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 20, 2007

Yes, Gary was everything good! He led his life by example and in this way encouraged greatness from others. He always put others first. He loved and dedicated himself to goodness and was good at most things. He loved his family. He loved his job. He especially loved his wife, his son and the life they shared together. I think he was the bravest man I have ever met. I will forever be blessed by God to have known him personally. He was and always will be a very dear friend. His life is still celebrated by those who knew him. He will never be forgotton.

Sr. CSO Julie Delano
Rialto Police Dept. (retired)

February 18, 2007

As a new police officer back in 1981, Gary was an officer that seemed bigger than life to a raw rookie recruit. I recall being in the station in the early morning hours of a shift that I was working with him. I was writing a report and he had arrested an outlaw biker type who had his colors on. Gary asked me to go into the holding cell as a withness while he did his search and booking procedures. The way Gary handled this volitile situation is something I will never forget. Professionally yes. Manly, moreso! Gary used to go through the warrant files and pick the ones that "interested him.'' These were ususally the suspects with violent charges. To me, Gary was a mans man. For a brief period of my life, Gary was a friend. I thank him for everything he taught me and the great personality he always reflected. Rest in peace brother! Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Joe Templeton
friend

October 11, 2006

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 1, 2006

Every March that passes takes me back, for a brief moment, to that cool spring night in 1986. Gary Wolfley left our world too soon, but in doing so, left behind a legacy of bravery, dedication, and honor. We will never forget.

Sergeant Rich Bitonti
Rialto Police Department