Look deep into his eyes you'll see,
the battle scars that lie;
Reflections of the memories,
that haunt him through the night.

Those eyes have seen such tragedies,
that bring forth so much pain;
Yet every day the shield he wore,
and no regrets remain.

The fallen Comrades that he sees,
though he may not know their names;
To him are family held so dear,
he feels each griever's pain.

But true and noble is the heart,
of the one behind this shield;
For all it's cost he'd never change,
one moment that's revealed.

Thank you's they were rarely heard,
the public rarely praised;
"To Protect and to Serve" he did quite well,
It's the banner they all raised.

So when you see an Officer,
remember in your heart;
It's a difficult road they choose to walk,
and say "Thank you" as a start.



K. Cathleen Turner
Copyright, November 2000


I dedicate this poem to my good friend
and former Officer:

~Gary V. Leineweber~

And in loving memory of:

~Officer Jimmy Wilson Jr.~

Killed in the line of duty in
Omaha, Nebraska August 1995.