"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and
said,
"No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.
But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much.
But if you don't...I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."
–Author unknown
"The Monument"
I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face
"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years
The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind
I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for here and all the past
Dear God, let my name be the last
--Author Sgt. George Hahn LAPD (Retired)
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National Law Enforcement Memorial
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