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 30, 2007

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

Pat Van Den Berghe,
Manchester, NH

October 24, 2007

It is almost 16 years now since you were taken from this world. You are still missed deeply by your family, and friends. You will never be forgotten.

Carolyn Jones
Neice

October 9, 2006

It will soon be 16 years since your tour of duty ended. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your family and those still out on patrol watching the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 26, 2006

To Constable Edward Flora, his family and friends, and his fellow officers:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your brutal murder, please know that your valor and bravery are remembered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service to your community and the citizens of Kentucky, and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on October 26, 1990.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

October 26, 2005

Earl Flora was a great, well-known man, Constable, Sheriff, Husband, Father, and Grandfather....He is truly missed each and everyday but he is never forgotten....Rest in Peace....

J.W.

Anonymous

My first born son was born in 1990....and my birth date is October 26th. I am speechless from my heart and mind,...but truly thankful from my spirit for the sacrifices law enforcement takes upon themselves each day.Your family and friends are in my daily Rosary always.Thank you..

May the lord be with you great one

Explorer Pete Bignotti
PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE (FL)

May you rest in peace.

Explorer Justin Betts
Alameda County Sheriff's Office, CA

God Bless You Flora.

John 3:16

Anonymous

Thank you, Constable Flora, for all you did.

C.D.