Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Capt. Hansel,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lynch. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 5, 2023

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. Thank you for you dedicated service to Law Enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 5, 2009

I KNOWN ROBERT MANY YEARS ANS HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL

SGT DAVID WILLIAMS
HARLAN SHERIFF DEPT

April 22, 2009

To Captain Robert Hansel and and his loved ones:

On this the fifth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

Th. is world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for your family and society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Captain Hansel.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Captain Hansel gave to his community and the citizens of Kentucky, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 5, 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 5, 2008

3 Words...


I miss you...........

Michell Carroll - Cole

June 26, 2008

Its just another rainin day here in harlan and for some reason i just dropped by to read the great things people have left about you and this rainin day has truned into sunshine in my heart... and that "SMILE" of your just "MELTS" it when i close my eyes and look back into time ...lol=D.... as the new school is about to open here i no that your lookin down on all the kids and will keep them safe from the windows of heaven....love an miss ya
Mr. "H" jenny

May 14, 2008

REST IN PEACE AND GOD BE WITH THOSE YOU LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

January 31, 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 27, 2008

i had alot of respect for Mr. Hansel. He was a wonderful man. He was a leader and upstanding person. There was an occasion when i was in a situation that i needed help, he didt know me personaly, just knew that i was a student at a harlan co school. He was on top of it and was ready to help. He was realy the person responsible for the turn around in my life. i was young and he helped me alot. he didnt have to help me but he did. for that i loved him and hold a special place in my heart. amy

Amy Boggs
friend

January 12, 2008

I miss you so much. I'll never forget the day I got the call that you were gone. I was so devastated. I still think about you daily. You were the best...bus driver, teacher, basketball coach, band director, and friend. You were like a dad to me and I always knew that I could count on you for anything. Words cannot describe how much I miss you but I know that you are in Heaven watching over me and everyone else that you loved.

Julie

November 4, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

You are the last officer to have lost his life, on October 5th, the year 2003,

This reflection is being left on October 14, 2007.

This writer prayes that I will never have to update October 5 again. Rest in peace hero.

Pat Van Den Berghe NH

October 14, 2007

Four years have passed since you were called away from duty. My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this day. There has not been a day that has passed that someone has not thought of you and it will continue as you touched so many lives with your kindness. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 4, 2007

It's unbelievable how times pass offering many unwanted changes. He was my band teacher at Cawood High Scool. My freshman and sophomore year of school we had 2 band teachers. He was certainly the calmer of the two. Football games, The Pegasus Parade, band class....if you were willing to learn he would teach you. He bought my alto sax one year so that I could have enough money to buy a band sweater. He did many good deeds toward humanity and I'm sure he's reeping the rewards. Rest In Peace.

Angie Engle
previous band student

September 13, 2007

Great story on Mr Hansel, in 6th grade he was our music teacher at Cumberland. About that time ther was a cartoon about Hansel & Gretel and I always jacked him up about that cartoon. Instead of taking offense he enjoyed it more than me and our friends. Just the kind of guy he was. Introduced us to music with meaning. Threr are songs I will never hear without thinking of him,

Kimbo James
Friend

August 1, 2007

Robert, there is never a day passes that I don't think of you. You were and always will be my big brother, but you will always be a father, brother and mentor to the people of Harlan. You will be missed by all of Harlan, I wish I could have been more like you, but I don't think it would be possible for anyone to be as honest and caring as you. Dad and Brenda were waiting for you in heaven and mother has joined you now and I am left here, I just hope I can see you soon. I miss our motorcycle rides and our nightly phone calls. I always knew if I needed help you could be counted on. I will try to keep your memory strong, and you keep the devil off my butt. your brother Carson

Carson Hansel
brother

April 24, 2007

Robert was my band director for 3yrs!He was a great teacher,also I had him in Chorus also.He had a lot of MUSIC
in his soul.He will Be missed! 1973-1977

Wanda Bundy Smith
Cumberland High School Band Member

February 10, 2007

Mr.Hansel
I can NOT believe its been so long ago that you was called home...there is so many things in life i would have love to shared with ya just to see YOU BIG SMILE :) but no doubt you are lookin down at each of us and watching over us and I am at peace with that!! UNTILL WE MEET AGAIN!!! Jenny

October 6, 2006

Remembering you today,and praying for your family.

The family of Austin Police Officer Amy Lynn Donovan
E.O.W. 31 October 2004

October 3, 2006

mr.hansel was always their for me taught me alot and helped through the good and the bad although i have moved away i will always remember you as one of the nicest people in the world you will be greatly missed and now god has an angel and may god bless your dear family

maxine whitehead lewis
cawood high school student 1985-89

June 2, 2006

god bless you all i will keep you all in my prayers

preacher mikey clem
friend

May 17, 2006

dad we miss and love u and think about u everday. we wish you could still be hear but your touched alot of peoples lives your one of a kind and i know that me robin sharon jonathan live in our hearts and always will your children.

jennifer and robin sharon and jonathan
family

April 26, 2006

I remember Robert coming to visit our family in Dayton when I was just a young child. He was so sweet and kind and I loved him a lot. He took us to Shearers to get an ice cream cone, but unfortunately we couldn't remember the way home. We got him there, but couldn't get him back. He had to call mommy and daddy for directions! I am 43 now, but still have vivid memories of this wonderful event and wonderful man......

Lynn (Hensley) Hulsey

April 13, 2006

Mr. Hansel was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was there for his students no matter what. He always had advice for us to help will any problem we had. He always had a smile and a kind word. I will always remember him. The family will be in my prayers for they have lost a wonderful person. He was a great friend. He will always be loved by all.

melissa (mcknight) saylor

November 29, 2005

MR.HANSEL WAS MY FAVORITE TEACHER, AND MY BEST FRIEND. I WISH HE WAS STILL HERE WITH US TODAY, BUT GOD TOOK HIM HOME. GOD BLESS YOU MR.HANSEL AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.

frances joseph

November 22, 2005

MR. HANSEL WAS A VERY SWEET PERSON EVERYONE LOVED HIM.HE WAS THE DARE OFFICER WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL AND EVER BODY LOVED HIM THE ONLY WORDS I CAN SAY
IS WE ALL LOVE YOU MR. HANSEL.
HEATHER BURKHART

HEATHER BURKHART
FRIEND

November 15, 2005