Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 11, 2008

"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

November 29, 2007

Deputy Ell,
On the night that you died I my mother was giving birth to me at that same time. I am now serving my community with honor and pride and want to thank you for your service. Without men like you there would be no future for our children. It is an honor to serve in your memory.

Deputy Jeff White
Teller County Sheriff's Office

June 18, 2007

I was an 11 year service Lennox Wach deputy and a personal of Ken's the night of his death. I had just gone off duty, but was near the Station when I heard of the shooting. I responded back to the Staion and then to the Hospital where Ken had been taken to. I then, with another (civilian) friend, Monty Dotson, a friend of both Ken and his wife, responded to his home to tell his wife of the shooting and took her to the hospital.

Sgt Guy Earl, retired
LASD

December 13, 2006

I worked with Ken at Lennox and was assigned there when he lost his life. I will always remember his dedication and disipline. He was constantly working on his physical fitness and his martial arts training. No deputy was ever better prepared to do his job. God Bless you my friend!

Steve Dolan Retired Lt.
LASD

March 30, 2006

Deputy Ell,
As a Lennox Trainee back in June of 1994, I was told to conduct a briefing about you. I continued that tradition with all of my trainees. I think of you often although we never met. I was proud to be on Lennox Memorial Wall Committee and honor you. I spoke of you and tradition while conducting briefing tonight. I hope you and your family know that we haven't forgotten. God Bless You Sir!

Lennox Deputy
LASD

March 17, 2006

This Department recently experienced a tragic incident very similiar to this with the death of Deputy Mike Arruda. One can only hope that Deputy Ell's partner was able to forgive himself and go on with his life.

You are on are wall and in our hearts.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 2, 2004

Deputy Ell you are gone but not forgotten, Blessed are the peace makers.

Patrol Officer G. Long
ACPD

February 1, 2004