Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Certain calls haunt you even when your career is over. I was a firefighter assigned to the Rescue (special unit) at Dayton Station 4 that night and came out of a dead sleep to respond. On the way we were informed the trap involved a Police Officer and we were making tracks to get there. It was an awful sight to see his patrol car in two pieces and having to extricate the deceased officer from his vehicle (a Ford Fairmont). Rest in peace Officer Hobson, your sacrifice is appreciated and remembered.

Tom O’Malley
Retired

March 10, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 11, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson of the Dayton City Police Department, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 11, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 67 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 11, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 11, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 58 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

October 11, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Eddie L. Hobson Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 52 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

End of Watch: Sunday, October 11, 1981

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 11, 2017

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 5, 2015

Still love and think about you dad. we miss you

Retired, William Bailey
Son

December 11, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I have posted thousands of reflections on this site. All the memorial pages and reflections are sad; a few are haunting. Reading the reflections of your friends and fellow officers, whose memory of that terrible night are seared in their souls and their minds, made me cry. I am sure you are proud that your son continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

I pray for the solace of all that call you beloved for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

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

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 9, 2013

Dad,
You were a great man, dedicated officer and wonderful father. We miss you greatly, still think about you and love you. Thank you for what you placed in me.

Love your son

Retired, William Bailey
Dayton Police Dept., Son

April 18, 2013

Eddie,
The 69th Academy Class graduated February 27,1981. You were a class mate, friend and a protector of the community. I wish I would have had an opportunity to work with you but God had other plans. I'll see you when it is my time.

DET. KEVIN TEMPLE
DAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 2, 2010

"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

December 31, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your death we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

It was hard on my family when our beloved father had passed. We still miss him dearly and think about him often. I think about the day that Sgt. Bryant and officer Holiday came to our house that night, those where the only two officers I remember. I remember Holiday sitting with me in my room telling me everything would be o.k while my mother was in the living room crying her eyes out. I dont remember what room my sisters were in, but I do know that that was the worst night of our lives. When I became an officer my mother almost died, but I know that my father would approve because that is what I always wanted to do. I had my ups and downs on the department , but it was the best job I ever had and everything that my father told me about his short carrier was true. I had the pleasure to work with some of the officers that came out of the academy with my father and worked with my father ( Sgt. Bryant, Jimmy Roher,Phil Hanner and lots of others.) I really appreciate all of those officers and respect them for what they did for my mother. I also had the pleasure to serve under Sgt Bryant and Hanner. My Mother ,sisters and I want to thank you all for the love and comments that you have shared about my father. We love the Lord and we know that dad is in good hands. We may not know why he had to go so soon but we loved him with all our hearts. To all officers from Bailey keep your heads up your eyes and ears open and be safe and make it home.

Officer William Bailey
Dayton Police - Son

May 31, 2007

Along with, "Doc" Holaday,Phil Hanner,Jimmy Rohrer,and the other 15 who came out of that class, I too remember that nite..and still feel the loss of a friend and brother. Eddie was a true gentleman at all times, and it showed when you were on the same call. Rest in Peace....

R D Martindill
69th Class DPD

April 3, 2007

Offc.Hobson, you are obviously a man much loved and respected.May you Rest safe with Our Lord and may He Bless your family, including your brother and sister officers.

October 11, 2006

To the memory of Officer Hobson---

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

Anonymous

January 2, 2005

You gave of yourself so others could be safe and secure in our community, thank you. Rest in peace.

Ofr. Will S. Wright
Dayton Police

August 27, 2004

Eddie and I sat next to each other for most of the Academy. Holaday and Rohrer, who have also left reflections, were in the class too. Out of the 34 of us that started the class, Eddie was the best mannered. He was a true gentleman. My memory of him isn't made sweeter over time...it is accurate.

I never heard Eddie swear. I never heard Eddie speak ill of anyone. He was quiet, but always ready to laugh out loud when he was struck by something funny.

Twenty two years later I still get a lump in my throat when I think of that day. When officers lose a brother or sister, they lose part of themselves but they also gain some measure of additional safety. Death and pain are great teachers.

Lt. Phil Hanner
Dayton Police Department

November 6, 2003

Eddie and I were dispatched on the same call that cold October night. Those sights sounds and smells are burned forever in my heart and mind. We were the rookies in the Third District. We graduated from the 69th Class out of the Academy on February 26th. I arrived at the Family Trouble call that our two cars had been dispatched to in one of the projects (Desoto Bass). As I walked to the door I began to hear dispatch call crew numbers. I made it to the door of the residence only to find that the problem was resolved and we were not needed, how ironic. Eddie had not responded to the dispatch crew call. A supervisor was sent to check on a personal injury accident that involved city property on N. Western Ave. I remembered Eddie had given Gettysburg and Western as his location when we were dispatched. I drove to the scene as fast as I could. Sgt Bryant, our shift supervisor and Academy counselor, stopped me from going to the cruiser. I asked if Eddie was okay and he told me he did not make it.

At about five in the morning the command officers summoned me back to the scene and I went to Eddie's home along with two Lieutenants to tell his family. I could not say the words when his wife opened the door. She knew. What a noble and courageous woman. I stayed with the family for most of the day telling the story over and over. I was Honor Guard at his funeral and folded the flag and presented it to the chief to hand to his wife.

I was shocked after a very silent roll call the next night. Everyone left and got in their cruisers without saying a word. “Lets be careful out there ” was not a cliché any longer. I drove to the accident scene only to find a crew there already just sitting and staring. Within minutes every crew in the district was in the parking lot just sitting and not saying a word. We all realized our lives had changed. We left only after we were dispatched. I have never driven past that spot without remembering.

Eddie Hobson was a man’s man. He was a good friend and a great Husband a wonderful father. The world would be a better place if there were more men like him. Why his candle burnt so fast I do not know. I still miss you friend. I’ll see you on the other side.

Detective Ben Holaday
Dayton Police

Eddie and I were classmates in the 69th Dayton Police Department Recruit Class. Eddie was the only black man in our class. This never phased him or us. Eddie was "Blue" just like the other men and womwn in our class. I carried Eddie's casket, sat with his wife and family after the wreck and have never forgotten him. We had only been on the street for eight months when Eddie died, but Eddie had already made a career full of friends. Rest in peace my friend.

Sgt. Jimmy Rohrer
Dayton Police Department

It is now 20 years since Off. Eddie Hobson was killed in an cruiser accident. It was dark, in the very early morning hours when our dispatcher began calling crew numbers in what became a death search. The dispatcher had received vague information about a possible serious auto accident involving a police cruiser. No distinct location was given by the caller-in. The roll call of Third District crew numbers began over the air. There was no response by Eddie after repeated calls. This is the kind of transmission that causes a chill to run down your back. Finally, a caller-in gave a location on Western Avenue (now James H. McGee Blvd). I traveled west from Rosedale Avenue in the Fifth District. I saw the split police cruiser on the north side of the road. I was the first to arrive and ran up to the driver's side, but it was obvious to me that this was a fatality . . . Eddie was dead.

Off. Jim Piekenbrock had followed my cruiser, saw my reaction and instantly began closing the east end of the street. Off. Rick Morrison had come from the other direction, Gettysburg Avenue, and was the second officer to arrive on the scene. Off. Barb Temple was not far behind him. I remember Rick, in frustration and anger, yanking the passenger door and banging on the window, even though Eddie's young life, from my vantage point, was clearly over. They closed the west end of the street so that the investigation could begin. An ambulance was called to the scene, but in actuality, it was not to treat Off. Hobson, but to pronounce his death.

Eddie had recently finished his six month probationary period. As I recall, he had a military background. He certainly showed a maturity that few newer officers have so early in their careers. He had worked the Fifth and Third Districts and was really well-liked by his fellow officers. I think of him quite often, still after all these years. His was the first death of a Dayton police officer since I had become a police officer nearly five years earlier. The image of his lifeless body is etched my memory. It was this day that I recognized my own mortality and realized how vulnerable we, as police officers, are.

Retired Sgt. Steve Grismer
Dayton Police Department