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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 2, 2008

Yesterday was 6 years since the accident.The motor squad met with Marlys,Jon and Tony up at the cemetary for a small memorial sevice in your honor.Everyone is doing well and it was good to see them.they shall always be a part of our police family.

PFC C.J.WOLFERT
FFX POLICE MOTORS

June 29, 2007

Today is the 6th anniversary of your tragic and untimely death. Thank you for paying the supreme sacrifice. You will ALWAYS be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

June 28, 2007

God bless your family, friends and co-workers.
Heros are never forgotten. I am greatful for your service.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 28, 2007

My brother in law sent me a Harley Police magazine. In it, was the 2006 FCPD motors group, lined up all nice and perfectly.

At the back of the magazine , was a letter to the editor from YOU!

It was shocking to read, but a nice note from the editors remembering you.

Again, we will be at police week, when the Unity Tour comes into town. My husband placed the wreath at your spot on the memorial last time, and we will mark the time and think of you again.

God Speed!

Wife
FCPD/NTPD

April 17, 2007

It has been 5 years and 7 months, and you have been remembered by me each and every one of those days. I still miss our conversations about riding, our occassional lunch trips to the Harley Dealer, and definitely your smile that greeted me in the halls at the Academy. You were consistant, fair, supportive, encouraging; all those things.... and that kept you...no...keeps you...on top of the very small list of commanders that I felt fortunate to work for.

MDS B. Liles
FFX Co. Sheriff's Office

January 18, 2007

Dear Captain,

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your help and support through the years. I still find it very difficult to accept the accident that took you away from us.

You were a great supervisor and even more special as a friend. I remember when you called me into your office to let me know where I fell on the Master Police Officer list. Knowing that I would make it soon, you delivered the message that I wasn't even on the list. You let several seconds passed then you let out the biggest laugh I ever heard! You then told me that I was # 1 on the list. That was the person you were always making people smile and laugh. I really do miss your smile.

I had known you for a long time but really didn't get a chance to learn who you were until you became my lieutenant at McLean District Station. We shared many crime scenes together and you were always the professional. Thanks again for all the opportunities that you gave me and please keep an eye on Mike and Vicki upstairs.

I will be forever thinking of you and remembering your kind heart and the great smile that you always wore.

Perry Knicely
FCPD Retired

MPO Perry Knicely
Fairfax County PD - Retired

November 22, 2006

5 yrs. ago today, not to be forgotten my friend. May God continue to bless your family.

Ret. Motorman, PO
City of Miami

June 28, 2006

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 26, 2006

Tommy,

We were sadden on May 8th at HQ as Col Rohrer read the three names on the momument at the start of Police Week. Little did we know that in four hours, we would be adding two more names, Gabby and Vickie's. The event started and ended is less than five minutes, not quick enough for the band of angles to gather and protect them. Please make them welcome and look after them.

When you see my dad, mother and nephew Shawn, tell them we are thinking of them often.

Bob Holzman
Madeira Safety & Security

Robert Holzman Director of Safety& Secur
The Madeira School, McLean Va.s

June 8, 2006

Hey Captain, I remember all the fun time at I.D. and the help you always offered me. Your funny jokes and your laugh! I was with the Front Royal P.D. when the accident occured and was devistated like the rest to hear the tragic news that followed. Your an inspiration to me an I only hope I can become a little like you. You are missed Sir :)

R.Masiello
former FXCO

May 18, 2006

Capt, take care of Vicky and Mike for us. May God bless and keep you all.

PFC
Fairfax County Police Department

May 17, 2006

Thank You for all you did. You always had a smle for everyone. God Bless you!

K.J.Primas-Hailey
Former LEO

May 9, 2006

hey capt,
as the new year enters i wanted you to know you are still thought of and missed deeply. In my 20 yrs with fairfax county pd it was an honor to serve with you at several different times and posts. I am greatful for the time i spent in your office the day before you died. my hardest task and greatest honor was to pick up your family the day after the accident. may angels rejoyce at the sound of your motor making rounds,keeping heaven a safe place,for through your memory
God shows his grace. Till the day we meet my friend!
chip

mpo c.k.owens
fairfax county police/traffic division

December 31, 2005

Tommy,

I shall never forget the day I received word that you had been injured. I dropped everything and rushed to the hospital to be with your wife during this difficult time for her. When I arrived I was told that you had died. Your funeral was one of the most difficult I ever had because we were such good friends. I lost a brother, a very supportive friend of our chaplaincy program. You shall always be an inspiration to me and all those who knew you. I know that you are in the heavenly home helping to prepare a place for all those who knew and loved you.

Former Chaplain Allen Minter
Fairfax County Police Department

June 30, 2005

Captain, I think of you often.

Bucky Barlow
Fairfax County Police

June 29, 2005

Capt, your smile and laughter still fill my memories. You are so missed by all.. I know you are watching over your Troops, You are a true angel in Blue..
Rest in Peace... Ter

Terri Doyle, Retired MPO
Fairfax County Police

July 21, 2004

On the third anniversary of your passing the men and women of the Virginia State Police honor your memory and contribution to the citizens of Fairfax County.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

June 28, 2004

Captain Bernal,

I have read all of your reflections. You obviously were a quality individual, both personally and professionally. I grew up in Fairfax County and worked there as an ATF Agent while assigned to the Washington, D.C. Field Office. I am so sorry I never had the honor of knowing you personally. Thank you for protecting me, my parents, the citizens of Fairfax County , the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation.

You will never be forgotten. We all give "some" . . . you my brother, have given "all." Go rest high on that mountain . . . you have more than earned it. We will proudly cover your post on the thin blue line. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

June 25, 2004

YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY..6-28-03

FFX CO. MOTORS

I saw the heavens open up.
The Earth Shook with Fear.
For Evil, know of God's Army.
They were Heroes, Men on steel horses.

Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.

How sad. I grew up in Fairfax, 10th generatio. My gandfather was one of the first 7 county policemen. I have great respect for Fairfax Co. PD.

What a tragic loss of such a fine career policeman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the FCPD.

He now patrols the streets of Heaven with St. Michael. God Bless and stay safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist SP

A FULL YEAR HAS PAST SINCE THE ACCIDENT BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY...YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A PART OF US.

MOTORMAN
FFX CO. PD.

Today was Memorial Day 2002.
I remembered you today.

Thank you.

Anonymous

I was a recruit at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy when Capt. Bernal's tour of duty ended. I will never forget the show of support from officers, families and friends at his funeral. Rest in peace Captain and Thank You!

Anonymous