Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Skelton,
On today the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 23, 2022

Thank you for your service

Lt Robert G Skelton
Memphis PD

July 30, 2020

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 23, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Skelton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2019

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 23, 2015

I still hold a special place in my heart for "Whitey" and his family whom I knew at the time of his death. He was a wonderful friend and Officer who did not deserve to pass away at such a young age, leaving behind his young Son, Mark, and a wife and second child on the way. I am so very sorry his 2nd Son, Tim, never knew his Dad. A tragedy for a young family and all that knew them. Tim is currently trying to honor the Dad he never met by having a sign placed by the New York State DOT at the site where his Dad was hit head on by a drunken driver. The NYS DOT does not want to honor Officer Skelton, but instead has installed "adopted" highway signs announcing groups responsibile for cleaning up stretches of the highway. This is ludicrous. Common sense says we should not need signs for this, as we should all be responsible for keeping our highways clean. Please honor Officer Skelton by contacting the NYS DOT and asking them to allow his Son's sign to be erected. Thank you! As an added note, my Nephew, is currently a Lieutenant with the same Monroe County Sheriff's Dept that Officer Skelton worked for.

Bonnie Hutchings Traino
Friend of family at time of "Whitey's" death

September 11, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 23, 2012

Dear Mark, My name is Bonnie Traino. My husband, John, found this site when he was looking for the police calls during a snow storm we just had. i was excited to be able to leave this for you and your family. i knew you well when you were little. I knew your Mom and Dad and your Dad used to spend time at our house when he was on duty. We also visited your home in Brockport. My daughter, Sabrina, is your age and you two played together. At the time, i was married to Jim Hutchings, and he owned a gas station in Pittsford. He towed for the Sheriff's Dept. and was friends with your Dad. We, of course, had a police radio, and i had it on the night of your Dad's "accident". I heard the call and hoped it wasn't your Dad. They finally confirmed that it was. I. as well as Jim, was devastated. To this day I remember every moment of those long hours before he passed away and the wonderful support and love the other Deputys gave your Dad and your family. i often think of your Dad and Mom, you, and your brother who was born after your Dad passed away. I have mentioned your Dad so often, that my husband, John, who of course never knew your Dad, found this site and told me right away. Your Dad was the kind of Officer who was loved by all the other Officers. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. It was a pleasure and an honor to have known him. Mark, i am so sorry you had to grow up without him in your life. He would be so proud of you today. He loved you so. You can always be proud of him also. He was the kind of Dad any kid would wish they could have. And he was yours. I pray all is well with you and your family. Give everyone my love, especially your Mom. God bless you. Bonnie Traino P.S. As a side note, my Nephew, Jeff DelGudico, is a Sargeant with Monroe County and has been a Deputy for about 18 years.

Bonnie Traino
Friend of family/1972

February 12, 2012

38 years ago...... never, never forgotten.

Susan Skelton
Sister

June 22, 2010

To Rob's family, fellow Officers, and friend.
I had the privilege of serving with Rob in Berlin. He was a great friend, and very much in love with his bride. A mutual friend of ours Tom Butenschon called me today with the news he found on Google about Whitey's death.
I took the time to go through a photo album of those days Rob.
Rest in peace my friend.
Paul Dufresne Vista, CA

SP5 Paul Dufresne (SFC Retierd)
Fellow Turner Tanker, in Berlin, GE.

December 27, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Skelton and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

June 19, 2009

Sgt. Skelton, thank you for your service and dedication. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 7, 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 18, 2007

Robert,

Remembering you on the 35th "anniversary" of your untimely death. Thank you for your service.

Ellen Guerdat
Gates Police Victim Assistance Coordinator
VP WNY Concerns of Police Survivors

Ellen Guerdat
VP WNY COPS

June 23, 2007

My biggest sympathy goes out to Sgt. Skelton and to all slain law enforcement officers in the nation. My brother is a officer in the RPD and i think about him and the job he's doing everyday. It takes the biggest heart to put your life at risk for those who you do not know. God bless

ian
brother of a RPD officer

May 23, 2007

Losing you is the is the deepest cut, the pain of all pain, the wound of all wounds, the scar which doesn't heal.. The world has never been the same. You are missed every day dearest Brother in thankfulness for those fleeting days with you.
Heaven will be seeing you again.
In undying love,
Your little kid sister Suz

Susan R. Skelton

December 5, 2005

This is so sad even though it happened 33 years ago. Anytime an
officer doesn't get to see his own
children grow up it's a real tragedy.
Sounds like your wife did a good job
of raising them without you. A job
no one wants. You were spotlighted
today on this website and it gives us
an opportunity to thank you for your
service and your supreme sacrifice
posthumously. From one coast of America to the other, you are not forgotten.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 1, 2005

I wasn't born for a year later, but I have heard some of the "old timers" speak of you, and I would have been honored to have met you. Rest in peace sergeant.

Deputy Daniel J. Luffman
Monroe County (NY) Sheriff's Office

May 19, 2005

Dad, I miss you.

Firefighter/Paramedic Mark C. Skelton
Springfield Fire & Life Saftey

March 1, 2005

Without you knowing it, you have impacted my life incredibly. You have two wonderful sons - one of which I am proud to have as my husband. Please know you are thought of daily. Not only from your immediate family - but also from an unknown daughter-in-law. You have two grandsons who will carry their grandfather in their hearts. I think of you when I look at those sweet boys. Your grandchildren will know you....you will not be forgotten.

Jennie Skelton

January 11, 2005

Uncle Rob, I wish that I had gotten to know you better. I was so young--I only remember you shaving one morning at home. You are loved, missed, and remembered.

Matthew Kingsley

January 6, 2005

Remembering you on your anniversary. Didn’t know so many were lost on 6/23 until one of our own was lost. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

June 23, 2004