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

December 15, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 19, 2007

Mike,
I still find it hard to believe that you're gone. You were one of Orlando's best. I look forward to seeng you again cruising those streets of gold.
Miss ya bro,
Howard

MPO Howard Yates
Orlando PD retired

February 9, 2006

Mike and I went through the academy together. He was a great person and touched many lives in a positive fashion. I will miss Mike; he was an important part of a great time of my life.

Jay Staub
Orlando PD

February 9, 2006

Remembering you on your anniversary. Didn’t know so many were lost on 6/23 until one of our own was lost. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

June 23, 2004

I recall attending this man's funeral in Orlando as a member of our honor guard. Rest in peace, sir. GOD bless you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

January 15, 2004

Mike,

You're in my head every day! I know you're talking to me. I hope I'm answering you in the right ways. You are my guardian angel, I know it!

You'll always be in my heart!

Officer Trina Richardson
Orlando police Dept.

Mike Burson was a friend of mine and I enjoyed serving with him with the Orlando Police Department. I remember the call going out on the radio about an officer being down. I was saddened to hear about his passing. He always had a smile on his face.

Charles Rahn, POFC
Orlando Police Department

Rest in peace motorman.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahasseer Police Department