"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a policeman 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 beat that he walked
was a battlefield, too,
just as if he had 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.

The suspect that 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.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today...
maybe 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 the beat
on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself he gave all,
and a part of America died.

©1984 America Police Hall of Fame

North Port, Florida