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

January 3, 2008

OFFICER HUTCHISON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 15, 2007

Hutch ~

Thirty-one years have passed, and even now, the memories my heart holds for you are as fresh and alive as they were in those all too few years I was privileged to meet, grow to know, and so greatly admire you. You were ~ and will forever remain ~ a hero in its purest sense... a man whose life exemplified honor, dedication, humility, and immense character and inner strength. As is true of others who have left a Reflection for you here, you were my inspiration to join the Mansfield Police Force, even though no other woman had ever served on the Uniformed Patrol Division before. To this day, I think of you so often ~ and cherish every remembrance. I shall never forget that bitterly cold, horrifying February day you passed from this earth... the only balm that soothes the pain is knowing you were swiftly taken into God's warm and loving embrace. These powerful and forever treasured memories of you are why I wrote "Warriors of the Shield" and "These Heroes All", and created the below web pages years ago as an eternal testament to your exemplary life and service to your fellow man. So many remember, love, and keenly miss you, Mike ~ and we forever will. Say hello to Jack for me ~ I know he's with you now. Until we all meet again...

http://www.geocities.com/fire79701/Heroes/Page3.html

http://www.geocities.com/fire79701/Warriors/Page3.html

Kelly Long (former Patrol Officer)
Formerly Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield, Ohio

July 13, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MY SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

February 17, 2007

I was a deputy sheriff for the Richland County Sheriff Department when the call came in. You gave your life protecting the citizens of Mansfield. While at your funeral I promised myself I would never forget the supreme sacrafice you made the cold day. May you rest in peace with god by your side until we all meet again.

Rick Weikle
Federal Bureau of Prisons (retired)

January 5, 2007

God be with you and your family! Rest in peace brother...your not forgotten!

Ohio

February 11, 2006

Mike is to blame for getting me interested in police work. Thank you Mike. Mike and I spent time together, either riding with Mike, at Mansfield P.D., or sitting around the old Mansfield Ambulance Service at night discussing life. I miss my conversation with Mike. Rest in Peace, my brother.

Captain Charles Doan
Plymouth Police Department

December 6, 2004

It's been a long time since your passing, but it will not be forgotten...for I was born on this date and now share the same profession you once had. In a sense, I feel that you made room for me. We all share the same tools--a gun and a badge. We are family. You gave the ultimate sacrafice for society brother--May God bless you and your family.

Officer Dusty Rhodes
Tampa Police Department