Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Robertson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 17, 2021

John, I think of you and your family always after all these years. I can recall the many times we rode as partners callsign 8K14. It was men like you that made the job worth while. My son was only 8 months old when you were killed, but he knows your name as well as I anyone who called you friend. Thank you for the many times you made me laugh and the calmness you brought to every call. I remember how we joked about our military service, you in the Marines and me in the Air Force. Sadly, I recall when I got the telephone call from fellow team 83 Officer Tim Callahan to come to the hospital, and how I wept after seeing so many of us praying for you and your wife. I will always be grateful for the moments I spent with you and your young family that summer of 1984. Almost 36 years later I still think of your patrol car humor, laughter, and your display of compassion in everything you did - Semper Fi my friend!

Officer Raymond Salazar #3785
Phoenix Police , Arizona
Maryvale Precinct Team 83

May 24, 2021

It is 3:48 a.m. and I can't sleep. I was thinking about police officers I knew and John Robinson and Gilbert Chavez came to mind. Gilbert Chavez last comment to (the late )Reserve Sgt. Naegle and me, after we backed him on a call for the 2nd time in the shift was that he appreciated Reserve Officers and what they do. A week later Gilbert was gone. John was the happiest person I ever knew. Always smiling he had a good word for everyone, even the people he was taking to jail. He was a great man. Both Gilbert and John were heroes and are greatly missed, still to this day.

Candy Cruse, Reserve Lieutenant
Phoenix Police Department

January 16, 2020

JOHN'S LOVE FOR HIS COUNTRY AND FOLLOW MEN WAS MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS!
HE NEVER KNEW A STRANGER AND WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP ANYONE!THERE WAS ONE
OTHER THING JOHN LOVED MORE THAN LIFE AND THAT WAS HIS FAMILY!!THEY WERE HIS EVERYTHING!!EVEN THO HE ISNT WITH THEM HE IS THIER GRAUDIAN ANGEL!JOHN WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY!!RIP
SOME DAY WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN!!

Debbie Robinson
Sister in law (Sis to John)

May 28, 2018

Heroes will never be forgotten. Thank your for your service to the city of Phoenix, Officer Robertson. Its citizens owe you a dept of gratitude. Rest in peace.

Taylor Ramerth
Citizen of Chandler, Arizona, and supporter of law enforcement

November 19, 2015

I was with Officer Robinson and his wife when he passed away. As the Chaplain for the Department, I was stationed at Maryvale and had the priveledge of riding with John often. He was a great officer and friend. John Phelps. Founding Chaplain Phoenix Police K800C

John Phelps Founding Police Chaplain
Phoenix Police Department

December 29, 2014

I was a Phoenix Police Officer who worked Maryvale along with John. He was a good man doing a job he loved. I pray his children grew up to remember their father as a true HERO.

Ken Becht, Officer
Phoenix PD

July 29, 2014

Warrior,
we...The Marines and Corpsmen of the Phoenix Police Department, have ordered a memorial brick with your name inscribed, to be placed at the US Marine Corps museum, in Quantico Va.
Thank you fellow Warrior, HM2 Earl fisher, for purchasing this brick. Semper Fidelis.

Lt. Steve Soha, MGySgt USMC
Phoenix PD / US Marine corps

June 29, 2013

"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 19, 2012

John I still relive the night you worked for me and lost your life. To do it over again I would be there. After all these years I met your grown up son. you would be so proud. Please rest well my friend, you will live on forever in my thoughts and prayers.

earl fisher
phx p d/ concerns of police survivors

December 8, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 19, 2011

Well It has been a long time 27 years, I was also in the academy with John, class 132. I still think of you and am sorry for your loss, I hope your family has found peace.

Officer Ron Nagy #3125
Phoenix police retired.

Officer Ron Nagy
Phoenix Police retired

July 23, 2011

Officer Robertson, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Rest in Peace.

J Clendening #407
Glades County Sheriff's Office, FL

December 15, 2009

John, Ill never forget that night. I hadnt been in Maryvale long when Todd M and I responded to assist you. We did what we could and you fought a valiant fight. You'd be proud of the folks in Maryvale that took over your watch, they are serving proudly. Sorry I cannot attend the dedication but we are all there in spirit.

Bryan Muth
PhoenixPD retired

November 7, 2008

John and I worked together for many years in Maryvale Precinct before his untimely and senseless death (murder). John was always the joy of the squad and especially at briefings, when we would all have some good laughs before "hitting the street."
John was a very dedicated family man and loved his wife and kids with all his being. I am a better person for knowing and working with John and have always kept him in my prayers all these years. He was always very proud of his chosen profession with the Phoenix Police Department and was always a credit to the department he served so honorably. He is now in God's arms and enjoying eternal happiness. God bless him and all his family.

SGT JIM KELTGEN (RETIRED)
PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 27, 2008

John was murdered the year before I became a police officer. We will never know how many lives he affected in his short time working the streets of Phoenix. Certainly, he impacted victims and potential victims of the armed robbery he interrupted. It is police officers like John that inspired me to give back by becoming sworn myself. I will retire after 25 years of service, in May. I am ever indebted to John and his ultimate sacrifice to make Phoenix a safer place to live. Blessings to his friends and family, always!

Officer Karen Lewsader #4468
Phoenix Police Department

October 22, 2008

John and I were in the same Academy class. I was impressed with John's hard work and his desire to be the best he could be. But I also appreciated John's wonderful sense of humor. During those early stressful days of the Academy, he could lighten the stress with his humorous demeanor. He was great at helping any of our classmates that may have been struggling to get through the academics.

I did not have the honor of working with John after we graduated. But I heard through others of his dedication to his work. It was such a heartache when I heard he had been shot. My heart broke at the funeral. We had lost one of the best.

Rest in peace my brother officer. You are in a far better place.

Lest we NEVER forget...

132 Best in Blue (our class motto)

Bruce R Ellefritz
Police Officer, retired
[email protected]

Officer Bruce Ellefritz
Phoenix Police Department

October 20, 2008

I am a current police officer for Phoenix Police and my condolences go to Officer Robertson's family. I am honored to wear the same uniform he wore. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, he will always be a part of our family. We will honor his memory in the only way we know, to continue to protect and serve our community every day.

Sergeant Mandy Faust
Phoenix Police Department

October 20, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 27, 2007

John it has been a long time since I have been able to see your neat smile and enjoy your great presence. Looking at your picture I can hear your pleasant laugh. I know Gods Police Department has gained a shining example of what a great police officer is and an example for all officers everywhere. All who knew you or even had a casual contact with you will miss your positive assurance in our ranks of the badge. Your name is forever inscrolled in the hearts of law enforcement in the finest of gold. Until we are reunited in His kingdom, rest in peace, enjoy your patrolling of Gods golden streets.
Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain, FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired #456
Phoenix AZ PD

November 26, 2007

Officer Robertson was killed on my first day at the LAPD Academy.

May He Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 19, 2007

John:

I will always remember your kindness in taking me "under your wing" when I was a brand new rookie on your squad. I was a little overwhelmed by all I was learning, and, after you backed me up on a call, you told me to meet you at the restaurant. There, you proceeded to encourage me and convince me to stay the course. You told me I was going to be a good officer and you helped me to believe in myself. I was so stunned when I learned of your death and I deeply regretted never making the time to thank you for all your encouragement. After you were gone, I would see your picture at the old Maryvale Station and wish I could have the time over to tell you of my gratitude. You were a good man, a great cop, and an excellent ex-marine and I am proud to say my son Andrew is now serving in your old squad area. I hope you can watch over him somehow. I'll never forget you, Joe (4088).

former officer joe tomlinson
Phoenix PD

September 9, 2007

"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

July 26, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Robertson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

I lived next door to John for 7 years when he died. When I look at John's smiling face I know that he was very proud to wear the uniform. What I miss most about John is his laughter. It was a cackle that so unlike any laughter I ever heard before. I miss him everyday and will retire in 2007 on his birthday in his honor. You were a good cop John and will always be my brother officer.

Sergeant Dennis Nebrich
Phoenix Police Department

August 28, 2006