Peoria Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, December 30, 2004
Reflections for Police Officer Cristy Sue Tindall
"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
January 8, 2008
Three years may have passed but you have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over those that love you dearly and think of you each and every day. You are a true hero.
Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon
December 30, 2007
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU OFFICE FOR YOUR SERVICE.
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H
December 29, 2007
almost 3 years later and it still hurts to face this. this world could use a few good people, a few more like you. there's a place in our hearts that will never be filled. watch over us, keep us strong. it's times like this when we need strength most.
December 26, 2007
I heard an Air Supply song today and thought about how much you enjoyed thier music! Still cannot believe you are no longer here! Would be nice to hear your voice again!
June 19, 2007
Christy,
Remember when I kept stealing your lighters from the inside door handle of your squad to get you to quit smoking? Remember when I gave them all back to you as a Christmas present cause you wouldn't quit. :)- You were mad as hell thinking you kept losing them. I'll always remember the good times. You were a wonderful person to work with when I was at Bradley Univeristy PD and I miss you very much.
with lots of brotherly love,
Officer Andrew L Burgess Glasford PD
Officer Andrew L Burgess
Glasford PD
March 28, 2007
....Job well done.....Rest in Peace.....
AB
Oglesby, Il. Police Dept....Retired
February 8, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR CRISTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2007
You're never far from our thoughts. You are greatly missed. Watch over us. We need all the help we can get.
December 31, 2006
Thinking of you and your family this day.
Maryland Citizen
December 30, 2006
Happy New Year Cristy!!!
December 29, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS CRISTY !!!!!!!!!!!!
December 24, 2006
we all miss you so much. please help to keep us strong. it's times like these that we all need the strength to carry on. remember you're in our thoughts and always will be.
December 24, 2006
Blue Day - "Put a blue candle in the window for Christmas"
"MAY IT NEVER BE FORGOTTEN…"
In memory and honor of the men and women of law
enforcement who risk their lives every day for our safety.
May it never be forgotten as you patrol your "beats"
that you are human too, simply protecting our streets.
You close your eyes each night when you fall asleep,
praying to survive the challenges we know that you will meet.
Your oath is very sacred, you are honorable and true
The uniform is the same, brown, gray, black or blue.
The morals and values you represent are ones chosen by God,
You must do your best to succeed, to shine in your job.
The people of the community rely on you to protect,
They may not always show it, but for you they have respect.
The dangers and the pressures that face you are present every day,
And our thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way.
The support may seem very minimal from those of us out here,
But know in your heart that for most of us, one thing is very clear……
You are a law enforcement officer, a cop, a "savior in blue”
No greater respect can be shown for anyone like the respect we have for you.
We may not always show it, but on this "Blue Day",
Know that our prayers are with you always, as you keep danger away.
December 21, 2006
As the holidays near, times are rough without you Cristy. I think of you everyday and wish you were still here. Though we wish we could...we can't change what happened now. Watch over Amanda she still needs you everyday. Keep giving her the signs that your spirit is still here standing right next to her(even if it does freak her out) She is so in love with you.
December 10, 2006
Several times I've wanted to leave a message on here for you. I came to the realization that I just wasn't ready to do it. With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I have to accept that I have to say goodbye, I love you Cristy Sue! Keep Uncle Jer in line and make sure that all our brothers and sisters in uniform stay safe!
Suzie-
November 20, 2006
I miss you and I am so lost without you.
November 12, 2006
I'm sitting here thinking of you, and as tears stream down my face again, I remember how much your words of comfort always meant. I knew you were the one I could count on, and I wish you were still here so I could have the chance to repay you for all the help and love and sound advice you've given me. I know you're watching from above, whispering encouragement into our ears when we need it most. I am a better officer and better person for knowing you.
September 16, 2006
it hurts; we all miss you. now your up in Heaven doing God's work. look out for us. we're all going through trials but you'll be the light keeping us strong.
August 4, 2006
Hey Cristy,
I miss you so much. I think about you often and I you are at paece. Thank you for helping me through tough times in Peoria. You were a mentor and a friend to me. You and Amanda were extremely and I am glad to have known you. Love you ALWAYS!
Teeyonna
Friend
July 9, 2006
I think of you often!
June 24, 2006
Still missing you Christy.
Anne
June 20, 2006
it seems like only yesterday we were with you and now we're down here and you're watching over us from up there. i know i'll always be safe from harm while you're up there guiding me through life. rest in peace and know we're all waiting until we'll be with you again in heaven.
===========
weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)
someone who misses you much.<3
June 13, 2006
I can remember the first time that I met you. You were always fun to be around, no matter what went on. I looked up to you because you were a survivor! No matter what life threw at you, you were able to keep in stride with it always laughing and smiling and even crying on my shoulder. I will never forget you or your your family. You are missed greatly and will never be forgotten.
June 7, 2006
My condolences to your family and friends. Thank you for your service.
Trooper
Colorado State Patrol
March 8, 2006