POLICE POEMS AND TRIBUTES 3

DEDICATED TO THE LONG BLUE LINE

AND ALL EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

WORLDWIDE

POLICE POEMS AND TRIBUTES

~~ A POLICE OFFICER'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER ~~

Please make this, Lord, a silent night, this one night of the year. No sirens wailing through the dark, no shouts of hate or fear.

No crumpled cars and twisted steel, no blood and tears that spill. No messages of grief to take to homes that suddenly grow still.

Please, King of Peace, no drunken fights that wreck the family tree and all the dreams of some small child who clings, in fear, to me.

Let travelers tread the tinseled streets safe from assault and harm. On this night, this special night, no blue lights, no alarms.

I'd like to be at home, Oh Lord, where spice and cedar scent the air. I hope the children don't wake up until I can be there.

Please make this, Lord, a silent night, no hate, or hurt, or crime. But if this cannot be, Oh Lord, help me get there in time.

Author - Unknown

~~CODE FOUR~~
The radio is quiet the night is young
A weary police officer awaits the call unknown
His obligation is great, his courage has been tested
He wonders briefly if his god has blessed him.
As the moment passes a citizen calls
He is dispatched to a disturbance, not unusual at all
His stomach sinks as he takes a deep breath
Assuring himself that it will be just like the rest
As he pulls up he knows what to do
His training is honed, from his brothers in blue
The problem is mediated, with a police officers resolve
Code four is the signal, understood by all.
The officer embarks back into the night,
The public he serves guided towards right
He is mindfull of his family as he watches the dial
When the morning comes hell be greeted by their smiles
The calls persist as his shift drags on
He continues to protect, it’s the oath he swore upon
The perils are there, although he takes them in stride
His service to others heartfelt, not affected by pride
His brothers hear him as they monitor from a distance
Codefour here, no need for assistance
His radio a tool, his voice so calm
He lets everyone know, his plan is to go home.
The call echoed out, respond to a fight
He activated his reds and raced through the night
The call was routine the dispatcher seemed pleasant
But his instincts told him no, this one was different
The officer’s wife rolled over alone in bed
Something had awkened her, a feeling of dread
She could not explain it right at that time
She checked on the kids, they all seemed fine
As he pulled his squad car on to the scene
The officer felt helpless, it was like a bad dream
A gun was pointed in his direction
His thoughts were consumed by self protection
He tried to save his life but felt himself falling
His thoughts were on his family, his brothers, but this was his calling
The radio never broke the silence with the anticipated call
Codefour no assistance, none needed at all
A life was saved but another lost
It was his duty never mind the great cost
His brothers stand by continuing with out yield
His family stands proud, with honor, left with his shield
The shield symbolized a deep belief
Shared by all cops still on the streets
The public must know that how ever many may fall
The tradition will hold, codefour will be the call.
MRM 04-18-2002

This is a little background about why the poem was written.

In the POST academy, we had a couple of students who didn't like each other. The one who was real serious and hardcore, didn't like the ones who were happy-go-lucky and loved telling jokes. When bad mouthing wasn't working, the one student turned to tattle telling to the Sgt. His response to both of the platoons was homework. On 10-26-00, he sent us home to think about why we are going through the academy, and why do we want to do law enforcement. He thought that maybe we should think up a class motto. Oddly enough, as I look at the orig. piece of lined paper I was doodling on that night, I wrote down "United we stand, Divided we fall." Later that night, I could not think of anything else that sounded good. Then I looked at a copy of the Police Officers Code of Ethics that the Sgt. have given us weeks earlier. That code was my inspiration for the following:

A Ray of Light
My fundamental duty is to serve mankind, living in a society where kindness goes blind.

To protect the innocent against deception, for without that we would have no direction.

Covering the weak against oppression or intimidation, as it is understood that is pure predatation.

Helping the peaceful against violence or disorder, and finding my niche within that border.

Respecting the Constitutional rights of all men and women to equality, justice and liberty, as that was the general plan started by my ancestry.

Recognizing the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, shining so bright, praying my strength will never waiver being this ray of light.

Standing strong side by side with my fellow peace officers of varying divisionment,
I will remain honorable, true and dedicated to my chosen profession of law enforcement.
Melinda McAlister 10-26-00 yendm@hotmail.com

IF YOU HAVE ANY POEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ADDED TO THIS PAGE PLEASE E-MAIL ME

POEMS BY SEAL OREGON STATE TROOPER (imheretoo)

THE AUTHOR IS A MEMBER OF

KWFLATBED

Westport, MA 02790
United States