Officer Down Memorial Page

As I am nearing the end of this career we started together at the academy in September 1974, I find myself thinking more and more about you and your kindness and professionalism. You made a difference in my life and police career. You're always in my heart, Robert.

Detective Kirk Griffith #3639
Dallas Police Department
January 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
November 28, 2011

Uncle-

Justice was finally served on October 30, 2010. May you rest in peace and we will see you soon. Please continue to watch over me and always remember you are welcome in my patrol car any day. I know mom misses you and she is finally able to breathe relief. We love you and miss you a great deal.

Officer R.L. Willis #813
Niece
July 8, 2011

Robert and I were partners on First Watch at NW Patrol working West Dallas as rookies. We sat next to each other in Detail. Robert was so proud of his being a Native American Police Officer in Dallas. He was quite and a great listener. A natural Police Officer. We shared some great times. I wasn't working with Robert that night but I still feel the shock of hearing over the radio that they were enroute to Parkland with him. We all rushed there to just be with him and each other. We were in shock to lose such a great brother officer. That night affected my whole career. It was one of the worst nights in DPD history. It would go on to be brought up, and lied about and make the killers the victim for evermore. I am retired now and probably won't be around much longer, but I think everyone should know the truth that Robert was the victim and he didn't deserve his fate. Rest in Peace Brother.

Retired Sergeant Greg Evans
Dallas Police Department
May 23, 2011

Another officer was taken to be another angel with you. Please show Officer Michelle Smith around up there. Continue to watch over us down here. Love you always, Becca

Officer R.L. Willis
RCPD and his Niece
December 30, 2010

Never forgotten brave warrior.

Senior Constable
South Australia police
April 28, 2009

Hi Uncle Robert-

I just wanted to let you know I am still with the same police department and am loving it! I think about you all the time and always talk about you when I am asked why I am a police officer. Seems so long ago now that you were taken from us and I hope as you look down at me that you can smile. I am carrying on where you left off.

Love you!

Officer Rebecca L. Willis
Richland College PD and niece
September 6, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 5, 2008

I honor Officer Wood's life and service on this day. As I read the other reflections, I am blessed especially by those left by his family. This speaks volumes about the kind of man he was.

January 21, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, NH
November 28, 2007

Uncle Robert-

Back in May I left you a reflection of hopes of being a police officer. I am updating you! I am a poice officer now!!! I know you are with me and I will continue to make you proud. Like I said before, you are more than welcome to ride with me. I could use the company and inspiration! I love you and one day we will be together forever. Hug Jesus for me!

Officer Rebecca Willis
Niece
December 18, 2006

I am currently writing a case study for a class on Miscarriages of Justice, inspired by the film, The Thin Blue Line. Even though the real killer was formally and initially brought to justice for another case, it is my belief that it was for you, too. I offer you my condolences, and may you rest in peace.

Vonia Peng
An Influenced and Moved Citizen
October 21, 2006

I just talked to one of the homicide detectives (retired now)and we both agreed the real killer escaped justice.Someday he will have to answer for your murder. Justice will be served.

Sgt. C.S. Pete Pope
Lewisville PD (Retired)
September 19, 2006

Dear Robert,
You are still inspiring lives today. You live on in the heart and mind of your sister. Her love for you is endless. She has deligently and gracefully passed your legacy onto her children. You would be so proud of your niece and nephew. Serving others is a big part of their lives. It is an honor and a privilage to be their aunt. Your sister and her husband raised two good kids. I give them praise and to God the glory. I know you're looking down from the boucany of heaven and you're cheering for them.
One proud aunt,
Sharon

August 5, 2006

To my Uncle Robert- I never got to know you in person but I feel I know you so well. Mom has always talked about you to my brother and me. Now, I am on my own path of being a police. I hope that I can continue to carry the torch that you left behind. I hope I make you proud by all the accomplishments I have acheived. Those are firefighter/emt-b/and now police (in case you didn't know!). Please tell God to watch over me. You are more than welcome in the passenger seat with me when I get on somewhere. Guess you can say you can always be my partner! I love you and I will never forget you.

Rebecca L. Willis
Niece
May 2, 2006

The film the Thin Blue Line and especially Officer Robert Wood's murder had a profound effect on me. I often rewatch the film to remind myself not to let my guard down on those "quiet" night tours. Rest in Peace Brother.

Master Patrolman R. Nicosia
Brookline PD
January 13, 2006

The more I work, the more I realize that my life depends on listening to those who've gone before on this job. Officer Wood is the reason I wear my vest under my uniform every patrol shift I work. I hope I honor his death by having learned what God allowed him to teach me.

Rest easy; justice was slow, but done.

H. Vandagriff
LPD
August 16, 2005

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten by your entire police family.

DE
St. Louis City Police
September 17, 2004

This animal had 30 more years on this earth than Officer Wood. Thank God justice was finally done.

Rest in peace, Officer Wood.

A Concerned Citizen
September 2, 2004

You may be gone; but not forgotton; nor shall you ever be.
Rest in Peace my friend.

Officer R.E. Wood
National Nuclear Security Agency
April 13, 2004

Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

From this incident, the movie "The Thin Blue Line" was produced.

S/A Brasher
FAA