Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I can't believe it's been this long. Ralph sent out an email to all of us. Just thinking brother, thanks for getting me through the academy with your laugh. I love you man, I'll do it right for you.

Jimmy
Illinois State Police

December 10, 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

January 7, 2008

G-d bless.

June 6, 2007

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching over all of us down here.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

June 6, 2006

Chong, you were a really good guy. While going through the ISP Academy you were often quiet but always had a friendly demeanor and a smile on your face. (Even during "riot week".) I still clearly recall the early morning when I got the call about the crash from Tpr. Markum. All of us from CC#87 remember and miss you. God bless you and thank you (& your family) for your sacrifice.

A fellow classmate
ISP

May 11, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

September 30, 2004

trooper lim rest in peace..

skip roberson

August 8, 2004

God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

June 6, 2004

We will not let you be forgotten...rest in peace, my brother

Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County Illinois

September 1, 2003