 | Trooper Bobby J. Maples
Tennessee Highway Patrol
Tennessee
Friday, November 5, 1999 |
I knew Trooper Maples first and foremost as my best friend's dad when we were growing up.
I remember how he enjoyed fishing and cooking, and made some really fine biscuits.
He always had a good sense of humor and was quick to pull a joke on you or some other unsuspecting soul.
When I remember him, it is usually on the lake fishing with his son . . . getting skunked mostly.
RIP Mr. Maples John Browning
Friend of son
2009-11-11
To Trooper Bobby Maples and his loved ones:
On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered for the service you gave to your community, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on November 5, 1999.
I pray for solace today for all those others who love you.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05 Anonymous
2009-11-05
Nine years to the day and I miss my best friend more than ever. Love you Dad! Tony Maples, Rank: Son
Son
2008-11-05
Honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Trooper Maples on this day
A Grateful Citizen
2008-03-08
"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
2008-01-30
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-11-01
As a former THP dipatcher who worked with Trooper Maples I will never forget him. Bobby was one of the guys you always enjoyed seeing walking through the door of HQ. Bobby loved to make you laugh and would do whatever he could to cheer you up when you were down. Bobby rest in peace brother you will not be forgotten. Sgt. David Stanhope
Lexington, TN PD
2007-05-12
I was working a split shift as a dispatcher at the time of Bobby's death. For those who did not know him, he was definitely one of a kind, like old school. Whenever there were two dispatcher's working, he would always stop by HQ, clean out the front seat of his patrol car and take me to lunch or dinner. We would usually meet with his best friend & fellow Trooper (Barry Waldrop). Watching those two were like watching the "odd couple" or "grumpy old men", NEVER a dull moment. Bobby was working on reports at HQ when we got the call about the stranded vehicle. We were laughing and cracking jokes on the way out of HQ as it was the end of my shift. Little did I know that in a few moments, it would be our last goodbye and the end of your watch.
God bless Bobby & the entire Maples family. Rest in peace brother...you will never be forgotten. Trooper Tracy Tyler
Tennessee Highway Patrol
2005-10-10
Rest easy fellow trooper, we will NEVER forget you!
MA STATE POLICE
2004-12-30
Gone, but not forgotten! I love you, Daddy! Vicki
2004-07-05
We won't let you be forgotten PJN and FF
2004-03-27
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