Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Robert Dale Hoelzel

Normandy Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, January 6, 1977

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Reflections for Patrolman Robert Dale Hoelzel

Warrior!!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous

January 6, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 8, 2017

I lived behind the jewelry shop, was a student at UMSL and saw the murderer escape, and later testified at the trial. It was a snowy day, and I'll always remember it.
The trial was heavily guarded because it was rumored someone was going to try to free the killer.
My brother later served with Normandy Police

Steven Clark

April 17, 2017

Dear family of Bob,
l was on duty in Northwoods when the alarm sounded ''robbery in progress'' call went out when Bob went into action on that fateful day, his memories yet lingers in the area of Lucas Hunt and Natural Bridge Rd.

Sylvester Jones, Jr Chief (retired)
Northwoods Ploice 1971-2001

March 2, 2015

Bob,

I did not know you personally, but heard of you through the years from my husband, Michael Wagster (eow 11/23/94), your partner in Normandy when he was an officer there. We would frequent the park named in your honor often when our children were small, using the back hill in the snow for sledding. Thank you for your service in keeping our streets safe and say "hi" to Mike for me.

Karen Wagster
wife of former Cool Valley PD police Chief Michael R. Wagster

January 6, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

January 6, 2014

Bob,

Because of you, I have chosen my career. The rides you gave me in your patrol vehicle when I was a little kid had a big influence on me. My mother still talks about the night she found out about your passing. You will always be in my heart.

P.O. Brian Bardle DSN 212
Ellisville Police Department
#37 Weis Ave.
Ellisville MO. 63011

July 27, 2012

Bob, I will always remember you, and stop by the park named in your honor each time I pass. I remember that every day at opening, Horstmeyer Jewelers set off their alarm, and who knows how that affected the approach from all officers. I know it affected me when I would assist from Beverly Hills. Rest in peace, Bob; I'll neve forget you.

Sgt. Charles McKenzie
Silex, MO PD (Retired)

May 17, 2012

Bob, I will always remember you, and stop by the park named in your honor each time I pass. I remember that every day at opening, Horstmeyer Jewelers set off their alarm, and who knows how that affected the approach from all officers. I know it affected me when I would assist from Beverly Hills. Rest in peace, Bob; I'll neve forget you.

Sgt. Charles McKenzie
Silex, MO PD (Retired)

May 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 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. How nice that your family is able to honor you on this site.

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

January 6, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 1, 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

December 10, 2007

Bob,

I will never forget today (01/06/77). I was in second grade and saw all the Police cars go by our school your son Billy was in my class. I knew something was wrong...but I never thought it was you.

I remember the trips you took all of us on get ice cream and the BBQ's. God speed Bob Take My Mom (MAQ 11/15/06) By the hand and show her the way. I've been on the job for 15 years now can't believe it. I've visited you site many times, You would be glad to know that the other guy involoved in your death died in prison.

God Speed Bob

Kevin Q.
SLMPD/BPD

Kevin M.Q

January 6, 2007

To the family and friends of Bob Hoelzel and the Normandy Police Department, my continued deepest sympathy.

I will never forget the dark day this happened, it remains etched in my memory. Bob's loss stunned all of us who patrolled the North County area.

I know Bob has been resting peacefully with our other fallen brothers and has been watching over us as we continued on with his work.

Peter Damos
St. Louis County Police ( 1975 - 1981 )
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

ATSAIC Peter J. Damos
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

April 22, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

May God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

January 6, 2005

Bob,


How fortunate I have been to know your wife. I considered myself lucky to have her as a co-worker and friend before, but after my husband was killed in the line of duty she was truely a godsend to me. Seeing how strong she is and how far she has come, inspires me and gives me hope for the future. Seeing the tears that sometimes still well in her eyes when she speaks of you, comfort me in knowing that although we can move on, we will NEVER forget. Julie has helped show me the ropes here. I hope you can help show my Bob the ropes there. God Bless You!

Michelle

Michelle Stanze

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