Widow of police officer receives new pendant badge to wear in memory of husband

HOUSTON – ShirleyBob Gower says her husband Bill’s police badge was something that was part of him that she could keep with her at all times.

She had it made into a pendant and was beyond heartbroken when she lost it at the Rodeo Houston BBQ Cookoff where she was working as a volunteer.

After hearing her story, which made the rounds on social media, Senior Houston Police Officer Todd Young had a new badge made for her.

Our camera was there as he presented it to her.

Gower’s excitement was palpable when she answered the front door after Young came knocking.

Until today, she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to mend her broken heart.

Thanks to Young, she can.

“Oh my goodness ... it’s fabulous, thank you so much,” Gower said.

Gower says the badge represents the 33 years her husband Bill dedicated to the Houston Police Department.

He died last year, so when she lost the badge, it felt as though a big part of her was gone too.

“This is really beautiful,” Gower said.

Gower said after today, her husband’s badge now has another special meaning.

“I feel so blessed. I feel so blessed that so many people have gotten involved with this,” Gower said.

Young was ready to pay for the new badge out of his own pocket, but The Houston Badge Company decided to donate it.

Gower said she was proud to wear the badge she lost and is just as proud to wear the new one too.

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