Officer Down Memorial Page

As we start a new year(2013), your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace my Brother.

To my active duty Brothers and Sisters, PLEASE STAY SAFE!

Master Senior Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01
January 1, 2013

Thank you for your service and helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO
November 5, 2012

We honor your service to your community as a law enforcement officer and you will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Robert died. May his loved ones continue to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To his family, you are in my heart's embrace today.

My cherished son, fallen Officer Larry Lasater, was also your brother in green so I thank you for your service in the USMC and bid you semper fi.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinguished service Officer Potter gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 15, 2012.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
September 15, 2012

Officer Potter,
Sir, as a fellow LEO and former Marine I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO-but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I am a Border Patrol Agent stationed in El Paso and from time to time I have been detailed out to New Mexico-Deming and Lordsburg to specific and every time I have come into contact with officers from your Agency-they have always been professional and outstanding to work with.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow former Marine/LEO

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
September 5, 2012

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got 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 an unmanly tear.
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 often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor Officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX
September 4, 2012

Thank you for your service and dedication sir. You are a hero and now patrol the streets of heaven. RIP Sir. Prayers are with your family

Jenkins
TCSHPD
August 30, 2012

Officer Potter, my heart goes out to your wife and son. Thank you for being a hero to those you have helped. May you be with God now and rest in peace. Thank you brother. We have the watch now.

Ofc Michael Bernard
Richfield Township P.D., Davison, MI
August 30, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers to the dear family of Officer Robert Potter. God Bless him for his service and dedication to duty. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC
August 29, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. Rest in Peace.

Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
August 29, 2012

god be with you brother!

DEP.SHERIFF P.M.HALBERT#4549
COOK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS
August 28, 2012

My deepest and most sincere sympathy.

Pat Ross
Cop's mom
August 28, 2012

My thoughts are with you, your family and police family.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers
EOW 04-24-2006

Chris Chambers
Saint Louis County Police Dept
August 27, 2012

Rest in peace, Brother.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department
August 26, 2012

When I Must Leave You For a Little While
by Karna Franche


When i must leave you for a little while,
please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years,
but start out bravely with a gallant smile.
And for my sake and in my name,
live on and do all the things the same.
Feed not on your loneliness and empty days,
but fill each working hour in useful ways.
Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer and in turn I will comfort you and hold you near.
And never, never be afraid to die for I am waiting for you in the sky!......May The Spirit of God Keep You ....
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. (NLT).......1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

THERESA MELODY
Someone who cares
August 22, 2012

On behalf of the Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, Session 53, we extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Officer Robert Potter. Thank you for your seven years of service. Semper Fi, and may you rest in peace. 

Recruit Frederick Warfield
Saratoga Springs Police Department
August 22, 2012

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Officer Robert Potter and the New Mexico Transportation Police during this time. Thank you, Officer Potter, for your service.

Staff
National Police Wives Association
August 21, 2012

Rest in Peace.
You will never be forgotten.
My condolences to your family.

Allan K. Iversen Jr. {Retired Lt.}
Suffolk Police Department, VA
August 21, 2012

"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

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Wy Police Dept.
August 21, 2012

Godspeed, Robert, as you assume your new watch guarding Heaven's scenes. A knowing God has called up yet another Marine who also wore a badge. May your wife and son be held tightly in His hand. Semper Fidelis.

Kevin Murphy
USMC; Kirkland (WA) PD, ret.
August 21, 2012

I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization.
As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
I have given my life so that others may live in peace.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.
You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH.

Captain Doug Gist (retired) Washoe S.O.
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum
August 20, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for serving this Great Country in the USMC. My condolences to your Family and the New Mexico Motor Transportation Police.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY
August 20, 2012

“Marines”

You can have your Army Kakiis,
And your Navy Blues,
But here’s a different fighting man,
I’ll introduce to you.
His uniform is unlike,
Any you’ve ever seen,
The Germans called him “Devil Dog”,
His title is “Marine”.

He was trained in Parris Island,
The place that God forgot,
The sand was fourteen inches deep,
The sun was blazing hot.
He awakened up one morning,
In front of his rack he’ll stand,
And in through the doorway walked,
A giant of a man.

He turned and faced this young Marine,
With eyes as cold as steel,
He said, “I am your DI,
And this is for real.
I’ll make your life as miserable,
As miserable as I can,
And when you finally leave this place,
You’ll be a fighting man.
You’ll be a rifle expert,
You’ll know your weapon well,
And when you encounter the Viet Cong,
You’ll send their souls to Hell.

Now gather around you young Marines,
And lend me all your ears,
And I’ll tell you of a few things,
We’ve conquered through the years,
We fought at Iwo Jima,
The land of fire and Hell,
We killed all those Japanese,
And took their land as well.

Now you can tell your ladies,
And this my Lad is true,
To get herself a young “Marine”,
There is nothing he can’t do.
He’s peeled a million onions,
And twice as many spuds,
Then you’ll find him in the slopchutes,
A soaking up the suds.

And when he gets to Heaven,
St.Peter he will tell,
Another “Marine” reporting Sir.
I’ve served my time in Hell.

Written and copyright by: David Lee Bell
1968

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1968 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
August 20, 2012

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

This may be re-posted in the Honor of his death and the death of any Law Enforcement Officer!

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
August 20, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Rest in peace brother. We will carry on for you.

Trp Bob Bryant
New Mexico Mounted Patrol
August 20, 2012

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Robert Potter, and the New Mexico Motor Transportation Police. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Potter, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association
August 20, 2012