Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Senior Patrol Officer Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr.

Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Tuesday, June 11, 1996

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Reflections for Senior Patrol Officer Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr.

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.

Sergeant Michael Brown
Tulsa Police Department - Retired

June 10, 2023

My prayer for all the FBI Special Agents

We thank you, O Lord, for the women and men in law enforcement, for their willingness to answer the call to protect and serve, and for their dedication to the safety, well-being, and protection of others.

Send your holy angels to stand guard and keep watch over them. May their names be always on the lips of your saints in prayer.

Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; fill them with wisdom for the decisions they face; give them courage to handle the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.

Keep them and their families safe and healthy. Grant them times of rest and renewal. Make them to lie down in green pastures and lead them by still waters.

Bless them and keep them, let your face shine upon them, be gracious to them, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FEDERAL AGENT: Someone who solves problems you never knew existed in ways that will blow your mind.
See also: ninja; badass; legend.

Glitchy Dancer

October 29, 2021

SPO Hobson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tulsa. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 10, 2021


His department has a K9 and in honor of him they named him Hobson!

Valerie Hampton Bell
Mother of his son Drew

September 21, 2020

RIP sir, you will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

July 2, 2020

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 30, 2020

You are not forgotten Officer Hobson. I remember the night you were taken from this earth. Your sacrifice hit a cord with me. You are the reason I got into Law Enforcement in the first place. Rest easy Officer Hobson on the 23rd anniversary of your death you are remembered.

J Youngmark
MN State Patrol Capitol Security Division

June 10, 2019

Your courageous service is not forgotten my brother, rest in peace, and may the Lord bless your family always.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD, Michigan

June 13, 2016

Just letting you know Dick am thinking of you. I was the paramedic from EMSA that took you to the ER on June 10th. Got the call at 10:02 p.m. and in 13 minutes I had you at the ER! I told my partner to "floor it", and he did!! I stayed with you as the trauma team worked like I'd never seen them work on anybody before!!!! My brother, Bob Maras, worked with you at TPD as well in the past. I called him about 11:30 p.m. from the hospital and told him what had happened. He was devastated to say the least. I had to shut my unit down for the rest of the shift. I had one of the ER docs call me in the middle of the night in my then home in Oologah. She told me you had passed during surgery and assured me there was nothing I could have done...I hated those words! Watching Dino stand guard at your funeral was a great tribute to your excellent service and dedication to the citizens of Tulsa, OK!! I was blessed to have had you on many odd scenes as backup. You used to joke at me that "You're always trouble for me"!! LOL. I had some pretty weird scenes and you happened to frequently be closest to my calls. Thanks for being there, and Merry Christmas to you and Dino up there!! Tammy Angel-Maras former EMSA paramedic.

Tammy Maras
Former EMSA Paramedic

December 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

So long ago but the pain still remains. Having known, and worked with Dick for many years, he was like a brother. Responding to the hospitals that night, as a CIRT Team officer, I quickly became the victim of the emotions. It was my honor to be with Dick's son, Drew, during that time before the funeral and at the funeral. Dick gave it his all with every K9 that he had and he was a true and giving friend to all he met........

Retired Officer Mike Eubanks
Tulsa PD

November 13, 2014

You are a real hero. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for upholding the high standards of the TPD K-9 squad.

bob

Sgt bob mieir ret
Tulsa Police Dept

July 16, 2014

It has been 13 years ago today that I ran the call, as an EMSA Paramedic, that ironically lasted 13 minutes from dispatch to delivering you to the ER, Dick. Having a brother that served also as a police officer in the TPD, Bob Maras, this call hit home! Knowing you are in Gods hands now gives me great comfort and peace. I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made protecting the people of the city of Tulsa! To all current law enforcement individuals, I beg you please ALWAYS
WEAR YOUR VESTS!!!! God bless you, Dick, and God bless all of you.
Tammy Maras

Tammy Maras
Former EMSA Paramedic

June 10, 2014

REST IN PEACE BROTHER!
Officer Steve Downie and I were remembering you and your sacrifice in a dark alley. You will always be remembered and honored. I hope the "top brass" at TPD will remember you as well. God Bless You Richly. Thank-you for your service and sacrifice, Brother.
Scott Barksdale, Former U.S. Marine and retired Police Officer.

Deputy Scott Barksdale (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Department

July 2, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 17, 2012

Brother your sacrifice shall not have been in vain. We have a training article that covers your valiant stand, those many years ago, and I promise to keep sharing your story with my fellow brothers and sisters the remainder of my career. So long as your story is carried on, you shall live in our hearts. Rest in Peace good Sir, you have earned it.

K9 CPL in Maryland

June 16, 2012

I was only 13 when I heard about what happened to you. I remember all the news reports and keeping up to date on Downie and his condition. I will never forget your sacrifice Officer Hobson you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother in blue.

Reserve
CFPD

June 11, 2012

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 17, 2011

Every June 10th at 10:02pm I stop and say a special prayer for you, Dick. I was the paramedic that received the call that to this day still remains the longest 13 minutes of my life!! I had never felt so helpless in the back of the ambulance as I rushed you to the then Tulsa Regional ER dept. I thank GOD Dick I got to tell you enroute to the ER that your fellow officers got the assailant! You were so brave as I leaned over your face and said, "You hang in there Dick." And you told me "I'll try". You backed me up on so many of "those kinds of calls" and you had my back and kept me safe so I could do my job. Watching your K-9 "Dino" stand guard at your funeral casket...well, lets just say there wasn't a dry eye at that moment. God bless you for all you did for the city of Tulsa and now Dino is up there in heaven right by your side again. And when my day comes to also "go home" I look forward to seeing you again sir....God bless your family and friends as well as ALL those who continue to serve in a moreso than not thankless "job"!!! To you all, be safe and PLEASE wear your vests out there!

Tammy Angel-Schuerman
Former EMSA paramedic, Tulsa, OK

May 30, 2011

Still today my thoughts and prayers are with K-9 Officer Hobson's family, friends, Officer Hobson's K-9 partner Dino and K-9 Officer Steve Downing as well as the entire Tulsa Police Department.

God bless you all!

K-9 Officer Scott Oelke
Broken Arrow Police - Oklahoma

December 21, 2009

RIP.Know that you will never be forgotten by the ones who love you and knew you.

Anonymous

October 19, 2008

I can still remember the night that I sat and talked with Dick on some side street while waiting for the next call.

Officer Melvin Hendrix
Friend

May 19, 2008

"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

January 10, 2008

My you rest in peace and may The Lord bless you and your loved ones.

June 10, 2007

It has been many years since your EOW, but time has not diminished your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 10, 2007

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