A PART OF AMERICA DIED

Somebody killed a police officer today and

A part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect

Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court

With counsel demanding his rights,

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,

And spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,

Just as if he’d gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won’t fly at half mast,

To his name they will add a gold star.

Yep, somebody killed a police officer today,

In your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

And he stands at each new rookie’s side.

He answered the call, of himself gave his all,

And a part of America died.

--Author Unknown.

©1984 American Police Hall of Fame