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 5, 2008

It does not seem that long ago. Miss you.

Police Officer

December 26, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 7th anniversary and with Christmas only a few days away. I know this whole incident was a total miscarriage of justice for your loved ones. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and hopefully, some day justice will be served to the individual who caused all the pain and suffering.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 23, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is disappointed that justice was not served on your behalf.

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 22, 2007

Dad
I love You Very Much And I know You Are Looking Down At Me From Heaven And Are Always With Me, But I Still Miss You! Even Though You Are Not Here Physically You Are Still Molding Me Into The Woman I am Meant To Be, I Will Be Sixteen Soon And Am Now Driving, Thanks For Keeping Me Safe, You Will Never Be Forgotten, Even Though There Is No One In Prison For Your Death, The Big Man Upstairs Will Get Him, I Am Strong Like You Taught Me To Be And So Is Mom, We Miss You And Love You LOTS, Christamas Has Never Been The Same. Love Always Jacie

Jacie Lamance
Daughter

October 30, 2007

I was watching a story about you on MSNBC last night, "THE VERDICT,YOU DECIDE" At the end of the show when they said that the suspect in your crime was acquitted,I honestly could not believe,it seemed so obvious that he was guilty but may you rest in peace and god bless your family and friends who must deal with your loss every day!!

Kimberly

October 16, 2007

James Lamance,
I just wanted to thank you for everything you did. You taught me a lot when I was over playing with Jacie. You and Lynn were like parents to me. May you rest in peace.

Kimberly Jean Garner
Friend of family

March 9, 2007

Kevin,
I hope time has eased your pain. What few times I met Jim, well, you couldn't help but love him. Just wanted to leave a note to let you know that you and your brother are still in my thoughts. -Kelly

Kelly Bellows
Former Officer_Attended Police academy with Kevin Lamance

March 2, 2007

Its 2007 and i still think of that night as if it was the night the call came across the radio and my heart skips a beat.The times i had ridden with you i learned alot from you and i want to thank you for sacrificing your life for everyone around you.I will aways remember you as a hero and a guardian,your friend dm.

Daniel Moores
Friend

January 8, 2007

RIP your killer will be punished 1 day

December 23, 2006

Rest in peace, sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

September 4, 2006

Cpl,. Lamance, thank you for your service. To have your murderer walk away scott free is an incredible injustice. The citizens that made that choice will have to answer for their incompetance to God.

May you rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

August 24, 2006

My soul still aches to talk to you every day. I know one day I will see that smile again yet I must wait. We were so close and I know your still here. Judgement day for your killer will not come soon enough for all that knew and Love you!!! I would of taken that bullet for you any day !!!I'll love you & miss you till I come home.
Mama Carole

carole moody
life long friend

June 13, 2006

Corporal Lamance your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006

JIM, I STILL MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU ALL OF THE TIME. I ALSO REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS YOU TAUGHT ME AND HELPED ME WITH WHILE WORKING. YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME AND AND HELPED ME. ONE DAY I WILL BE SPEAKING TO YOU AGAIN. GOD BLESS YOU

PATROLMAN J. MONROE
DENISON PD

March 6, 2006

He may have gotten away with it now, but he won't fool God. I miss you so much... Watch my back

Officer J. Van Patten
Southmayd P D

February 19, 2006

Cpl. Lamance,
On today, the 5th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Whitewright. It's a travesty of justice that your murderer was acquitted-I can't believe that could have happened in Texas.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 23, 2005

jim, i still miss you as much today and and i would give anything to have you back

plt de rhodes
denison pd

March 8, 2005

It was my honor working with Jim during the six months i was at Whitewright Police Department. Jim was my partner working the day shift and I working the night shift. I leared alot from Jim while working with him and miss him greatly. I will never forget him. We all miss you partner. One day we will meet again, until then I know you will have my back. Thank you

Timothy Rider

February 14, 2005

Corporal Lamance,
Thank you for your service, professionalism, bravery and courage. Your killer may have been acquitted by a jury here on earth, but rest assured, he will be sentenced by a higher authority.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA

December 23, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 23, 2004

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten. Bless your family and friends at this time of year, and let them know you watch over them still.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

December 23, 2003

Jim would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Bill Owens
Mullinix Garage

Hey, its been almost three years now since you left us and as a fellow Officer I still get cold chills and cry when I hear the bag pipes play Amazing Grace. MISS YOU MAN!!!

Anonymous

It has been almost a year and I still miss you bro. I got there as soon as I could. We all did, but it wasn't soon enough.

Anonymous