Officer Robert P. Dana Metropolitan Police Department Massachusetts Sunday, March 25, 1984  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Bob and I worked together as FPOs in the late 70s. He was a friend as well as a co-worker. We often carpooled to work when assigned to the same shift and travelled together to pistol matches. Bob left to join the MDC Police about the same time I left to join the Border Patrol. He came from a law enforcement family and took the job and the inherent dangers seriously. I recall Bob wearing a ballistic vest long before they were everyday items. He was also an extremely proficient marksman. I remember getting the call telling me of his death. I pulled out a Christmas card he had sent me which was signed "Robert P. Dana", not "Bob" or "Bobby"(you had to know him to understand). The department and the public lost a good one when Bob was taken!

Special Agent Brad Dupre (ret)
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
2009-01-23

ALTHOUGH OFFICER DANA AND ALL THE REST OF OFFICERS ON THIS SITE PRIOR TO HIM WERE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY BEFORE I JOINED THE RANKS.ANY POLICE OFFICER WHO DIED THE WAY OFFICER DANA DID SHOWS ALL OF US THE DANGERS OF "BEING ON THE JOB".I AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF THESE RANKS OF BROTHERS IN BLUE.MAY GOD BLESS OFFICER DANA AND HIS FAMILY.MAY HE REST IN PEACE.MAY THIS ALSO SHOW US WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER FROM THE SMALLEST TO LARGEST DEPARTMENTS IN THE COUNTRY.GOD BE WITH ALL OF US AND OUR FAMILIES.

F-TROOPER
MSP
2008-10-05

It was an honor to have worked with you briefly st the Blue Hills station before transfering prior to your being taken from us. Your service and dedication to the Metropolitan Police will always be remembered.
TPR. Paul Halpin (ret)
MSP/MET

TPR. Paul Halpin (Ret.)
Metropolitan Police/ Mass. State police
2008-08-30

Officer Dana,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USAF as an SP. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-03-25

Officer Dana, Bob, it's been twenty four years now since you were murdered. The loss of the Metropolitan Police and you are sad notes in Massachusetts history. You were a nice guy and I'm glad I got to meet you that one time, even if only for a few mintutes.

In my other post, I forgot to mention, I had your future wife as an instructor in my academy. Small world, huh? I've always felt it was good that she had been on the Ambulance that day. It was good she could be with you at the end. I know it was devistating for her to lose you, that was expected and plain to see at the funeral, but that she could be with you one last time, I hope was comforting to her. I hope it was anyway.

Anyway, I just wanted to drop a line on this sad date.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
2008-03-25

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-25

"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
2007-11-08

Officer Dana should never be forgotten for being a good Police officer for one of the best Police departments in this state.

Michael Giannetti
VA Police, Boston, Mass
2007-02-03

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Metropolitan Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Dana deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Dana is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
2006-06-15

I just came upon this web site and it saddens me that no one has taken the time to reflect on your service and contributions to law enforcement.
I worked with Bobby, was one of the officers that captured his killer and served in his honor guard at his funeral. It is unfortunate that he is now almost forgotten, for his duty, service and ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of Massachusetts.

Joseph Catanese Ret.
Metro Police/Mass State Police
2006-03-26

I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Dana the previous Sunday at a patch swap meet. We had a nice chat for only about 15-20 minutes. In that short time, I could see what a terrific guy he was and what a fine sense of humor he had and dedication to his job. To see him on the news just one week later stunned me. Despite the funerals I had gone to, it was the first one where I had actually met the officer and though I could never say we had become 'buddies' in our brief chat, I felt as though I had lost a good friend.

Bob, if I could feel that much sadness after just one short talk, I cannot imagine how those close to you felt. It's just nice to know, you are still with them and always will be.

God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
2006-03-20

If the officer must give his life
Then we must pick up the weight
We must cry and tear, give a salute
And comfort his family of his fate

The brass will be more polished tomorrow
As we strive to be at our best
We will choke with overwhelming feelings
As we lay our brother down to rest

He never thought of him self as a hero
But only a defender of what was right
From the early morning details
To the load parties late at night

The honor guard is ready now
And flag is folded crisp
We fight the pain, as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the rain
My dear god, we were never prepared for this

We recall his last laugh we can
And cherish his last remembered sight
We will watch out children more closely now
And hold the wife twice as close tonight

We must where the uniform more proudly tomorrow
And remember his sacrifice was true
We must never forget our fallen comrade
Because we are Policemen too

2004-12-29

I'll never forget what a fine young man Bobby was and how bereft I am of his passing.

Sergeant James Celino
Metropolitan Police
2003-10-07

Even though it has almost been 20 year, it feels like the phone call just arrived this morning. You are missed by friends and fellow officers. Rest in peace my friend.

Plt James F. Simpson
Rockland PD