Fallen Officers Memorial

Night Marshal Charles D. Pebley

Delta Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Saturday, July 14, 1928

Marshal Pebley was shot and killed by two men he encountered near Second and Meeker Streets while on patrol.  A witness heard the shots and observed two men standing over Marshal Pebley's body when they fired one more shot and then ran away.  The suspects were never apprehended.

Officer Stephen Dale Hensley

Delta Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Saturday, August 11, 1973

Officer Hensley was shot and killed after being abducted by a suspect he and another officer had been chasing.  During a foot chase the suspect overpowered Officer Hensley and forced him to drive to another location.  As he was driving he began to struggle with the suspect, causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch.  During the struggle the suspect shot Officer Hensley.  The suspect was apprehended.               

    "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 of us 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 awfully 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 judgment 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