Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Captain Robbie Edward Bishop

Villa Rica Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, January 20, 1999

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Captain Robbie Edward Bishop

CAPTAIN ROBBIE BISHOP...CALLED TO HIGHER DUTY



Officer Down...Officer Down...I Faintly heard the call.

I was standing by a stairway, leaning against the wall.



Officer Down...Officer Down...



Signals got crossed, something went wrong. I never let down my guard.



There was blinding pain in my head...That hit was pretty hard.



I looked around and saw some cops running swiftly to my aid.

Confused and disoriented, I said, "I thought you guys were dead."



Then they put their arms around me and asked, "Robbie, how do you feel?"


I shook my head. I felt great..."But, is this place for real?"


Officer Down...Officer Down...



I heard a sound from the top of the stairs, a voice saying, "Robbie, come on in. You've been called to Higher Duty by a very special Friend."



Tears rolled down my Face as I looked up and recognized my Lord.



Officer Down...Officer Down...The words echoed all around.

I heard the sound of weeping, voices calling..."Robbie Please Come Back!"



I Love you guys and I'm sorry to Leave you, but Fate stepped in with a mortal attack. I was struck by a bullet... and there's no turning back.


I've been called to Higher Duty by The Chief at the top of the stairs.



The Final battle is coming and HE wants me to train some new troops over there.



I know all of you are hurting, but please try to understand.

I've been called to Higher Duty by GOD, not man.



Carry on with the fight so every kid can play on a drug Free street. Just think of me and I'll be there when you're cruising along your beat.



I'll be watching out for you. So, until again we meet...



STAY SAFE OUT THERE....



Officer Down...Officer Down...



"Cancel that...This Officer Went UP."



This Message was written after much prayer. I am "Just A Mom." I held the clipboard.



To Lisa, the children, Dean and all the precious people I met that day.



God Bless You All.



Taylor @ CopsonLine

"Walker Of Stones"

.RLG.

Anonymous

ROBBIE YOU ARE ALLREADY MISSED VERY MUCH I SIT AND WAIT ON THE PHONE CALL FROM YOU TO TELL ME HOW MANY POUND, OR HOW MUCH MONEY THIS TIME.I THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOOKED FOWARD TO YOU COMING DOWN AND RIDING WITH MY BROTHER AND I. I WISH OUR FRINDSHIP COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER AND LONGER BUT AS LISA SAID THEIR IS A REASON FOR EVERTHING. SOMETHING I JUST CANT UNDERSTAND .WHY YOU WHEN YOU HAD EVERY THING GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, AND ALL THE TRASH IN THE WORLD WE CANT DO NOTHING WITH . AS THE CHIEF SAID THE FIGHT IS ON ,AND I KNOW YOU HAVE A FRONT ROW SEAT BROTHER . YOU HAVE MADE A POSSITIVE IMPRESION ON ALOT OF PEOPLE OUT HERE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OUR HERO.IF IT WASNT FOR YOU I CAN SAY MY MAYOR AND CHIEF MIGHT NOT GIVE THE SUPPORT THEY DO , BUT WITH YOU BESIDE ME ,AND THEIR SUPPORT WE WILL KEEP FIGHTING THE FIGHT



I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO LISA ALSO FOR BEING THEIR FOR US ,WHEN WE SHOULD BE THEIR FOR HER .SHE IS VERY STRONG PERSON

K9 Sgt. W.A. Gilham
McDonough Police

I didn't know Officer Bishop. I attended classes where his video tapes were used. My father has been in law enforcement my entire life and now I'm a police officer also. I have a beautiful wife and three of the greatest boys in the world. Reading these reflections has touched me so much. It takes a special person to be a "cop". It takes a VERY special person to be a "cops" wife! God bless Mrs. Bishop and I only hope your husbands memory and dedication will inspire many other officers to fight the good fight and to not give up. "We stand as one!" God Bless!!!

Ptl. Adam Floied
Manchester Police Department

I was there when you worked 16-20 hour days, many of which were unpaid.

I was there when you got only three hours sleep and would get up to take warrants on the bad guy.

I was there when you had to defend your traffic stops
against high-priced, sleazy lawyers.

But...

I was also there when you got your first drug stop.

I was there when you won your cases--- all your cases !!!

I was there when you were commended on a job well done.

And...

I was there the day America lost an extraordinary officer.

I was there and I held your hand. I loved you with the heart

I gave you 12 years ago.

I was there. I know the sacrifices that were made and the
difference you made in our world.



I was there in good times and bad times.. and I always will be.



Thank you..... for everything.



I Love You,



Lisa

Lisa Bishop

Dear Robbie,



January 23, 1999



I never believed this day would ever come though we clearly knew and understood the
risks involved. I am proud to call myself your friend. I will always love you as my
brother. I would like you to have this note containing some written and visual memories
that inspire me. I will never forget you or how much your friendship meant to me. You
were the most talented guy I ever knew. You never will cease to amaze me. Since the
day I heard of your tragic death I have been trying to accept this even now as I write this
letter. You can be sure that all will be OK here and that you did complete your tasks
before you left. I am proud of you.



I do not think you ever believed me when I told you how incredible you are. You always
just smiled and shrugged it off. I would bet your smiling down on me right now just for
thinking that. I am glad we shared very special times together. I will never forget how
you stood up for me and believed in me. You made me feel special when you walked
into the room. You always stood up for the under dog weather you knew them or not.
I was just fortunate to know you as my friend. You worked so hard for your family,
while making this world a better place for everyone. You shared your precious time
with all you could, teaching everyone all you knew about stopping dangerous drugs in
their tracks. God smiled on you every time when you would reach your goals and break
your very own records. Your the only guy I ever knew that wanted to be the best and told
everyone else your secrets. No one that knew you, would deny that you were the best,
except you. We had some great fun. Dale and I were talking last night about the three
of us and realizing how much we have grown in our lives from being friends. I want to
cry when I think about it. I miss you and just want you to know once again with this
short note that I miss you already and Love you very much. As always Robbie, if you
need anything at all just call on me...



Your loving friend,



Jef

Reserve Officer / Friend
Villa Rica Police Department, GA

Robbie, I want you to know that I miss you very much, you were one of my closest friends there will never be anyone else like you Bro. I want everyone to know that you are a Christian and you are walking the golden streets of heaven with the lord Jesus Christ. I will always look in on your wonderful family and will do anything I can for them, I know that you would have done the same for me. The law enforcement community has lost a good friend and teacher and the war on drugs will continue as long as I am police chief. Robbie I feel I have lost a part of my family and my heart is broken, I love ya bro, I love ya.



So in closing I will repeat what the Sheriff said in N.C. SLEEP WELL WARRIOR, SLEEP WELL! I am also a Christian and I will see you again someday ,so keep me a place near you and pray for me to make the right decisions in the operations of the police department.
Thank you Bro, Thank you.

Chief Dean Maddox
Villa Rica Police Department, GA

Robbie, just want you to know that i loved you like a brother and I'm gonna miss you. you were truly a hero. I know that I will see ya again though so please save me a seat next to you and our lord you'll never be forgotten love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn Morris
Carroll County Sheriff's Department, GA

the streets are crowded, all with dope.

residents say there isn't any hope.

robbie bishop saw the key,

the key which could save the lives of him, you and me.

he did his job,

he did it well.

he stopped the pot,

they went to jail.

over and over he succeeded again,

but he knew he could make it better than when he began.

he had devotion,

he had the dream,

he worked the notion,

he stopped the schemes.

when there was no way,

robbie bishop stayed astray.

when times were tough,

robbie bishop popped the cuff.

he hoped for peace,

he helped release,

the drugs aside the shore,

with open eyes,

he must despise,

and go on search for more.

now he's gone but still we see,

the more safe community he made for you and me.



we love you robbie, lisa, lauren, and cody

Alicia Pugh
Age 14

Robbie, I wanted to let you know that you are missed very, very much by me and I am proud that you were my friend. The day that you were killed I was on my way back to Villa Rica after attending a drug task force meeting.



I then heard the radio traffic and I answered a civilian on the radio and they said "Officer Down @ the 18mm, The Officer Is Shot", my heart almost stopped. I turned on my bluelights and siren and came to the scene to see how bad.



I arrived and seen that you were already walking with Jesus, I started to cry and I knew I had to get to Lisa as fast as I could. I arrived at you house and Lisa met me at the door with that beautiful smile and she ask "How are you doing chief" and I told her that you had been shot and was very bad. I was then asked to tell the truth and I told her that you were gone. I took her Lauren and Cody to the hospital and we were told at 1550hrs that you were dead.
I want you to know that my heart is broken and I look for you to call every night as you have done. I will do everything in my power to see your murderer is brought to justice.



I think you would want me to look in to see if the family is alright and I will continue to do so.
This murderer doesn't know the grief he has caused on you family and friends. I want you to know that I love yah bro and it was a privilege to personally know you for 21/2 years! Robbie you were a number one family man and police officer and you can never be replaced. I am comforted to know that you were a Christian and I know we will meet again. I pledge that your fight on the war on drugs will continue as long as I am police chief! So, my best friend and warrior. So my hero please rest and sleep well, sleep well it will be alright!

Chief Dean Maddox
Villa Rica Police Department, GA

We wish to express our sympathies to the Family of Captain Robbie Bishop. We attended one of his Drug Interdiction Schools in December of 98' in Decherd, Tennessee. That was the first time that we had met Robbie, but we felt like we had known him for-ever. His class and personal dedication toward the war on drugs has inspired us.



Lincoln County Sheriff's Dept.

Lincoln County, Tennessee



Bill Reavis -- K-9 Handler

Rodney Callahan -- K-9 Handler

I was one of Robbie's first partners in the early years (1990) of his drug interdiction crusade in Cherokee County GA. Robbie taught me a lot in those early years about loyalty, dedication, and being a good and honest cop. I remember many long days and nights of sitting along I-75 waiting for that first and then next major bust. I remember times when I would go home from work and when I returned the next evening I would find Robbie still prowling. Robbie's impact on those that he trained and worked with is just as important as the drugs he seized in thinking of Robbie's legacy. Robbie was an inspiration to many to be the best at what they do. Robbie was a great person, friend, and cop. Robbie will definitely be missed by many. I am starting a campaign to have either the portion of I-20 where Robbie was murdered or the 2.5 miles stretch of I-75 in Cherokee County named the Robbie Bishop Memorial Hwy. I have sent a letter to the governor of GA and many other politicians.

Officer Jeff Shields
Department of Veterans Affairs

I am the editor of the Villa Rican, the local newspaper in Villa Rica, Ga. I was fortunate enough to have met and worked with Capt. Robbie Bishop, and I was terribly saddened at his death. Robbie's wife, Lisa, was gracious enough to talked to me about Robbie's life and her struggle to cope with his death. Her strength is inspirational. Although she shared with me -- and my readers -- very private, emotional moments, she asked very little in return. The only thing Lisa asked was that I put in my article that she would like the officers who attended Robbie's funeral to send their business cards to her so she could place them in a scrapbook for her two children, Cody and Lauren, so that when they grew up they would understand what an exceptional police officer Robbie was.



I, and the people of Villa Rica, would greatly appreciate it if the officers who visit this site would send their cards to Lisa care of the Villa Rica Police Department at 101 Main Street, Villa Rica, Ga. 30180. I would consider it a further favor if they would spread the word, either through the Internet or through their departments, and encourage others to send their business cards.



Even if you didn't attend the funeral, I'm sure Lisa would welcome the card.



I know it would mean a lot of Lisa and one day it will mean a lot to Robbie's two wonderful kids.



Yours,

Chris Joyner

Managing Editor

The Villa Rican

[email protected]

Robbie,



It's been 3 yrs since attending your class in Roswell and I really learned a lot from you. I have tried to apply it every day and when I thought of giving up, your fire and motivation always came to mind. when I would call you on the cell phone for tips or information, you were always confident and eager to pass it on. For this is not one mans battle it's every cops war.



Even though we were far apart in distance, as we talked while sitting on the interstate, it seemed as if we were in the same car. The last words I heard from you I'll always remember, "Wow look at that one! What is he doing ? Gotta go buddy.



Rob, I'll never forget you. And to your family, I pray for you each day. The war still rages on as you would do for others.



And for our grieving brothers and sisters i leave this passage from St. Matthew 5 9-10.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


See ya Buddy,

In Christ Jesus



Sgt Allan Johnston
Commerce Police Dept

Sergeant Allan Johnston
Commerce Police Department, GA

Robbie you taught me a lot, you were never too busy to share you knowledge, and you friendship with me. You were a good friend/co-worker, and you are truly a hero. the mark you left on the world and on the lives of the people you worked with will live on forever. I know your looking down on us, and watching over us. We love you and miss you, and it is truly an inspiration to see how strong your family has been during this entire ordeal. I don't know what else to say, but we do miss you and that the fight will go on.

Sgt. Scott Parker
Villa Rica Police Department, GA

These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,

Washed marvelously with sorrow, swift to mirth.

The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,

And sunset, and the colors of the earth.

These had seen movement, and heard music; known

Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;

Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;

Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.



There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter

And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,

Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance

And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white

Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,

A width, a shining peace, under the night.



- Rupert Brooke -



Thank you CPT Bishop. Though it may not seem like it a great majority of the time, we do appreciate everything that you all do for us. God bless you all and especially bless the family of CPT Bishop and the loved ones of his fellow officers. You are appreciated.

SPC Kevin Johnson
US Army

When God Made Peace Officers



When God made Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, 'You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.' And the Lord said, ' Have you read the spec on this order?



A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform. ' He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day. 'He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands. '



The angel shook her head slowly and said, 'Six pairs of hands ... no way.' 'It's not the hands that are causing me problems,' said the Lord, 'it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.' 'That's on the standard model?' asked the angel.



The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, 'May I see what's in there, sir?' (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) ' Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so. '



'Lord,' said the angel, touching his sleeve, 'rest and work on this tomorrow.' 'I can't,' said the Lord, 'I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck.'



The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly, 'Can it think?' she asked. 'You bet,' said the Lord. ' It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop ... and still it keeps its sense of humor.



This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects. '



Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. 'There's a leak,' she pronounced. 'I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.' 'That's not a leak,' said the lord, 'it's a tear.' 'What's the tear for?' asked the angel. 'It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice.'



'You're a genius,' said the angel.



The Lord looked somber. 'I didn't put it there,' he said.



- Unknown



......I love you, Robbie

Anonymous

God bless you and your family, you are truly a hero. May you rest in peace. To the family of this hero remember he is in a better place now, and he is now watching over you, keeping you safe.

Anonymous
Louisville, KY

ROBBIE EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER MET, I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO CALL YOU,BUT OBVIOUSLY YOUR A BUSY MAN... IVE TAKEN SEVERAL INTERDICTION COUURSES WHERE YOUR VIDEOS WERE USED. I CAME BACK TO MY DEPARTMENT TO TRY AND SPREAD THE WORD.



I DEDICATE 1999 IN YOUR MEMORY AND GOD SPEED ROBBIE.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Deputy Mike Rogier
JOHNSON CO. SHERIFF DEPT

"Is daddy coming home soon?" asks a precious little face.

"It's past when he should be here. Is he working on a case?"

Your dad's not coming home son. He's working late tonight.

He's a policeman up in heaven, making sure we're all alright.

"But mommy, why'd he leave us? I miss him when he's gone."

I know you miss him darling, but now we must be strong.

"Who's gonna teach me baseball, and help me fly my kite?"

And help me with my homework, and buy my first bike?"

Your daddy loved you darling, and he didn't want to leave.

But a bad man took, your daddy, and left us all to grieve.

Be proud of who your daddy was, and how he earned his pay.

Because it's people like your daddy that keeps us safe each day.

"Mommy, when I get bigger, and if it's ok with you,

I'm gonna be like daddy, and be a policeman too."



Your friend always...…

R/Capt. G. Eisenbrandt
Cherokee Co. S.O.

Robbie though we never met you have always been an inspiration to myself and other officers. You are a true WARRIOR against the criminal element that took you away from us. Although the Thin Blue Line will never be the same without you the fight will not end. God Speed!

Sgt. Butch Askew
Columbia County Sheriff's Office

Robbie, we never met but I did have the pleasure of speaking with you on the phone once. I first heard of you when i saw a video titled life on the edge. I would watch the tape before going to work and only dream of making stops like you did. Robbie, I admired you , you will always be my hero and inspiration. You have touched so many lives and the fight will continue with the war on drugs. God bless you and your family. You will always be loved and dearly missed.

Anonymous

I can remember sitting in a drug interdiction class in NC and seeing you in action, from the look on your face in the videos it was easy to tell you loved your profession. Though we never met, it was like I knew you. I remember coming back to my home telling my wife about the awesome guy on the video from Georgia his name was "Bishop". I've only been on the force about 2 years and I love my job, I wouldn't trade it for anything, you instilled a hunger in me for the hunt for drugs and to get the bad guy's off the street. Its amazing how one 30 minute video with you in action could change so many officers out look on their jobs, their strive to be better, and to be like you. Reading the reflections from others on this page gives me more strive to be like you, I feel I've been cheated, never getting to meet you in person. But I will get to meet one day, and I look forward to it but for now, I'm gonna keep the fight alive on the war on drugs and keeping bad guy's off the street. Pray for us all Captain.

Anonymous

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but you were my hero. I don't use that word often, so, to me anyway, it means a lot. As a certified interdiction instructor, I always get "born again hard" when I see you in action! I have your video "Livin' on the Edge", and I watch it about 5 times a month before going to work. I work along I-94 between Chicago and Mpls. I have had probably one-one thousandth of the success you have had but I never fail to get "5%er" motivated when I see you in action. I was very pleased when I read on the Reflections that you were saved. My wife and I are praying for your family. God speed Robbie, and I will see you there someday! I'm looking foreword to trading war stories. My next load is for you.

Take care bro.

Trooper Larry Brown
Wisconsin State Patrol

Robbie,



I currently instruct and work interdiction in the same manner and fervor as you did. When I got the news that this terrible thing had occurred, it was as if a piece of me had been taken away forever. Each day I leave for work I give my wife and two children a kiss and hope that I will survive the day ahead. I will dedicate my sons first baseball game to you this
season my friend. You were a winner and you will always be remembered in that way.



You were the best of the best and you will be greatly missed by all. Your battle will continue in my name.

Bob Lanese
FL

Robbie, though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, you touched my life and never even knew it. It is widely known that you were and will always be recognized as a legend and a hero for your diligent, passionate work in drug-interdiction and the training of other officers.



As the wife of a police officer, I have been aggravated by missed holidays and late nights and fussed.... when what I should be doing is living each day as though it may be our last.
I was so touched by the stories from my husband and other officer's that attended your funeral about how you had reassured your wife and children that you would always see them again someday and would be waiting for them in heaven.
What a gift you've given during your time here on earth, to any child that may have turned away from drugs because of you or anyone's life you've saved by putting them in jail and keeping them from harming themselves or those around them..... and what a gift you have given to your wife & children and family to give them the guarantee of being with them eternally, in Heaven.



You are a Hero, Robbie and shall be remembered as such.…

Tracey Weathers
Wife of Police Officer

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