Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Strugala,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death 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 USMC in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 16, 2024

I never knew Officer Robert Strugala personally; however, it was my privilege to know his partner John Wasco , who survived the incident. Now that we are at the 50 year mark of this atrocity committed by remorseless offenders, it is a good time reflect upon the fact that Officer Wasco always made a point of making sure the memory of his fallen partner was never forgotten. His relentless efforts of many years to keep the offenders held accountable was not a waste of time despite the indifference and even outright hostility of the so-called "criminal justice" system in Illinois. Everything John did was done with class, professionalism, and integrity. It is sad that he died in 2020 at too young an age after too short a retirement , but at least he is now reunited with his loved ones in Heaven, and gets to partner up once again with Officer Strugala under divine circumstances. Happy Father's Day to these fine gentlemen, and a half century from now we will still NEVER FORGET!!!

David Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

June 13, 2024

bob 2 more fo our brothers are gone major jim shockley cpl when we knew him and doug rose our friend and the cos driver. god bless you bob semper fi murph

sgt david s murphy jr usmc
my friend

June 16, 2022

I will never forget that fateful day when Off. Strugala was shot and killed. We both worked in the 010th Dist. It was Father’s Day. My partner and I responded to the shooting in the tavern. Off. Strugala and Off. John Wasco were both shot. I think about this shooting every Father’s Day. I think about how his family had to be notified that Bob was killed. His children were small then. In past years, a police officer had told me that Bob’s son had become a Podiatrist and he was his patient. Bob would be proud of him and his daughter today. RIP Bob

Sgt. John Kozak
Chicago Police Officer (30 yr. veteran)

May 22, 2022

its never easy your always with me till we meet again god bless you brother semper fi sgt david s murphy jr 3rd recon . nam 65.

david s murphy jr
my friend

June 16, 2021

it never gets easy. you are with me all the time. my friend my brother best person i ever met. rest in peace brother . semper fi murph

former marine sgt david s murphy jr
my friend

June 16, 2020

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

June 16, 2020

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 16, 2015

we always think of you bob. sgtmajor fred murray 3rd recon, major jim shockley 3rd recon. mgysgt ken hough. sgt david murphy. you are not forgotten semper fi brother.

sgt david s murphy jr
friend

June 16, 2015

ANOTHER YEAR NOT ANY BETTER. MYSELF AND MASTER GY SGT KEN HOUGH 3RD RECON 1965 AND ME SGT DAVID MURPHY JR ALWAYS THINK OF YOU. ITS NOT RIGHT WHAT A WORLD. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER, SEMPER FI.

FORMER SGT USMC

June 15, 2013

I remember Bob well as we were in the same class (73-2G) at the Police Academy on O'Brien Street in Chicago.... It will be 40 years this month that we began our short friendship.... Bob and the day he was killed in the line of duty will live with me forever.... It is only a shame that his killer is out on the streets....
My thoughts and prayers are with all his friends and family....

P.O. Roy Sebastian
Chicago Police Department (Retired)

March 9, 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 38th anniversary year 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. He was also your brother in green so I bid you semper fi and thank you for your service as a Vietnam vet in the Corps.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Strugala. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

MY MARINE BROTHER AND FRIEND ONE OF THE GREAT PEOPLE I EVER MET. STAYED AT BOBS HOME IN 1965. WE WERE IN OKINAWA VIET NAM. 1964-1965 MISS YOU BROTHER. SEMPER FI.

SGT USMC
MARINE CORP

December 9, 2011

It has been 37 years since you made the ultimate sacrifice but the CPD will not allow these actions to be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

June 16, 2011

My toughts are with all of your loved ones today. I can not believe that your killer was released from prison as I know all those that lived without you and suffered for so long without you here. My oldest son, in memory of his fallen brother Michael, now travels to Springfield and fights at the parole board hearings to keep these individuals in prison where they belong. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 16, 2010

I am very proud that my neice Police officer Jennifer Muska of the Westmont Police Dept. has picked My partner Officer Robert Straugla as her choice for her police memorial workout.The work out is in dedication of fallen police officers. Jennifer Muska is a hero in my book just as much as Rober Straugla is. I love her very much. Keep up the good work Jenny love Uncle Bear. Robert may god bless you and be with you always. Retired P.O. John Wasco

Retired officer John Wasco
Retired Chicago P.D.

May 11, 2010

We are sorry for your Loss. My family has also experienced the loss of a loved one in the line of Duty. This was sent to us, We found this helpful. Hope this helps your family as well.


My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

December 17, 2008

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Strugala.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

My Uncle was your partner that shift. I've heard him tell the story of that night time and time again, both to me personally at to the recruits at the CPD Academy. Hearing this serves as my reminder to never be complacent in this job and leave home before every shift as though you may not be coming back.

My thoughts and prayers to your family.

Officer J. (Wasco) Muska
Westmont PD

July 5, 2008

Hi Robert -
Never had the pleasure
of meeting you.
However, I work with your brother
and I know you're keeping an eye
on him, but just wanted to let
you know....we're you're back-up
for him.

N. DeCook, Forensic Investigator
Chicago Police Department, Forensic Services

January 3, 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

October 17, 2007

Bob -
I want to thank you for all the wonderful times you
gave me. From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry!
The right to your left and survival of your soul's
essence - till we meet again, semper fidelis,
6 - 2

soulmate

August 25, 2007

I'am a Chicago Police Officer who works in the Marine Unit. I occassionally have the honor of working on the M-2 police boat that was named after Officer Strugala. My father was also murdered in the line of duty on June 19,1970. His killer will eventually be released from prison. I can only hope he dies in prison. There is something seriously wrong with our justice system when we release cop killers back out into our communities. The only true way to honor our fallen is to make sure their killers stay in prison. Officer Strugala you are not forgotten.

po kurt kaner
chicago police department

November 26, 2006

Bob and I were in the same class (73-2G)at the "OLD" Police Academy which began March 19, 1973... I remember him well as we were friends..... I remember the day he was murdered and found it hard to believe.... It was the first time that a member of my class was gunned down.... It shook me pretty good.... I will always remember you Bob and think of you often.... God Bless and Keep You........ Roy.......

Roy Sebastian (Retired CPD - PO)
Retired Chicago Police Department

March 7, 2006