Officer Down Memorial Page

Many, many days I worked Gate #2 at the old Kelly AFB between 1980 and 1984. This was the location that Bob lost his life to a drunk driver. His life was not lost in vain because his memory kept many of us working that gate very conscious and aware of our surroundings. I wish I would have known Bob, everyone spoke so highly of him. May he Rest In Peace.

Karl de la Guerra
Kelly AFB Security Police 1980-84
May 26, 2012

I went to school with Robert at Highlands High School. We knew each other from that time. I started working at Kelly AFB in December of 1978 and remember seeing him sometimes at the gate when I would come in to work. Never missed the chance to say hello and chat if nobody was behind me trying to get through the gate. They named a street in his honor out here at the base. (ROBERT DOVER ST) I still work here and think of him whenever I'm on HIS street. To Dear Laura, he was a heck of a nice guy and always liked him. My name is Cyrus Avey from San Antonio Texas Dec 8 2011

Cyrus Avey WG-10 Equipment Mechanic
Lackland AFB
December 8, 2011

Wanted to drop a line and say Thanks for your service. Service before Self I heard many times going thru the Security Forces Academy at Lackland Air Force Base. God Bless You Sir

- Georgia Police Officer, / Former 165th Security Forces Airman

K-9 Handler
Georgia
December 22, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Laura, I hold you in my heart's embrace today and thank you for the work you do for MADD. Your daddy sure was a handsome young man and how you must have missed him and it must have been hard growing up without him physically present

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 18, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
April 30, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs
April 10, 2008

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this day. I also know what it is like to lose a loved one to a drunk driver and the horrible aftermath that affects those left behind, especially the children. It is an event that does not have to happen yet others choose to drink and drive and never think they will cause harm to others. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 18, 2008

Robert,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones-especially your daughter, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
March 18, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 12, 2008

Twenty-eight years ago this month, my Father, Robert Richard Dover was killed by an 18 yr old drunk driver. At approximately 6 pm that Sunday evening Daddy moved the traffic cones to direct the traffic into one lane. Less than one hour later a car traveling approximately 40 mph swerved to miss these traffic cones and crashed into the guard shack where my "One Daddy" was stationed. Just before hitting the shack the car also hit a telephone pole which fell onto the building trapping Daddy inside. Rescue personnel were able to pull Daddy's badly burned body from the flames and their report noted "a tighly grasped phone receiver clutched in the officer's charred hand". As you can imagine these were VERY hard words for a young girl in search of answers some 14 years later to read. Daddy was pronounced Dead on the way to Wilford Hall, over 90% of his body was covered in second and third degree burns.

So many things changed that night. My life is still affected by the fact that my One Daddy is not physically here. He will always be in my heart and his legacy will live on through me and through my boys. I will not allow a Drunk Driver to take that away from my family. As harsh as that my sound, I'm really not angry. I live a very happy life choosing to celebrate a bright and happy life my One Daddy lead. Yes, it was short - but it was GOOD!

I Love You One Daddy!

Laura Dover-Gotthardt
Daughter
March 2, 2007

Robert R. Dover was my brother-in-law. At the time of his death he was only 26 years old. He was engaged and was to married in May of that year. My husband his younger brother was to be his best man. Robert was studing in the guard shack on a Sunday evening when a young man 16 years old and drunk ran into it. The shack burst into flames and Robert died. The young man was saved. Robert left behind a young daughter named Laura who called him her "One Daddy". She is a beautiful young women now who has shared her sad story of her father's death through the MADD program. My husband spent many long nights in our living room listening to the song "Tell Laura I love her". I lost my favorite brother-in-law that night, my husband lost his best friend, and for Laura her "One Daddy".

Bobbie Dover
Sister-In-Law
January 27, 2007

I was in the final weeks of basic (before going on to SP school) right across the way and I never heard about this incident until I read it here.

God Bless you and all your loved ones.

Anonymous
October 12, 2003