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

September 17, 2007

"Blackie," Kelly Key, and Norm Eckles:

At least the likes of the great ones like Chief Daryl Gates and other "old-timers" did not allow Your Honor go unrepresented during DEA ceremonies held on 05/11/2007.

I will continue to share the sacrifices You made while proudly serving the LAPD.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

July 10, 2007

Coincidentally, while discussing "Blackie's" murder with narcotics officers, the LAPPL "The Thin Blue Line" featured an article dedicated to the memory of "Blackie," as well as other murdered narcotics officers/agents. For years I boycotted a flower shop chain beacuse the owner married the paroled SOB, who had murdered "Blackie." RIP, Bro !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 16, 2006

I HAVE NO MEMORY OF MY FATHER. HOWEVER I DO KNOW IN MY HEART THAT HE WAS A GREAT MAN. I APPRECIATE ALL THE KIND WORDS FROM THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE WRITTEN REFLECTIONS AND WOULD LOVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU SO THAT I CAN HEAR MORE.

CHRISTY SCHROEDER
DAUGHTER

July 15, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Los Angeles Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Detective Sawyer deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Detective Sawyer is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 8, 2006

Blackie was my mentor in Admin. Narcotics Div., there was none better in the field of undercover narcotics investigations, Blackie you were an inspiration to all narcotic officers. Take care my friend

Det. III Ret. Frank Garcia
LAPD

December 28, 2005

I was also there that unforgettable and tragic night. I had met "Blackie" only a couple weeks earlier, and instantly recognized that he, like me, had a deep love for the job as well as undercover work. May he forever rest in peace at his keepers' side, and may he know that he has never been or ever will be forgotten. Take care my friend!

Detective Ron Wisberger
LASD, Retired

November 30, 2005

A dear friend and a great cop. Always ready to go catch a bad guy. He had a great heart and terrific sense of humor. Truly one of the best. He is missed by many. WLR

Lt. William Rinehart
Los Angeles Police Department

November 25, 2005

Det Sawyer died two weeks before I entered the Academy. I had worked as a civilian next door to the narcotics office & knew him only at a distance. He was always friendly and polite. His unfortunate death has always been a marker of my own career. Life is fragile and precious.

Det II (Ret) Trinka Porrata
LAPD

November 23, 2005

I was there that night, sadly. What I remeber most about "Blackie" was our trip to Lake Powell with him and his son - as well as other members of the department. Twenty mintues of sleep and Blackie was ready to roll. I'm proud to have known and worked with this man.

DII Steve Tilden
LAPD

November 23, 2005

Rest in peace.

P.O.
APD

September 5, 2004