Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Roberts,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a Medic in Vietnam-God knows how many lives you saved. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 20, 2024

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

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

March 20, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 20, 2020

Rest In Power Uncle Dennis! I've always heard about you. You died when I was 4 and Grandma was always proud of her little brother. Now yall are together with all your other siblings who passed.

Stanley Banks Jr.
Nephew

November 9, 2019

JD
I remember you when I joined the Newport News Police Department. I rode with you a couple of times. We both were medics in Vietnam and neither of us shared much of that time because noone understood what we had faced serving as medics during war. A war that America hated and took it out on the soldiers returning home. We would sometimes talk because we understood what we both faced during that time. Thank you for your service during Vietnam, Doc and for serving us so well on the NNPD, you are solely missed.

Former Detective Kerry Pardue
Newport News Police Department

March 20, 2019

R.I.P. Brother, gone but not forgotten!

Sergeant J. L. Cartwright
NNPD

March 21, 2017

Oh DJ, how I have thought of you often. You treated me as an equal vecause I was an Army Veteran like you. We Spent many night shifts talking about your daughter & how much you loved her. I wish I could have been there forbyou on that terrible morning. Peace my friend, my partner on so many calls. Hooah! Peace.

Peg Neejer- Patrol Officer
"B" shift 1981

March 14, 2016

Peace be with you my brother. R.I.P. I remember the day of your passing well. It still weigh heavy on my heart even after all these years. We worked the same shift often. I looked up to you because you served longer then me. We had many long conversations while our vehicles was park side by side. Love you.

Ted Price
Follow Newport News Police Officer

September 23, 2015

Uncle Dennis,
For no special reason you came across my mind as you often do. I remember when I was young and Dawn would be at our house and you would come over and take us for a ride or come visit all of us while on a break. It was just like yesterday. We all miss you so much but have used our precious memories of you to help us heal. You may be gone but never forgotten. I love you!!!

April Roberts Holt
niece

December 27, 2014

I worked closely with D. J. many times as we backed each other on calls in the "east end" of the city. We had become good friends and often rode together to cover our districts.We carpooled together at times, and often went out to eat after finishing the evening shift.I grew to love D.J. like a brother and learned a great deal from him as a Police Officer and benefitted many times from his experience and skill as a top flight cop. I was on vacation the night he was shot. I grieved deeply because of his death and even today I still think of him often and have shared memories of him with my family.
You are greatly missed Brother , you left an unforgettable memory in my heart and mind. I look forward to seeing you again in a much better place.

John Bezares
Ordained Minister/Former Police Officer

May 29, 2014

We the Battle of the Badges Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament would like to honor Officer Roberts & another fallen officer at our tournament in 2013. We would need a family member or friend to contact me.

Master Officer
Wake County Sheriff Office-Raleigh,NC

December 25, 2012

We the Battle of the Badges Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament would like to honor Officer Wallace & another fallen officer at our tournament in 2013. We would need a family member or friend to contact me.

Master Officer
Wake County Sheriff Office-Raleigh,NC

December 25, 2012

I knew DJ when I served with him back in 1974. I went to his funeral. I rode with him during my first week on duty. He was smart, tough and a dedicated family man. Ms Roberts, you father was a good and decent man.

Thomas Vaughan
Former police officer

March 19, 2012

I love you Daddy and I carry your memory in my heart and mind everyday! Rest In Peace...Gone but never forgotten! I will always be so proud of you =))!

Dawn R. Roberts
Daughter

February 26, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 20, 2010

DJ
Although I did not know you, I keep you in my thoughts each time I put on the NNPD uniform. I am sorry that your family lost you and that this world lost such a wonderful, devoted person. Rest in Peace my brother. I have the watch now.
MPO S. Helsel, NNPD

Master Police Officer Helsel
NNPD

March 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 20, 2009

DJ,

This has been a long time coming, brother. I'm proud to have known you and worked with you. We worked the street together the night before you died. The loss still hurts after all these years. You're a true hero...rest in peace

Steve

Steve Midkiff
Newport News PD 1978-1986

October 26, 2008

D.J. though I never met you in person I fee as though I've known you my entire life. You and my brother Billy were best of friends and you meant the world to him. There is hardly a week that goes by that I don't think of you and the sacrafice you made for the citizens of Newport News. I thank you and my family thanks you and to your family I would like to say, God Bless you and keep you safe.

I know you had a daughter who loves you very much and hope that I get a chance to meet her some day. You are an inspiration to all who have chosen this profession. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Chris Wells Motorcycle Deputy
Portsmouth Sheriff's Office (Va)

June 3, 2008

Rest in Peace Dennis Jerome Roberts, You are remembered today and tomorrow and for all eternity as a Hero.

Terri
Fairfax County Police Va (Ret)

May 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 30, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

May you continue to rest in eternal peace.

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

March 21, 2007

It's been 26 yrs since you been gone and i was only 4 yrs old.I rememeber you when i was a little boy.I never understood your sacrifice,but now I can say i do cause I also stand in the shoes you were in as a salior in the United States Navy.I thank you for yours,and know that you are truly loved and missed still even through all these years.

Banks
great nephew

February 24, 2007

I will always remember Officer "DJ" Roberts. I was a rookie officer on A shift with him. I will never forget the morning he was killed. What hurt the most was he had a daughter who was about 6 at the time.

Linda J. Robinson (Ret. NNPD)
Newport News Police

October 24, 2005