Officer Robert Joseph Nielsen Chandler Police Department Arizona Wednesday, June 12, 2002  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

We, (my husband Geoff Hunter & I), just wanted to say that Rob is in our thoughts often. Anyone who knew Rob knew what a great man he was. Rob was a funny, sweet, handsome and just an all around wonderful man, the kind of man that made us better people just for knowing him. I am very thankful that I took the time one night at dinner to tell him that exact thing. We all should take the time to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us and just how much we love them. We also should try to live our lives gloriously in honor of their memories. We know Rob is in Heaven watching over all of us he loved, we will never forget him!! All of our love, Geoff and Tailor Hunter

Anonymous

2008-12-30

Hi Rob,
I was sitting in a resteraunt when i heard the news and was devistated. You were such a good friend and mentor. I think often and fondley on the many hours we talked and hung out around the theater. You taught me so much about life and growing up. I did not have the chance to pay tribute to you or watch as you were laid to rest a Hero. But i think of you almost everyday. Thanks for the rides home in the mustang and for making those around you feel important. Thanks for all the laughs and for the good times. I pray for Ann Marie and hope that the work you are doing now, is more important than what we do here. See you on the other side!

Chris

Anonymous

2008-08-12

Officer Nielsen,
On today, the 6th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chandler. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-06-12

Hey Moose!

We're coming up on 6 years now. Don't think I have forgotten about that brownie you owe me! I intend on collecting the when we meet again. I was just telling Sned how I started looking through old patches and came across my chandler patch with his and your memorial pins in it. First thing I thought of was your "Jack N Box" and "Donner" stories. I really miss talking with you bubba! Continue to watch over us and all our brothers and sisters in public safety! All our love man!

Roy Stanifer - Former Dispatcher
Chandler Police Department
2008-05-28

ROBERT, I NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD BECOME A POLICE OFFICER. YOU WERE ALWAYS INTO YOUR COMPUTER. I REMEMBER WE WOULD ALWAYS PLAY THAT AIR PLANE GAME AND I COULD NEVER FLY THAT PLANE RITE AND YOU WERE SUCH A PRO AT IT. MY MOM STILL HAS THE TABLE AND HUTCH YOUR MOM SOLD HER BEFORE YOU GUYS MOVED TO ARIZONA.. I THINK OF YOU EVER TIME I SEE IT. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH, BUT WHEN YOUR YOUNG YOU DON'T THINK OF STUFF LIKE THAT. I BECAME AN OFFICER TOO, JUST LIKE MY DAD. I WISH I WOULD HAVE GOT TO WORK WITH YOU, I KNOW YOU WERE GOOD AT YOUR JOB. WATCH OVER ME UP THERE SO THAT I GO HOME SAFE EVERY DAY. NOT VERY MANY PEOPLE CAN DO THE JOB WE DO...
ALWAYS A FRIEND
CHARLES MADRID LORDSBURG, NM

Officer Charles D. Madrid
Motor Transportation Police
2008-01-26

"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

Officer Nielsen,

It's been five years since your sacrifice in the line of duty, and your family feels the pain every single day.

I hope it's visible to you, what Sherry has done, while drawing strength from memories of you.

You are no doubt proud of her and other members of your family.
And there is no doubt they will always remain very, very proud of you.


Rest In Peace, 445.




paul

Brother, William P. Davis, EOW 11/03/2003

2007-06-12

Death is nothing at all...
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow on it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul's Cathedral

Sherry
sister
2007-06-12

Rob, it has been five years. We've grown accustomed to not having you around, but that doesn't mean it's easy. We remember the good times and all the goofy things you used to do. The kids will even smile now when we talk about you, it's been very hard for them--as it is for all of us. You are forever loved and missed, you and Tim both.

We go on with our lives in your honor, making you proud as you have made us proud.

Love and Hugs from Dad, Mom, Alyssa, Matthew, and me
:)

Sherry
sister
2007-06-12

Only gone from earthly sight.May you and your loved ones be ever blessed.

2007-06-12

I remember Rob as being one of the more humerous people I've had the pleasure of knowing. He made a great martial arts teacher as well. He is missed.

Garrett Van Rooy
Friend
2007-03-19

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

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

May God bless you and your family....Rest in Peace

Det .L.E Gauthney
Columbus Ohio Police Dept.
2006-10-03

Rob, I was always impressed with you when I was your squadron commander at Westwood JROTC. You were a great guy and had so much to offer this world. I am saddened to know that you were called home to our heavenly father earlier than expected. To Ann Marie, you and Rob were a great couple and if ever you should need any help do not hesitate to contact me.

William Fife
High School friend
2006-09-21

Rob, I can't believe it's been over four years since you left us. Seems like yesterday you were throwing me around the mat at Kenpo practice. I'm sorry to say I never quite made it to Black Belt, I had a hard time going back after your death, it just wasn't the same without you. You were a great officer and even better human being. Kenny and I still talk about our Kenpo days and what a stud you were. We miss you, God speed brother...Ofc. A. Dunn Gilbert P.D.

Ofc. Dunn
Gilbert P.D.
2006-09-12

Rest in Peace until the chain links again.

2006-06-12

God bless you and your family always. You are not forgotten by your police family.

DE
St. Louis City Police
2006-02-25

Thank you for your service. You are a true hero. I wanted to wish you, and your family a Merry Christmas.

Love, and Respect,
James Cole

Parole Officer James Cole
AZ Dept of Corrections
2005-12-15

Sherry,
Thank you for sharing your brother with me! The pictures and memories made me feel as though I knew him, too. I am so glad I met you, and I know Dad and Rob are watching over us, also glad that we know each other now. Thank you for my Arizona COPS bear- he sits proudly on my shelf! That was so thoughtful of you. Take care and know that someone in NC is thinking of you and praying for you and your family!
God bless~
Lori

Lori Johnson Rowley
Daugher of Fallen Hero, James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC
2005-09-15

Rob,
It has been over three years since you passed. We miss you greatly. I know you are watching over us as we work each night. Many times, it is easy to forget the real dangers that we face. I have your photograph in my locker, so I am reminded of the many dangers we face, each night as I put on my uniform. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Chandler Police Officer
Chandler Police Department
2005-09-03

Rob,
Even though we never met I feel as if I know you Sherry has painted a very vivid picture of the man you were. She's so very proud of you. Thank you of being the man and officer you were, you gave everything you had for people that you never knew. I'm sure that you and my Chris are friends and spend alot of time listening and reading what your sisters are up to.

Sherry and the Nielsen Family,
I am so sorry to have met you under these circumstanes, I know your pain all to well. Stay strong !!! Remember you were his family and as his family you helped to make Rob the wonderful person that he was. He will always be with you. Cheris those precious memories, and look forward to the time when we are all together again.

Sherry,
I love you.As always you are in my prayers.
Kelly


Kelly Van Krevelen
Sister of Trooper Chris Van Krevelen, OK Highway Patrol J952 E.O.W. 11/28/02

Kelly Van Krevelen
Communications Division,Enid Police Department, Enid OK
2004-09-30

Although we have never met Officer Nielsen, we know this will not be a day you will soon forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue to face the days ahead. We, too, lost our son, Deputy Shane Bennett, on this same date two years ago. They are probably together watching over us each and every day. May God Bless!

Ron and Annette Bennett
Parents of Deputy Shane Bennett
EOW 6-12-2002

2004-06-13

All gave some.....some gave all

2004-05-12

Rob,
You were a great guy and a better cop. You were always there to lend a hand and could always be counted on in a pinch. Thank you for your service. To Ann Marie, I never met you but Rob spoke of you often. I hope you remain strong and know that you both are remembered.

2004-04-01

I was there when this crash happened. I am very sorry for the family members of Officer Nielsen. I know what it feels like to lose a family member when you are not expecting it. I just want to express how much it means to me that Officer Nielsen died while protecting the community. I wish I got a chance to tell him that and I wish I got a chance to give my regards to the family and friends of Officer Nielsen.

Anonymous

2003-10-29