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 11, 2007

Rest in Peace Sgt.Monteparo, I vividly recall the day of your death, your daughter (Laurie) was staying over at my parents house (she was best friends with my sister)we got the call and my mom had to break the news to her. Your partner that day was the father of a wrestling teamate of mine at Neptune High School at the time.It was all very sad and such a shame because you tried to do the right thing and it cost you your life.Your's was the first Police Funeral I ever attended, I recall they drove past your house. Over the last 36 years I attended close to 100 Police Dept.funeral services, mostly for guys like you,good men raising families looking to help people.I know your family missed you then and I imagine they still do.God Bless you and your family.

Lt.George Leather
NY/NJ Port Authority Police (retired)

September 20, 2007

Know that today and everyday we will honor and remember you.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 24, 2007

Dad,
You have a great grand daughter her name is makayla and I promise to tell her everything about you. You're courage,sense of humor,dedication to your carreer,family,friends and our community.
My life was never the same after you passed, but I went on to have a wonderful career,2 wonderful children who have never ever given me a bit of trouble. Guess they have the best guardian angel in heaven. Until we meet again "Daddy" God Bless You.

Your loving daughter,
grandchildren,and
great grand-daughter,

Laura,Alexis,Jesse,and
baby Makayla

daughter

June 19, 2006

Uncle Joe:
I can hardly believe that 35 years have passed since we lost you. You have had such an impact on my life because of how I remember you and what you stood for: honor/loyalty/respect/leadership. The slogan "Be A Good Joe" that became a popular bumper sticker on the City of Asbury Park vehicles was a reminder to us all to be nice to each other. Your family, friends, and co-workers saw you for what you were: a good soul. You were always willing to help anyone out that could use a helping hand. All of the stories we hear about you to this day remind us of the great man we lost but we think about you and love you every day. Rest in peace, Uncle Joe. We ALL love you. From your nephew, Nick Monteparo - Melbourne, Florida

Nick Monteparo
Nephew

May 4, 2006

Dad, I think of you everyday. I love and miss you. Your daughter, Laura

Laura J. Monteparo-Beutell

November 15, 2005

My father was the Secretary of the Monteparo Memorial Golf League. While I was just a young girl, I remember him telling me about Joe Monteparo and what a fine man and father he was. God bless you, Joe. Say hello to my dad for me.

October 14, 2005

Joe, I remember that night (24 April 71) clearly as I was a Patrol Officer in the nearby Borough of Bradley Beach. As someone who had the honor of knowing what a "good" guy you were, especially when it came to children. I hope that the Good Lord has watched over your sould these past 33 years and may He continue to do so.
Rest in peace my friend and Brother!

State Investigator Bob Hughes
NJ Dep't. of Law & Public Safety.

February 8, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

October 12, 2004