Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 21 years today since you took your wings and
joined St. Michael's Police Patrol. How you died was tragic.
I hope and pray it serves as a reminder to officers everywhere that Domestic calls are very dangerous and extreme caution should be implemented. While that can serve the blue line well your legacy is not in your death but in your life, your children, and your service.
Your are remembered today and forever Officer Artz. Rest in
Peace.

July 1, 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

October 23, 2007

rest in peace kevin you was a great friend to my brother

friend

September 1, 2006

Kevin,

Everyday I pass by your picture as I walk to my office. It's hard to believe that it's been 19-years. I salute you for your service, you are a true warrior and hero! Thanks to the Officer Down Memorial Page, you will never be forgotten. God Bless You.

D/Lt. Tim A. Gossett
Vigo County Sheriff's Department

July 6, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

July 1, 2006

you are deeply missed and never forgotten. no greater man is he than a man who lays down his life for his friends.

friend of family

February 6, 2006

I remember hearing the news that day. I wasn't an officer yet but I remember seeing the Sheriff on the news. It was a sad day. Its been well over 15 years and you are not forgotten.

Anonymous

April 9, 2004