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

January 8, 2008

The Lord judges and you were found worthy of being by His Side in Heaven.Your killer will also be judged but his reward will not be the same.
Rest in peace knowing justice will be served.G-d bless.

November 9, 2007

Lt. Clark-

Your cowardly killer didn't give you a chance. Know that you are remembered for your bravery and valor, and years of superior service to your community. From what your family says, you were a great influence on others. You will always be remembered for what you stood for and left a legacy for fellow officers to follow.

Thank you for your leadership, service, and dedication. I'm sorry you never had the chance to see your grandchildren. The will at least have the benefit of hearing stories and loving memories of you. To your family - I am so sorry for your indescribable loss. Rest in peace Lt. Clark.

Reserve Officer
WA State

April 10, 2006

Rest in Peace,Sir.Our Lord will see justice is done.

February 7, 2006

Joe was two days past his 49th birthday, he was survived also by a wife, son, stepdaughter, a sister and a brother. He never got to live to see his 3 grandchildren of which he would have been so proud as he was really a family person. We mourn him as it comes upon the 25th anniversary of his murder and deeply regret that whomever is responsible may still be walking around enjoying life. They will be judged by The Lord. Bless you brother.

Patricia A. Huffer
Joe's Sister

January 4, 2006

Lt. Ray Clark or "Joe" as we all knew him by, was a kind and considerate individual who actually cared about those he came in contact with.
Joe was my uncle and was instrumental in my wanting to be a Deputy Sheriff. There is not a year of my 22 year career that I do not think of him and miss him. He is still well thought of in our agency. God Bless.

Lt. David E. Huffer
Washington County Sheriff's Office

December 16, 2005

Your killer, a coward. You will never be forgotten. Never. Rest easy, brother.

Dep. M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)