Officer Down Memorial Page

My name is Robert David Clark, and I work for the Des Moines Police Department in Des Moines, Iowa and have since 1994. For years I have often thought about Officer Clark a.k.a. "Robo-Cop" and how his career and mine have mirrored each other in so many ways. I have read old newspaper articles about your death Rob but I had never read all the reflections of those who love you, until tonight.
I read the reflection by Emad Baddour. After reading those thoughts Rob I know you were a great cop, you made so many differences in others lives and the fruits of your labor live on today.
Rest in peace brother.

Robert D. Clark
Des Moines Police Department
March 24, 2012

Dearest,
I went to a memorail dinner this year that was started originally for you and is to help Police and Fire Fighters and their families. It is for the kids that want to go to college. This was started by Andy Rizzio of the CPD in your honor but grew to police that are alive and firefighters and grew to help a lot of people. I participated in this dinner by giving things to be auctioend and I flew in for it. Your kids came as did Kathy and Mom. All the police were so kind and we were with your old buddies-which is always great.
I explained to your kids that you would have preferred to stay with them in life, but unfortunately that was not to be-but if you can help at least 1 person or thing in need in life-is that not what you have taught us. I told them that the police in reality are their family and always will be. I told them this is their legacy that they need to think about and to move forward in whatever they pick as jobs in mind of what you taught us all.
I am always in awe of the CPD and what they helped build to honor you-but to make sure that help others continued and the legacy of goodness would go on. My respect and love for the CPD will never wane.
I miss you lots but know that some day when we are on a cloud floating around, I will have so much to tell you about people helping out when it was needed and making sure that your helping hand is still extended for those in need.
I love you more than the sun, moon and stars my little brother. Youa re still locked in my heart.
Mare

Mary Clark Forbes
July 12, 2010

Always remembered and honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice. A note to his family, especially sister Mary. After reading some of your reflections on how your brother's death has affected you, I felt strongly impressed to share something with you ~I was raised in the same faith you were. My dad (a 48-yr. vet. of CPD) died suddenly when I was just 20. He was my hero, the only "man in my life", my very best friend. When he died, so much of me went with him that I no longer wanted to live. I wanted to take my own life, but was afraid that, if I did, I wouldn't go where he was. The next several years were a nightmare 4 me...until I met someone who taught me how to secure my own place in Heaven, a place where I would one day see my dad again. I took the steps I needed to take, and although I still miss my dad after all these many years, I am at peace knowing that I will see him (& my other loved ones) again. As I mentioned, since we come from the same faith background, I know it may be very difficult to understand what I am saying to you. But I would be happy to share more if you would like to contact me. ~One way or another, I pray that you will come to a secure relationship with the only ONE who can help us secure our place in Heaven, Jesus Christ. He is truly the One who can comfort our grieving hearts as well.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEO's
June 10, 2010

I was only a small child when I met him but I knew I wanted to be just like him he is the reason I have always wanted to be a police officer. I still live on baltic and I pass cudell everyday and I always think of the man I talked to in the resturant the man who to me was the greatest man in the world I turn 21 next year and I hope to finally become what I've wanted to be scince the day I met him, a cleveland police officer

SPC Bryan Carpenter
United States Army
May 2, 2010

I was thinking of you today and wanted to extend my sympathies to your family who loves you so dearly. It is evident in the letters that they leave you regularly, Officer Clark. I pray for you, your family and most of all your children that had to grow without a father. My heart goes out to them...

U were in my thoughts today...

God Bless YOU, Gone but Never Forgotten...

Jaye Cleveland Ohio
Citizen
April 8, 2010

Thinking of you... its been so long and still its so fresh. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers...

Racine Brooks, AT3
United States Navy
July 2, 2009

Dearet,
Another year and another anniversary today. I still cannot believe it. And it is another hard day no matter how many years pass.
Your daughter graduated from high school this year and on to college. We were there for you but it is never the same. Those are large shoes you left us all to fill for you. We always fall short no matter what. I gave her a Victorian necklace and told her you would have wanted her to have it since you used to collect the old jewlery for all of us. She loved it. I thought of that piece when I bought it for her and thought you would have liked it.
Everyone misses you and wishes we could see you again--maybe some day. One can only hope for that.
I left flowers on your grave several times this last time home and I will be back soon to visit you there again.
Sean made Captain in the Army. You would be proud of him. He has so many things in his personality like you. You were the best uncle he ever had. He started an antique business with Audrey and me. He deals in Civil War like you did with Mom and Me. So I guess that tradition you passed to him along with many other fine ones.
Miss you so very much. Will release a balloon in the sky for you tonight like I do. I watch it hover above and then fly away like you did.
Love you so very much,
Mare

Mary Clark Forbes
Sister
July 1, 2009

I think of you every day. I laugh still at some of the things you said or did. I think about how great it would be to have you still here and experience with all of us joy and laughter. I remember how much we meant to one another. I remember our plans for retirement. I hope some day I can actually see you again and give you a big hug as I always did. You are still part of my crying heart that will never be healed. I love you little brother.

Mary Clark Forbes
oldest sister
March 24, 2009

Detective Clark you were loved somuch by your family and friends. I got a chance to meet your wife in May 2008 at a memorial ceremony. I t was me who got your name added to the memorial.

Rocky Geppert
January 4, 2009

My Dearest,
Tomorrow is your birthday. This week was Christmas. I found myself thinking of you and remembering when you were the little brother running around getting into the Christmas presents. I miss you so very much-that never stops. I still cry for you and I am lonely for you. If I could turn back the clock and stop what happened to you I would but that will never happen.
Tomorrow I will remember when they brought you home from the hospital and remember all the good years we had together. I miss you my little brother. I will look at the stars tomorrow and hope you are looking down at me. I miss you so very much.
Love,
Mare

Mary Clark Forbes
Sister-oldest
December 26, 2008

In 1996 Bob & I stood side by side, in ranks, outside the chapel, during the funeral service for fallen CPD Ptl Hilary Cudnik.

During that time in ranks, I told Bob that once a citizen had asked me what it was like going to work knowing I might be killed. I told the citizen that I stayed home on those days. Of course, it was said tongue in cheek.

Bob said, "yeah, if we knew ... but, you don't know you just never know."

Two years later when Bob was gunned down within a mile of my home I cried. I asked myself, "How many more?"

I will never forget you Robert Clark. All you did was just go to work. The world weeps. jim

Ofc Jim Snively
Cleveland Public utilities Police
December 13, 2008

RIP.You are not forgotten.

Anonymous
November 3, 2008

I am running off to a meeting for work but wanted to leave you a note. Kind of silly and probably only good for people that leave them but it makes me at least feel better at times. It would be nice to know you read your mail-can you give me a sign some day soon on that?????? Well we burind Ken about a month ago. Mom is continuing on without you both. I know she goes to the grave site every day to lay flowers on your graves since you both are beside one another. I went before we buried Ken and laid flowers on your grave as I do when I am home. It was hard to have the burial out of Our lady of Angels since it reminded us of when we buried you. It was also hard to leave you and come home but I guess your spirit is not even there but floating around us all the time seeing us and giving us signs.
Sean came home from Iraq safe. He was all most killed the first months into the convoys. He was lucky on his convoy one night. I prayed you would be his guardian angel and that proved true. He ended up saving one of his guys who happened to be from Cleveland and knew what happend to you. Sean woudl share teh Plain Dealer with the kid when Granny sent it. I thought of you when Sean told me he carried the kid to the medical tent. I guess he has a lot of you in him and I guess he always did. You were very close to him. He sure loved you a lot. You would be very proud of him since he choose his country to seve as you did.
Well I am busy working and to say the least am lucky to have a job under the circumstances of our country. Plan to retire to the farm some time soon. You would love it. i plant things and think of you and how we always compared notes on planting. We have found CIVIL War artifacts on the farm. You would be digging up my farm if you were still alive-we kid about that all the time.
Well I miss you and love you still so very much. Kiss and hug. Love Mare (your oldest sis)

Mary Clark Forbes
sister-oldest
September 24, 2008

RIP

Anonymous
September 8, 2008

I met Detective Clark's widow, Cathy, many years ago while I was living in Cleveland. Although, I think of her and his family often, I have not talked with her or seen her in years. This morning for some unknown reason I was drawn to this web page. I read the reflection from Emad Baddour and realized this is why I was drawn to the page. I work as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Franklin County, Ohio, in the juvenile division. I became a lawyer after my husband, Sgt. Marc Muncy died in the line of duty. I decided to become a prosecutor, more specifically a juvenile court prosecutor, because I wanted to make a difference. Most of the time I do not feel that I am making a difference at all. The officers I speak with seem to feel the same way. I printed the message from Emad and have posted it on my door (along with a picture of Det. Clark) so that I can be reminded that He made a difference and hopefully, this will inspire myself and others to continue to use their words, as they may just be affective. This young man's posting was powerful and a wonderful testiment to the kind of officer and more important the kind of man, Detective Clark was.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin County
August 11, 2008

10 years my friend, you will never be forgotten, god bless you and your family forever...............................

450
cpd
July 18, 2008

You have not been forgotten.
R.I.P

Kathleen Rocky River, Oh
July 13, 2008

After reading the reflection left by Emad,I again realize that it is these actions my brother use to take, that now keep him living on in so many of us. The reflection came at the 10 year anniversary of a life taken far too early. But it again makes me realize the quiet strength my brother possessed. I don't even think he ever realized the impact he made on so many people. Though he could be mistaken as a bit hard, that was all exterior. Rob had a heart so big and only ever wanted good to come for people. Thank you, Emad, for sharing the story. It is those stories that I have my kids look at and tell them not to forget the Uncle they never really got to know. It is those kinds of things Rob did that I teach my kids about, hoping that as they become young adults, they take with them the traits of one of the finest men I ever knew....

sister
July 7, 2008

This note is for Emad----
Dear Emad,
We read what you wrote about our brother. He knew you all called him ROBO COP-believe me he knew. He also always had hope that some of you could turn around since as you state you faced jail and/or death. There were many a time he told us about what he was up to on the street trying to make sure the drug trade was slowed down in the area. Not an easy task by any means.
I remember your Mom and Dad and Rob loved them a lot. He also knew your Dad was heart broken over your life on the street. He tried to help your father to make sure the streets were safe since you all lived there and he had a business but he also was helping since your father wanted you to turn out well. You were breaking our brother's heart since he knew you could be better.
I respected your father a lot and hoped you found a better way in life. I wondered many times what happened to you.
I am glad that you are becoming the man your father knew you could be and the one that Rob had hopes for. Hopefully you can try to make a change for at least 1 person in your life since even 1 can make an impact on the world-as you have seen with Rob.
Thank you for the message and thank you for not taking the easier path in life-one of crime. Yes I called it easy. Living a life you are proud of is hard no matter if you are from the Inner City or a rich person. Life has good and bad-it is how you deal with it and what you stood for in the end. The path you have taken now is harder since it will have highs and lows-but you have chosen not to take the quick easy way out in life. You have to be admired for this.
Good luck on your path in life. Keep us updated.
Love,
Mary Clark Forbes

Mary Forbes
sister
July 7, 2008

I meant to read the new reflections last week. But after all this time, it is still a little hard to do. I thought that again, this would make me very sad. This time, though, I was given the best surprise. I read the post from Emadd. The story told was the very being of my brother. He could often times let you know he was there, ready to bust you,(especially a baby sister to rat on) but the real reason he did these things was because he cared. He cared about people and their well being, and even though he saw so much negative in his daily life as a cop, I know from talking with him, that just saving a life that was doomed to the environment he worked in was what made him truly shine as the amazing life he was. It is those stories that are shared that keep him alive in my heart. It is those qualities that I tell my kids about, hoping that they take a small piece of that goodness forward with them, into their adulthood.

sister
July 6, 2008

This is the 10th anniversary of your taking earned wings
and joining St. Michaels Department in heaven. It is not
the way you died that is the measure of your worth as a
police officer, a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a man
but the way you lived your life. The seeds you planted with your caring are still growing and blooming in wonderful ways.
Your memory will live on in hearts and minds every where. Your
wisdom still guides and will forever.

July 1, 2008

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are thought of this 10 year anniversary date of your death... your memory will never be forgotten.

Officer Gerbec
Cleveland Police Department
July 1, 2008

Dear Rob, It will be ten years and it seems like yesterday and since you've been gone we've lost several more good young officers to the violence in Cleveland. I hope you'll look down on all the others and guard them from evil.I read Jerry's reflection about all the guys you got with the drawings and Lord knows I'm one,but I ain't mad at you. Instead I framed a couple of them and put them on my walls at home.You have a beautiful family and wonderful kids,you should be very proud.Miss you brother,Dennis

Det.Dennis Sweeney#1652-Ret.
C.P.D.
May 26, 2008

Dear family of Robert Clark and you too "Robo-Cop",

My name is Emad Baddour. This note is long over due. You see, Robert Clark used to chase me and my friends around Madison Ave. We used to call him "Robo-Cop." He has arrested and sent several of my child hood friends to prison, and he has also arrested me on more than one occasion. We used to hate Robert Clark because he hated us.

One day, I was in court on a case that Officer Clark arrested me on. I'll never forget it. It was in Judge Angela Stoke's courtroom. I was there on a misdemeanor, only 18 years old. I couldn't stand "Robo-Cop" because I felt that he had unfairly arrested me and just knew that he hated me with a passion.

Before court started that day, something really weird happened. Officer Clark came up to me and tried to start a conversation. Back then, we didn't talk to police officers so I just tried to ignore him. But I couldn't help but notice that something was different in his tone and the sincerity of his voice. He told me that he had not lost hope in me and that he believed that it was not too late for me to turn my life around, and that I could be something in life. That morning is when I realized that Officer Clark didn't hate me at all. In retrospect, he wanted to see me turn my life around, not only turn my life around, but to excel in life. But wait a minute, "this is the same guy that hated me right?" That's what I thought up until that day and chances are that's what most street kids think about the police officers who frequent their ghettos.

Believe it or not, looking back on my life, his words were the beginning, the thresh hold for me turning my life around. I thought he hated us, when in reality, he wanted to see us do well. It is because of Officer Clark's words that I have completely changed my life around. He believed in me and cared enough to let me know it when I already had one foot in the grave.

It's funny how just speaking life, speaking words and setting expectations into a kid from the inner city with one foot already in the grave, can spark something inside of that person to completely turn their life around. I don't know who will read this, hopefully some police officers, but please speak life into those kids growing up in bad neighborhoods like Officer Clark did for me. Tell them that they can go on to do something Big with their lives and let them know that you care, and they will appreciate you for it. Chances are, no one's ever told them that before. No one's ever told them that they can do something with their lives.

Keep in mind, all of my friends were fatherless, and a lot of their mothers were on crack. The odds are already stacked against them. Say what you want, but kids in the ghetto begin to develop bad habits at a very very young age. WE become products of our environments and begin to lose hope in the future so we start living day-to-day. Chances are, the only opportunity for anyone to speak life over these kids will have to come from a police officer. No one else will do it. No one cares. Everyone avoids that part of town and can care less that these kids are crying out for anyone to show them that they care. They have already been labeled losers, animals, thugs, killers, etc. etc. so all they can do is try to live up to those expectation to the best of their abilities. I know it sounds sad but it's the truth. Officer Clark's caring words changed my life and I know that other officers can do the same thing by simply encouraging inner city youth that they can do well in life. Just words is all it takes sometimes. It's a great place to start.

I want whoever reads this to know that I have had this on my heart since Officer Clark's death and that he did not die in Vain. His words sparked something in me to change. He made me believeand because of that, one day soon I will be speaking to inner city kids and telling them exactly what Robert Clark said to me, that they can be something in life, and that they shouldn't settle for less. Thanks "Robo-Cop", you didn't hate me after all. If it wasn't for you words, I would definitely be dead or in jail. Now I get to change the world like you have. Thank you man. God bless.

Emad Baddour
Madison Ave.
May 26, 2008

Where are you tonight? I wish I could see you and talk to you. I really miss you and just need to hang out with you for our heart to heart chats. Do you know how very much you are missed every day? I hope there is some way that you do so you know that you were never just shoved away after death in a secret place to stay and never to be talked about again. We all try to keep your memory alive and we still wish we could change what happened.
Your children are doing well. They would rather have you with them but they carry on. You should be very proud of them. Mom carries on with all her duties and trials of her life. Pat is doing well but I know she wants to have you be with her and comfort her at times. Barb I think is lost without you-you meant a lot to her as a brother. Ali and Bunky are doing well in school too. Barb's kids all have kids-how weird is that-we must be getting old. Sean is in Iraq-I told him before he went you would be his gurdian angel and that proved true. John still thinks of you and how you both worked so hard in law enforcement. All your best freinds in law enforcement still cannot believe you are gone. So little brother I guess I have to wait to see you again but will still keep you hidden in my heart forever. Love you more than the Sun, Moon and Stars. Sis.

Mary Forbes
sister
April 15, 2008