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Webmaster's Note: This poem by retired Detective Harry Koch, MCSO, has been made into a song, the Police Officers' Hymn. It is performed at the Arizona Peace Officers' Memorial Service held each May at the "Arizona Peace Officers Memorial" located at Wesley Bolen Memorial Plaza, in front of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. May 15th is "National Peace Officers Memorial Day."  A Part of America Died By Harry Koch Somebody killed a policeman today, And a part of America died. A piece of our country he swore to protect, Will be buried with him at his side. The suspect who shot him will stand up in court, With counsel demanding his rights, While a young widowed mother must work for her kids, And spend alone many long nights. The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too, Just as if he'd gone off to war. Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, To his name they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, It happened in your town or mine. While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, A cop put his life on the line. Now, his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, And he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call and gave us his all, And a part of America died. May 7, 2001 DEAR ANN LANDERS: Two years ago, you printed the poem A Part of America Died, which honors fallen policemen. However, I don't believe you gave credit to the rightful author. His name is Harry Koch. I am retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona and worked with Harry. We all knew about his prolific poetry writing. I hope you will print that poem again, in honor of Police Memorial Week in May. Thank you. Richard Edwards, Glendale, Ariz. DEAR RICHARD EDWARDS: I appreciate your persistence in getting this information to me and am pleased to give credit where it's due:

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