Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember the day this tragedy occurred. I was working for the radio station KBUS FM in Paris, Texas at the time. I was on the air, when we were notified about the shooting of Officer Roberts. I met him one time, and was struck by his honesty and courage. He is a credit to His Department, and his family. To Officer Roberts, rest in peace. To his family, I share your sorrow.

Jim Walker

March 4, 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

February 20, 2008

We have not forgotten...............

AZ Narc (formerly of Paris)

September 20, 2007

Your family is always in our prayers. We have had the great opportunity watching your son (Little David) grow to be a respectable, polite young man. Our prayers are always with you and the Roberts family. You are missed but will never be forgotten.

North Lamar School Resource Officers
Paris Police Department

May 16, 2006

I just saw the A/E program where your story was featured and how you were tragically taken away from your loved ones. I am sorry for your family and what they have been going through for the last 21 years. May God always be with you and your family and continue to watch over us.

Lydia Martinez, Civilian
Marion County Sheriff's Dept

April 19, 2006

Officer Roberts,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Paris. It took 12 more years, but the scum that murdered you finally got the justice he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

September 22, 2005

David, I read today that your Mom had passed on. I hope you have had a nice reunion with her. I know she was happy to see you again. We have not forgotten.............

A. Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ

August 11, 2005

I recall the day the news broke that this Paris, Texas police officer had been shot and killed. It was so sad to hear that a relatively small town officer had been taken at such a young age. It's a stark reminder that you can get into just as big a nightmare in a rural town as you can in downtown Dallas.
I retired from law enforcement after nearly 30 years and I have family in the Paris area that I visit frequently. There is a beautiful memorial in honor of Officer Roberts along the roadway where the offense occurred.
It is my prayer that God continue to bless his family, friends and co-workers. I want to say thanks again for the sacrifice that Officer Roberts made for his community.

Patrolman D.E. Hutchison, retired.
Irving, Texas Police Department

March 16, 2005

David's brother, Danny Roberts, was my 1st Training Officer at RPD. I can never repay what he taught me. I remember the devastation when David gave his life to protect us all from evil. It has been many years since Danny taught me this craft. I will never forget him nor his most Honored Warrior Brother, David Roberts. God Bless you both.
K.D. Cain #274

Officer K.D. Cain
Richardson, Tx PD

February 24, 2005

It does not seem like it has been 19 years. We have not forgotten...........

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

September 22, 2004

You are not forgotten..............

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

March 10, 2004

I am related to Officer Roberts. He was a cousin.
Our great-grandfather was Texas Ranger James Clyde Turner.So I guess you could say that being cops and standing up for what is right and bravery run in the family.
I am sorry that I never got to know him. I know I would have liked him.
As a former cop myself, I understand what it is like out there. My Dad was a ex-cop too.
I wish I had been there to have backed him up.
Helene R Schmidt

Helene R Schmidt, former deputy
TCLEOSE certified but not presently employed

Rest easy as we continue for you. God Bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

I went to school with David's brother in Paris. David gave his life trying to stop some dangerous men. I take comfort in knowing that he is watching over my Dad, who rests with him nearby. God bless you David, you gave your life for all of us. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

To Officer Roberts family,

When David lost his life I had been in the Houston Police Honor Guard for appox. 10 years. I have attended many Police funerals across the state of Texas, but I always tell everyone the one I remember most was a funeral in Paris,Texas...
Three other HPD Officers and myself stayed the night before Davids funeral in Richardson,Texas and joined up with several other Richardson PD units the next morning. When we were still a long way from Paris,Texas citizens would see our Police cars and pull over and either remove their hats or place their hands over their heart in respect for David.
When we arrived in Paris I remember it was a weekday but everything was closed...I mean everything..There was signs everywhere that said David Roberts was our friend...I than was very impressed when we left the church many citizens were standing along the roadway waiving American flags...It brought tears to our eyes...God Bless ya...I am very sorry for your loss and please always remember that the Police Officers always consider ya family.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept

Officer Roberts,

You were so young to give your life protecting others. It is encouraging to see that your murderer's sentence was actually carried out. So many times, that does not happen. I hope that that helped bring a bit more closure to this tragedy for your family. Of course, they don't miss you any less.

I have heard too many stories of police families and friends being forced to relive the agony year after year at parole hearings. I am thankful that your family will not know that additional pain.

Rest in peace. Your job is done. My best to your family.

Anonymous