Family, Friends, and All Others Remember . . .
 
Photograph: Police Officer Robert L. Polmanteer
Patch image: Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

Police Officer Robert L. Polmanteer
Phoenix Police Department
Arizona
Friday, May 4, 1984

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Bob and I worked at Squaw Peak (700) in the early 1980's. He was such a big man, imposing in appearence. But his smile and his laugh were even bigger than his stature. What befell him was a terrible tragedy. I pray his family found a way to cope with his loss.

Ofc. Matt Ridener #3857
Phoenix Police Dept. (Ret)

2009-03-11


I pray that the Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
~ Abraham Lincoln

Lt. Peter Salzberg
Fellow Police Officer

2008-07-10


YOU ARE HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

2008-05-05


Officer Polmanteer,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-05-04


Bob was a gentle giant. We were on the same squad in the early 80's out of Squaw Peak. We connected because we both were on departments in Michigan before we moved here. When I drew him as a partner in a racquetball league I thought his size would slow him down, MAN was I wrong, he controlled the court. And it was great to know he was on the way when things turned to ( ) on the street.

Miss u big buy.

Bryan Muth, retired
Phoenix PD

2008-04-17


I would like to let Bob's family know that he had a huge impact on my life. Before I became a Phoenix Police Officer I was a waitress at a Denny's Restaurant where Bob worked off-duty. Bob convinced me to go test for the Phoenix Police Dept.. I started the testing/hiring process but very sadly Bob was killed before I started into the Academy in July 1984. I went to Bob's services and was still determined to become a Police Officer. I have Bob to Thank for steering me in the direction of what was a very full-filling career,and where I also met my husband of 23 years, Wesley (#2613-ret). I retired from the department and stayed on as a Reserve Officer. Bob was always so proud of his family and his job. Bob's favorite meal was a fish dinner, with a salad with lots of Blue cheese dressing and 2 Large glasses of milk. My co-workers and I always felt safe and secure when Bob worked, because customers used to always say they didn't want to tackle with "that officer" refering to his size.
I just wanted his family to know I have had a blessed life from his great direction. My dad had terminal cancer at that time and it made him so proud of me becoming a Police Officer,(which he was able to see happen before he passed away). Bob you are sadly missed by family and friends,rest in peace my brother.
Diane Martin #4378 ret.

Det. Diane Martin (Retired)
Phoenix Police Dewpt.

2008-04-09


It's hard to believe that Bob (The Gentle Giant)has been gone for 24 years. We worked at Squaw Peak Precinct in the day. He was a kind hearted sole who always treated the community he served with a smile. He was almost too nice to be in this line of work. But he loved riding his police motor. He left us way too early but I am sure he is in GOD's Kingdom looking down on us and smiling. Waiting for the day we will all meet again.

Ron Snodgrass, Sergeant
Phoenix Police Department

2008-04-07


I was a rookie at the time and had just made a backup for Bob on a stop. It was a tremendous shock to get the accident call just a few minutes later and discover it was Bob. That first hand experience of how fragile life is and how quickly things can change was a lesson I carried with me throughout my career. He was a great guy, and I think of him often.

Officer Bob Erdely (Retired)
Phoenix PD

2008-04-04


Bob - the gentle giant. Quick to smile - quick to learn - always quick to help - Miss you friend!

Jim Botsko #2574, retired
Phx. P.D. / fellow officer / friend

2008-04-03


Tom,
I remember having long talks with Robert about riding motors,he was a very nice young man anhd his accident stayed with me for a long time.

george frederick 1399 motor training off
phx pd

2008-04-03


Chaplin Tom Bradley will ad my name in his book. Requested
to sign in here.

William A. Goforth ( retired)
PHX PD

2008-04-03


I will remember that day forever. The Department and the citizens of Phoenix miss you. Your daughter has followed in your footsteps and is a very loved and respected sergeant. You will never be forgotten. Earl and Laura Fisher and your family at C.O.P.S.

Detective Earl Fisher
Pheonix P D Reserve

2008-04-03


It's a great honor to have been acquainted with Officer Robert Polmanteer. I reflect back to Friday, May 4th, 1984 to the date of his tragic death: Officer Polmanteer's daughter, Charmane was a classmate and friend of mine and we were all celebrating at school with a Hawain themed school dance, when the news of her fathers accident came. It was extremely sad to see this happen to my friend and her family. At that time we did not know what we would all turn out to be, however, I am happy to say that Charmane has followed in her fathers footsteps, so to speak, and she is also a Phoenix Police Officer today. Our paths cross every now and then, but I want her to know that I am proud of her. After all she has been through in her life and to lose her father at such a young age, she has kept it together and succeeded. This site memorial dedication to Charmane's father is a great tribute to him and his family. Charmane, I am sorry that I won't be able to make the dedication, however, know that I am always thinking about you and that I pray for your safety often.

Lt. Christine DeSanti(Woodard)
Glendale Police Department - friend of Daughter Charmane Polmanteer

2008-04-03


They put Youre memorial marker up on Thomas Road brother, every time I drive by Ill ask you how its going up there.

Officer Central City Precinct
Phoenix PD

2007-12-16


We have lost many great motor officers in our department and Robert you were among the top. Those of us who worked in the squad cars alwyas teased you guys but in our hearts we always had love and respect for the danger you always faced that was not from the evil agents we both faced but by the unaware drivers who put you in their cross hairs. Thank you for your devotion to protecting and serving Gods children in our community, for your presence among us and for your bravery in performing your duties. You will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Rest in peace my brother. Give God a hug for those of us waiting our turn to go to His house with you.
Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired #456
Phoenix AZ PD

2007-11-26


"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

2007-11-14


Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

2007-05-04


Rest in Peace, Officer Polmanteer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-15


Be at peace my brother.

Sergeant II John P. Rabon
Guam Police Department

2005-04-13


Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

2004-02-25


Rest in peace, my brother.

PO Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police


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