The Badge

"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 who's 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 get 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.
Its just a little traffic infraction.
He does it every day.

Well, he walks up to the drivers window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for his drivers license,
When a shot rang out 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 to his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written by: Sergeant David L. Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina

I found this poem in my dads stack of papers. It made me think of Trooper Tony. As I watched his memorial service today, it was the most beautiful service I have seen. He would be so proud. At the end of the service they called his badge "557 what's your status...... 557 what's your status...... 557, gone but never forgotten". This will always be engraved in my heart. This is where my emotions whent out the door. May you rest in peace Trooper Tony. You were one of the best.

 I also want to say thank you to all men and women who serve in law enforcement and who fight for our country. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for keeping us safe.