Senior Patrol Officer Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr., Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma

Senior Patrol Officer Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr.

Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Tuesday, June 11, 1996

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Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr.

Officer Dick Hobson was shot and killed, and his partner was shot and wounded after responding to the scene of a robbery.

Both officers were in the same patrol car and pursued a man down an alley near Second Street and Greenwood Avenue. When they couldn't find the suspect, they exited the vehicle and entered the alley on foot. As they continued their search, the suspect jumped out from behind a bush and shot at the officers with a 20 gauge shotgun. Officer Hobson, who was not wearing a vest, was struck in the chest and killed. His partner was struck in the leg.

Other officers who had responded to the scene returned fire and killed the suspect.

Officer Hobson was transported to Columbia Tulsa Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds the next morning.

Officer Hobson was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Tulsa Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his two young children, parents, four brothers, and a sister.

Dino, Officer Hobson's canine, was retired and given to his family.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 18 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, June 10, 1996
Weapon Shotgun; 20 gauge
Offender Shot and killed by other officers

ambush, foot pursuit, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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This was the day that changed my life forever.

Standing on the perimeter, hearing the gunshots and eventually seeing Dick taken into TRMC.

At Dick's funeral, I watched his daughter sob in the most painful manner I had ever seen.

A few days later I saw her picture in the Tulsa World crying in the same manner in her home under the headline "Officer Daddy."

This changed everything for me.

As a rookie police officer, this day forced me to make a commitment to doing everything as safely as possible and developing my skills to the highest level possible.

Dick, I want you to know that even though the only time I ever met you was a few hours before you died, you saved my life.

You changed my life forever for the better.

You made sure my daughters that weren't born yet had a father to raise them.

Your sacrifice that day didn't just save all of us at the scene; It saved me for the rest of my career.

Your sacrifice was not in vain.

I've spent the last three decades trying to earn what you bought me.

I hope you're watching me and believe I did a good job.

Thank you Dick.

RIP brother.