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 24, 2008

Jack, we were friends from "The Bent Elbow". You were a great guy, always happy and laughing, and made everyone around you feel happy. Can't believe that its been 24 years since we were laughing together.

Bettyann (Matkowski) Frederick
Friend

December 17, 2007

You will always be remembered for your sacrifice and may you always rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 10, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 6, 2007

Always in my thoughts and always missed.

Nancy
Sister

November 4, 2007

Officer Duffy, you are not fogotten, and are in my daily prayers along with all your brother and sisters in Blue who are now patroling the Heavens. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and bravery and sacrifice you gave in protecting the people of PHILLY. God Bless you as you continue to sleep in God's Love and in His Arms
Respectfully
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of Philly Police Officers

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia PA

July 15, 2007

Dear Jack,

I don't know where these 23 years went. I think of you often and miss you even more.

Gerry
Sister

December 13, 2006

Jack, Thinking of you often and missing you always. Rest In Peace. Love, Kevin

Kevin
Brother

December 10, 2006

It is hard to believe that 23 years have passed without seeing Jack's smiling face, hearing his infectious laugh or feeling his great big bear of a hug. We still remember him and his wonderful peace-loving spirit. I guess that is our comfort.
Jack, you have always been loved and you will always be missed.
Your memory lives on through all who knew and loved you. I know that you rest in peace, my little brother. Keep watching over us all.
Always in my prayers and thoughts-
Nancy

Nancy
Sister

December 9, 2006

Dear Jack,

Although we did not have the honor of meeting you during your brief time here on earth, we feel as though we know you well. That is from the way your family speaks of you.You brought your family wonderful memories. This tradgey ended your life far too soon. Our hero,may you rest in peace and just know how much you are thought of and loved.

With Love and Sadness,John & Mindy

December 9, 2006

WOW!!! I can't believe it's been 23 years,it still seem like yesterday.I'll never forget that phone call I got that night from your sister.Your always in my heart & my mind my friend.I think about you often.I'll alway remember us playing Roads on our bikes on The Other Marshall.Even when we were 10 & 11 years old you always had to be a Cop.Alway the good guy,and that you were my friend.

Mike Buck
Friend

December 7, 2006

Jackie,
Your name comes up frequently when we talk about growing up.
While we called you "The Goon" it was an oxymoron of a nickname.
Thanks for mowing the lawn. Although you looked a little funny with your six foot four or so frame hanging over that little riding lawnmower.
The department must be proud answering an assist officer call and all. But that didn't surprise us..............
That's what you were!
14

a friend from the "Old neighborhood"

August 14, 2006

P/O Duffy, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD

May 30, 2006

Officer Duffy,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 10, 2005