield in his line of duty. I would simply like to offer my sincerest sympathy to the family of George Raffield. Nearly 19 years have gone by since Officer Raffield's death but his impact will forever be felt in the Texas law enforcement family.

Sgt. Sean Gabbard
New Braunfels, TX Police Dept.

March 29, 2006

I would like to thank everyone who visits my brother's page. His family knew George by "Tiger" is dearly missed by all of us. His mother has past away. I still continue his fight today to teach children about drugs. I truly miss his laughter and his smile. My son is now 16 years old, he has never met his Uncle but he wants to become an officer. Soon he will be going into the military to become a MP. Tiger you are still today making a difference in the world. Thank you for being my little (almost twin) brother.

Sheryl Obermiller
Sister

February 9, 2006

I want to thank you for being a brave soldier in the fight against drugs,thank you for your devotion to duty,and thank you for making the streets safer.You are a true hero Officer Raffield.

SSgt Roberts
USAF Security Policeman

November 8, 2005

I was an instructor at the Tarrant County College Academy when Officer Raffield was in training. I recall that he was with Red Oak PD at that time. I taught traffic stop class and remember that during the practical exercises he was very polite and attentive.
It was heart breaking to hear of his passing. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice. God's blessings to his family. He was a fine young man.

Patrolman D.E. Hutchison, retired
Irving, Texas Police Department

March 15, 2005

DAY IS DONE
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER, OR THE SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHTM,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL, SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY.
AS WE GO THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

It is said that EVIL flourishes when good men do nothing.

To the family of this brave Officer who gave all so that others might live, I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude for your continued sacrifice.

To those of us who were left behind who still wear the badge, the mission continues... tomorrow is another Tour Of Duty... May God comfort you with the knowledge that you DO make a differance.

Box Elder County Sheriffs Office Utah

Deputy Troy S. Pilivi Alpha Squad Leader
Box Elder Metro S.W.A.T.

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

October 23, 2004

I never knew how much sadness, pain and anguish could come over me. Years have passed and reflections of your
service and ultimate sacrifice as a Texas Peace Officer, have enlightened , encouraged and assured that this aspect of law enforcement will continue in ways you wanted Officer G. Raffield. To the family of Officer George Raffield, I promise his devotion and vision to his valiant pursuits will continue and have been carried in successful ways while holding his memory and family close to heart. GOD Bless and comfort Officer G. Raffield's family.

Anonymous