Trooper Robert John Lather II Indiana State Police Indiana Tuesday, July 6, 1982  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

"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
2008-01-09

Bob, 25 years ago we lost you and just yesterday we lost another one from our Post. It's been a long time since you left us, but we still think about you often. Please take care of my friend M/Trooper Dave Rich who joins you and all the other fallen heroes in heaven. Ginny

Ginny/ISP Dispatcher
Indiana State Police/Peru Post
2007-07-06

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
2007-05-12

Bob,

Today I had the honor of assisting two of your friends, Ken Roland and Jeff Stinson, move you closer to fellow public safety people and their families. It was a solemn occasion. We had lunch with Teresa afterwards. I got to know more about you, her, and the kids.

I am glad that I could be a part of your legacy. We at the Peru Post will keep you in our memory forever. I hope we do you proud.

Mike

Mike Nichols

2007-03-29

Bob, I found this memorial site recently and thought of you immediately. The day you were killed is fovever in my memory. We were suppose to work that last evening shift together but I requested to work the day shift instead. On my way home I saw you standing along the highway issuing someone a ticket. I didn't honk or wave because I didn't want to distract. Little did I know that would be the last time I would ever see you alive. This year you will have been gone 25 years. I still think of you and your family. We see your Mom and Dad at our Memorial service each year. Bob keep watch over us at Peru Post. Forever gone but never forgotten.

Ginny/Dispatcher
Indiana State Police
2007-03-26

Bob, how I miss you my dear friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I remember our summers at Westlake and my trips to Bloomington. You were supportive when times were tough for me and your friendship never waivered. You and Teresa are very special to me. I will never forget you. I know you are watching over all of us. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Lt Col (Retired USAF) Bruce McFarland
high school friend
2007-01-08

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
2006-07-06

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13
2005-12-19

Brother Lather II,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

2005-12-16

Trooper Lather,

For almost two months I have wanted to write something on your reflection page but I never knew what I wanted to say. Tonight I went to the Blue Light Ceremony at the academy. The entire time I thought about you. As I was approaching the academy I noticed that the main entrance was lined with police cars with their lights flashing. It gave me the chills. Then as I listened to the bagpipes and looked up at the American Flag I felt a tear almost run down my cheek. Three months ago I never even thought twice about officers who lost their life in the line of duty. Now there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about fallen officers.

Your daughter is one of my very good friends from college. She is married now to a great guy. We like to call him Farmer even though he is far from ever being a farmer! I went to visit them in Seattle during October. We talked about you and about the State Police. I never knew that you were a Trooper before that trip. When I found out I was in shock. I was in shock because it made me so angry that my friend did not get to know her dad because of someone’s actions. I know you already know this but I still want to tell you…your daughter is such a beautiful person. You would be proud of her. She has a good head on her shoulders and she cares about people. I’m proud to call her my friend.

At the same time I was feeling angry towards that person who took your life, I also felt a sense of peace wash over me. During these past three months I have quickly entered into the life of the state police family and I know it is just the beginning. It was scary at first but I now realize it was just the fear of the unknown. When your daughter told me your story I knew that I would be able to handle everything. It was like you were telling me that I had the strength and I would be able to handle whatever happened along the path of life. I know that this is where God wants me to be and you helped me to confirm that. Thank you for watching over me and for giving me strength to support my loved one at recruit school. He is going to be an excellent Trooper, I promise. Thank you for watching over him too.

Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice to make our country a better place. I admire your courage and bravery.

You will always hold a place close to my heart.

2005-12-06

"The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path."

Thank you for helping us stay on the path. You shall not be forgotten.

65th Indiana State Police Recruit
Indiana State Police
2005-12-03

My brother, a NYS Trooper, also made the ultimate sacrifice on July 6. As I was reading the today in history portion of the ODMP I felt I needed to honor your courage in the performance of duty as you served and protected your community. May God's eternal peace be yours and blessings upon your family.

Anita L Culosi
sister of Tpr. Salvatore J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61
2005-07-06

I did not know Trooper Lather, however I came to know of him when I atteneded an Indiana State Police Career Camp during the summer of 1995 at Vincennces University, In.
I applied for the Memorial Scholarship in named his honor and was awarded the scholarship my sneior year of high school. It was with great honor that I accepted this scholarship and my hopes are to carry on his legacy by joining the ranks of the thin blue line in the near future. As part of a college class trip during the year of 1997 I was finally able to meet Trooper Lather's wife and thank her properly for allowing me the opportunity to carry on what her husband stood for as an officer and a person.
My prayers and sincerest thoughts are with the Lather family and if my dream comes true I to will carry on with the proud tradition as your late husband and father did.

Erica N. Huffman
Former Kokomo Police Cadet ( Kokomo, In. )

Erica Huffman
Former Kokomo Police Cadet ( Kokomo, In. )
2004-01-04

Trooper Lather was a family friend. He is missed by all. Howard County Sheriffs Department

Anonymous