Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Robert, when we worked together as school bus drivers before you became an officer, I remember how much becoming a cop meant to you. I was very sad to learn of your passing due to you selflessly responding to a call of man with a gun and shots fired while you were off duty. You are a true hero! I will always be glad that I knew you and I will always remember your sacrifice to keep Charlotte's citizens safe!

Andy Smith

Andrew Smith
N/A

June 8, 2024

Officer Robert Louis Smith will always be remembered. RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 18, 2022

Warrior!!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous

January 15, 2018

It's hard to believe its been 30 years. You were a great officer and a great guy Robert. Continue to rest in peace.

Officer Christopher Goodwin (Retired)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg NC Police Dept.

January 15, 2017

My condolences to your family. I hope my letter to the parole board makes a difference. Many thanks for your service.

John Haseltine - Civilian

September 4, 2016

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. You have not been forgotten sir and prayers are going up for those you left behind.

Snr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders (Retired)
Wewoka, OK Police Department

September 2, 2016

Same here

Joel & Lisa
Civilian Supporters

June 9, 2016

I am proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, we are still fighting for you.

Sr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders(RET)
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

June 7, 2016

I'm not on the police force but I am his little niece Janie Louise smith I am 21 years old I've read his comments and I've learn so much about you you were truly a good man and I wish you would of lived long enough to meet me I love you uncle your the only hero I know

Janie Louise smith
Niece

November 26, 2014

I was working for another police agency the morning you were killed. My partner and I were nearby--so we responded to the area--but shortly after our arrival, we heard the suspect was in custody; and we could tell by the radio traffic that you were probably gone from this life. I know it's long overdue, but thank you for your service & bravery. You Are NOT Forgotten. "Somebody killed a policeman today and a part of America died...Yep, somebody killed a Policeman today, in your town or mine, while we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line...and a part of America died."

Retired Sgt. Vernon Teague
Metro/Nashville Police Dept.

February 7, 2014

Just sent my letter off today. Killers need to stay in Jail.

Caroline
Veterinary Technician, MA

June 24, 2013

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

June 16, 2013

RIP my Brother of the Badge, God Bless your Family, Friends, and Department, My Letter is in the mail this Morning and hopefully this POS Suspect will do his full sentence. Thank You so much for your Service and Courage.

Bob Reed, Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

June 7, 2013

I am sitting here getting ready to write a letter to the parole board asking them to deny parole to your killer. After only 26 years he may have a chance to go home a chance he willingly took away from you. You were not even given the chance to say goodbye to those you love. why should he now have the chance to see and live with the people he loves.My thoughts and prayers are with your family.RIP There are people here fighting for justice for you for your family for the good of your community

Angela McMinn Daughter of Chief of police Andrew Williams killed in 1976

May 31, 2013

Hey Bro! I bet it's grand there in heaven. I hope to see it someday myself. You are the first angel I will look up. I'm sure you have reached the highest rank by now. Put in a good word for me will ya? :)

Dennis Henley
Section Chief, U.S. Federal Government

May 18, 2012

Hi friend,

The years has past and I've retired from the military. Believe it or not, I'm 50 yrs old now. Still have the memories and still fee the pain. God bless you my friend, and once again I'll see you on the high ground.

Much Respect!

Former Charlotte, NC Officer P2212

April 21, 2012

Robert, you were always there for me during my "rookie"time, you would not allow me to make a mistake,for this I am forever greatfull you were then and always will be my Hero, R.I.P. Robert

officer p.a.taylor p-unit#2101
Charlotte Police

June 30, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd 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 and NC native Larry Lasater

January 15, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

YOU'RE THE TRUE HERO......

CPL. JW LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

January 12, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 5, 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 26, 2007

Hi Brother,
It has been twenty years since that dreadful night. At times, when I am alone and my mind decides to wonder about my short career in the Charlotte Police Dept. A glance of our last conversation comes to mind. We were at a convenience store on Beatties Ford Rd, old Adam three-10. I had only served on the force just less than two years, and you my friend, being more experienced, telling me to be careful. You said the streets are full of craziness; you never know whom you may meet out there. I listened to your words of wisdom and although I am no longer a Police Officer, your words still guides me in my current career. Officer Smith, a soldier, a patriot and above all, a friend. One day, we will meet on the high ground.

Respectfully,
Formerly CPD#2212

MARVIN McCLENDON

September 9, 2007

Bob and I graduated from recruit school together in 1980. We served the city together until I left the department in 1984. I remember Bob as always having a smile on his face and a great professional attitude about the work we did for the city. I recall running into Bob occasional after rookie school and always enjoying our conversation. I simply stumbled over this web site today but wanted to stop and write my reflections about Bob. May God be with you Bob. I am thinking of you today. May God continue to bless Bob's family and may God bless the Charlotte Police Department and all it's staff.

Police Officer II Daniel Allen Hepner
Former police officer/CPD

November 16, 2006

the night you left us I met with you with a friend of mine. It upsetted you that a fellow officer was acting the way he was towards me and you so badly wanted to fix it. You said you had a plan that night to get us to talk when you received the call to go to Pawtuckett Golf course. You wanted to meet my friend Suzanne so you ask us to wait until you got back from the call becasue you needed to also set up a time to give Suzanne and myself some firewood. You had such a great heart and compassion and I will always remember you. You were a true gentleman and a great friend. Suzanne and I waited for your return that night for 3 hours. We left to go home because we ahd to work the next morning. You never did show up. On the way to a coporate meeting I heard about what happened on the news. I was devastated. My mom always said it seems the good leave young. You were good and you were young and God took you back home. You were too good for us here. Rest in peace my friend.

Friends Always

October 11, 2006

Rest In Peace.

P.O.
APD

April 7, 2006