I am the Watchman
Watchman of the night
Sworn to uphold the Law
and that which is right
I am the Keeper
Keeper of the trust
it is my solemn vow
to face danger
and dance with the Devil
if I must
I am the Preserver
Preserver of Hope
in darkest hours reassure
to intercede and help them cope
I am the Guardian
the guardian of equity
to serve and protect all people
Race, Gender, Religion; I do not See
I am the Protector
the protector of virtue
their dignity for I intervene
in conflict, anguish, and grief
their honor I'll renew
I am the promise for courage lost
though fearless I am not
for courage is performance in spite of fear
the preservation of life at any cost
I am the affirmation of a world gone mad
Death, Destruction and Depravity
up close and personal with all that is bad
this where I work , this is what I see
I am more a part of your family then my own
Holiday, Funerals, Parades, and Births
but no drink or meals we did share
I've patrolled your neighborhood in a car all alone
you hardly knew I was there
I have shared in your Joy, your laughter,
your sadness and despair
with strong but gentle hands
to pickup the piece, to console and repair
and for each of these calls to duty
I have responded no matter how far
My mind recalls each vivid memory
My soul bears the scars
I seek but one simple act of human kindness
my faith in humanity to restore
THANK YOU OFFICER
GOD BLESS YOU SON
gives me STRENGTH FOR ANOTHER TOUR
-Robert Moorefield 10/1995
Tony was a unique character, an honorable man, and a steadfast loyal friend. Tony did more for law enforcement personnel and organizations, than any other individual in the law enforcement community.
Tony always had a certain knack of letting you know how special you were, and without fail he would ask about your wife, husband, the kids, and he always remembered their names. I’m sure when you sit back and reflect upon your own relationship with Tony you will smile, over a story, one of his countless sayings, or his mannerisms; regardless of your memory, you will smile.
We are blessed to have known Tony.
-Chief Mary Barbera
