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

March 31, 2008

"Final Call"
An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do.
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.

Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

Michael left our service just 3 years before I came in. As I near retirement I wish he had the same chance. Blessings from USPIS Badge #3942 to his family and all those who loved him.

Pat Locke
US Postal Inspector, Grand Rapids, MI

February 22, 2008

MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO LOVE AND STILL MOURN THE LOSS OF OFFICER HEALY. TO MY FALLEN BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 7, 2007

The sparkling blue eyes, bushy moustache and corny jokes still remain in our memory. It hardly seems like 26 years have passed since that fateful night, June 21, 1981.

I have done my best to keep that promise.

June 21, 2007

Michael, you were one of the greatest people to enter my life, and I miss you always. You will never be fogotten and your lessons of love and family shall live on.

NB

April 8, 2007

The world is a sadder place without you in it. You will be remembered with a smile, for the best parts of you will always stay alive within our hearts.

A Healy
from someone who cares

March 16, 2007

Not a day goes by without thinking of you. We love you, Michael J.

Freind

September 19, 2006

To whomever this may concern-

My name is Amy-I am Barbara's daughter with John (her third husband) I am 21 yrs of age and I know Michael's family-I have known them all my life. I really wish I knew Michael-I feel as if I already do. My sister Nancy is his step daughter and she has told me quite a few stories and good memories she had with him through the small amount of time she had with him. I feel as if I'm his step daughter too and am proud of that fact. I am proud of everything Michael accomplished in his short life. Please do not hesitate to email me if you knew Michael or have any memories that you would like to share with me to help me know this great man even better. Thank you-Amy

my mom was married to Michael

August 8, 2006

Thank you for your bravery that fateful night in Chicago 25 years ago. It is your shield number that is on every USPIS Police Officer badge shown in print and on agency letterhead. That is a great tribute to you and your courage. As a former USPIS Police Officer and U.S. Postal Inspector, I will never forget you brother. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent
United States Department of Justice

July 3, 2006

May your memory never be forgotten or your sacrifice be in vain

John Kinane - National Vice President
Emerald Society Of The Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

May 7, 2006

May your memory never be forgotten or your sacrifice be in vain

John Kinane - National Administrative Vi

May 7, 2006

May your memory never be forgotten or your sacrifice be in vain

John Kinane - National Administrative Vi

May 7, 2006

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Inspector (Ret.)/Chaplain John Elms
USPIS/Tillamook County SO

March 10, 2006

We won't let you be forgotten...rest in peace, brother

Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of CookCounty IL

January 3, 2005

rest in peace

Explorer Chris Chappell
US Park Police

July 31, 2004

Well done, well done thou good and faithful servant enter now unto the house of the Lord.

Anonymous