Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief of Police Robert Rion Gilliam

Whitmire Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, May 19, 1945

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Chief of Police Robert Rion Gilliam

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 19, 2021

Rest in peace Chief Gilliam.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 19, 2020

Chief Gilliam,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Asst. Chief for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Whitmire. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 19, 2020

Chief Gilliam,
On today, the 73rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Asst. Chief for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of Whitmire. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 19, 2018

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

May 19, 2015

Thank you for your service as a police officer, I know, even though I am a former active duty Marine, I could not do your job. I know of your death as I am a former resident of Whitmire and I know your remaining relatives. You are not forgotten and are greatly respected.

Charles H. Welling
Former Whitmire resident

January 8, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 67th anniversary 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.

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

May 19, 2012

Chief Gilliam thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace.

State Constable J.L. Green
SC State Constables

May 19, 2010

Thank You for having served the Craolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

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.

July 11, 2007

Rest easy now my fellow brother in blue, you have done your time!!

Officer Jeff Whitmire
City of Arcade Police Dept. GA

January 3, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

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