Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On this the first anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember. While your service to your country is over, we continue in your memory.
May your family take comfort in knowing that we in the law enforcement community do not forget those who have fallen.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

June 2, 2006

Although I never had the oportunity to meet Rob, as a former law enforcement officer, I have been touched by the stories of his commitment to being the best in everything he did in protecting our country, loving his family, and serving his God. My prayers are with his family as you continue to honor his legacy and memory.

Richard S. Burgess
City of Lansing, MI Police Department 1977-1987

June 2, 2006

May you rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap His Arms around your family especially tightly today.May they know His Love and Comfort.

June 2, 2006

As the first anniversary of your tragic death approaches, please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

June 1, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother

DS LE
PBSO

May 17, 2006

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, I felt compelled to write this note. Today I sat next to and met your wife, two beautiful daughters and your sisters at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service in Washington, DC. I was there on behalf of my good friend Officer James Feltis who also died in the line of duty last year at the Pentagon. With the short conversations we had I could tell you have a very loving and caring family. Thank you for your service and may God continue to bless you and your entire family.

Special Agent David Mann
Pentagon Police

May 15, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 8, 2006

Rob, Yesterday was Easter, and of course I thought of you. Last year at this time you became a member of the Catholic Church, something you put your heart into and took so seriously. None of us could of known the true importance of an act that so many take for granted but somehow by your dedication I think you knew. I was and am so proud of you little brother. We all miss you so very much. It's comforting to know that you are with our parents watching over us all. I love you. Suz

Sue
Sister

April 17, 2006

Sir,

I have the honor of riding in your memory in this year's Police Unity Tour to Washington, DC. By reading the numerous reflections, I realize that you were dedicated to your profession and loved by many. I hope that I have the opportunity to meet Toni, Carly and Sydney in DC. Continue to protect us from above...

PO Ed Falkowski
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

April 5, 2006

Daddy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today was the last day of Rainbows.
I hope you got the balloons we sent to you.

I love you. Kala says "Hi!" too!


Carly
(Marsoups)

Carly
Daughter

March 16, 2006

Daddy:

Happy Birthday!
Carly and I let go of 24 balloons in your honor. They were many different colors!I hope you got them!

I miss you and love you!


Syd
(Chicken)

Sydney
Daughter

March 16, 2006

Hey Rob,
Happy Birthday. I love you and I miss you.

Pinda

March 16, 2006

I am continuously reminded that the FBI truely does God's work on a daily basis. Protecting those of us from individuals/entities who think that they are larger than Almighty God Himself. Though I may never walk through the doors of Quantico it is uplifting to have faith in your works.

Kevin Kelly

March 7, 2006

Rob,
You are blessed by many people and you have a wonderful family.

Toni, Sydney, and Carly,
You are all blessed and I know how all of you feel. I am glad to be one of Sydney's friends.

Lindsey

Lindsey

January 20, 2006

Dear Toni, Sydney, and Carly, we are so proud of you for comming through with this. We are proud to be friends with the blessed Sydney. You guys are very blessed. Love you all.

Lindsey and Ashlyn

Lindsey and Ashlyn

January 20, 2006

Dear Toni, Sydney, and Carly, we are so proud of you for comming through with this. We are proud to be friends with the blessed Sydney. You guys are very blessed. Love you all.

Lindsey and Ashlyn

Lindsey and Ashlyn

January 20, 2006

Dear Toni, Sydney, and Carly, we are proud to be two of Syd's friends. We love love you guys a bunch. We are glad for you guys for comming through. Sydney and Carly are two awesome girls and Toni, you are one awesome mom. We are so proud of you.

Lindsey and Ashlyn

January 20, 2006

51,

Even though you moved on to the FBI shortly after I began at PCSP, I still know you as my brother. I am always amazed at the stamp you put on this department, it's cops, and the SWAT team. Many men, including me, are better just for knowing you. You are the true example of, "LEAD FROM THE FRONT."

THANK YOU

75

Scott M Hartz
Porter County Sheriff's Police / SWAT

January 8, 2006

As the weather turns cold, I think back to the days of working the snow storms near the lake. It reminded me of when we used to watch each others backs for drunk drivers on U.S. 20 or chasing bad guys through The Pines. As an ISP trooper often working alone, it was of great comfort knowing that you and your partners in brown were out there looking out for us.

I always admired how you and the other PCSD guys built the SWAT team from nothing, to the high level of professionalism, skill, and courage for which the team is now known.

And now that I have also moved on to serve in the FBI as a Special Agent and a SWAT operator, I am honored to have finally been able to consider myself as your team mate.

God bless your family and know that quite a few of us "knuckle draggers" will never forget what you have meant to us.

Special Agent
FBI Knoxville SWAT

November 29, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Rob,

I read this page often and I am astonished at the many lives that you have touched during your short time on Earth. Words can not express the sadness we feel for your untimely passing. We thank God for the time we had getting to know you, Toni and the girls. The bond of our friendship was extraordinary. We truly cherished the times we spent with you and Toni. Our trip to Vegas this past March was one of the best vacations we have ever had.

I am sure you are amazed at the strength of your wife and daughters! Their faith and strength continues to astound me! They are comforted in the fact that you became a member of the Catholic Church this past Easter. God truly prepared each of you; though we didn’t realize it at the time.

As you know Toni planned a surprise birthday party for my 40th birthday in September. Although at first I was frustrated that Toni had so many other things to deal with throwing a birthday party was the least of these. She insisted that she had to “get me back” on your behalf for decorating your house for your 40th; she said you would be upset if she let it pass. It was a wonderful party but I just kept thinking it didn’t seem right that you weren’t present. I am sure you were watching over us and enjoying the fact that I was oblivious to the party plans!

Please know that we have and will continue be there for your family whenever they need us. We are forever thankful for your friendship. Please watch over our family until we see you again.

God bless,

Laura

Laura
Friend

October 2, 2005

Thanks for your service and sacrifice brother. May you rest in peace and May peace be with your family. You will always be remembered and loved by all of those who have worn Blue.

Officer Kieffer

September 27, 2005

To the family and friends of Special Agent Rob Hardesty and his fellow agents with the FBI:

I was so saddened to read about the tragic circumstances in which Agent Hardesty lost his life in a training accident. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you have suffered.

In reading the reflections about Rob, it is obvious he was well respected by his peers. Rob's valor and dedication to his job will never be forgotten.

I am glad that his wife and children have been comforted by the law enforcement community and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. We too share your anquish as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot this April during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service Rob gave to man, community, and country, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 2, 2005.

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

September 22, 2005

Dear Rob,
I attended a motorcycle ride this past weekend in your honor. It was a moment I wouldn’t have missed. You have been an inspiration to me in how I live my life and work as a law enforcement officer. I look at you picture every day and I will never forget what you mean to me. Watch over us and protect us as we continue your journey.

BIGGS
PCSP/SWAT

September 20, 2005

Your dedication to Law Enforement and your community service will not be forgotten. Thank you for your dedication. May you rest in peace.

J Heater Fire Fighter
Manchaca Fire & Rescue

September 16, 2005