United States General Services Administration - Federal Protective Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, January 24, 1979
Reflections for Officer Robert Lee Timberlake, Jr.
Officer Timberlake yesterday was the anniversary of your line of duty death. No matter how much time passes you are never forgotten. You are a true American Hero. It was ONE of the greatest honors of my life (the greatest honor being a father/husband) safeguarding America's federal buildings before I became a banker. That is something we both knew. I will never forget you. I will be thinking of you at Sunday mass at my home parish of St. Brigid of Kildare South Boston this month.
Former Protective Security Officer (PSO) for Region 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Police, Pete Harrington BostonMA
January 25, 2016
Officer Timberlake, first off, thank you for your service. The Federal Protective Service is and always has been a fine agency. Though it lacks the glitz and glamor of some other agencies, the officers do a magnificent job keeping so many safe.
Secondly, how disgraceful that your murderer was set free. Did he kill again? Rather than just say, "Oh, he's got issues" and be done with it, those issues should have been dealt with head on in a secure facility. A total lack of being held responsible no doubt did more harm to society and even the man than is recorded here.
Thirdly, it is apparent that you were a good man who loved your family. Their reflections show it and I admire it.
Lastly, on this 37th anniversary of your tragic death, I again wish to thank you and say, God Bless you and all you left behind, though you still reside in their hearts and minds. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
January 24, 2016
Officer Timberlake was a decent and kind gentleman. I spoke with him frequently in Courthouse where I worked and always found him to have a friendly manner about him. I was in my office in the courthouse building on the fateful day and I shall never forget the emotions that so many of us felt. I know his family, friends and colleagues will always miss him. We all do
John Eilert, CAPT
USPHS
August 22, 2015
I'm just a regular person, but recently I started working in the Federal Courthouse in downtown Tampa. I remember when this tragedy happened because I lived in Tampa back then. A couple of my new co-workers didn't know about this sad history and I told them about it. It motivated me to look up and read more about Officer Timberlake and these events that happened. I read the other reflections here and it touched me. Gone but not ever forgotten.
Lynann Nicely
US Courts
October 25, 2013
this is my great grandpa and the man that did this horrible crime should have been sent to life in prison!!!
Isabella Berrodin
Great-Grand father
May 14, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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.
Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, I hold your family in my heart's embrace today. Roberta, I share your angusih in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. I am so sorry and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 25, 2012
Dear Dad, the years pass and yet the pain remains. Now the pain has doubled since Curt has joined you. But I know deep down that you both are close to me. God must have needed you both more than I do, even though that is so hard for me to fathom. Please watch over my son, your grandson until I join you both. He was a good man, just as you were. You taught him well. I love you both more than words can explain, and I will wait for the day when we meet again on those streets of gold.
Roberta
PS. Ditto
Roberta Jordan
daughter
August 31, 2011
On Saturday, July 2, 2011, Officer Timberlake's grandson, Sgt. Curtis A. Jordan (Summa Health System Department of Protective Services) was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Sgt. Jordan told many stories about his grandfather, and felt his grandfather lead him in his tour of duty. Sgt. Jordan even recently posted a shadow box of his grandfather in his office at work as a daily reminder and remembrance.
May Sgt. Jordan and Officer Timberlake serve together and keep watch over us all.
Officer T. D. Knisley
Summa Health System Department of Protective Services
July 3, 2011
Officer Timberlake,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
January 24, 2009
"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
March 31, 2008
I just want to thank you and all the men and women that give their lives too often for our safety. My uncle was also a Federal Protective Services Officer shot and killed in the line of duty in 1982. I was 8 years old and still feel the hurt and emptiness. Pleases like this help to keep their memories alive by allowing people like me the privilege to know them and the brave people they are. Thank you for your service, may God Bless you and your family.
Derek
February 29, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 21, 2008
My father was 56, and on his locker was a calendar marking down the time he had left before retirement. What he wanted to do after he retired was just travel thruout this country in his camper, or on his motorcycle. I really wish he could have. I miss him greatly.
Robert Lee Timberlake III
Son
July 29, 2007
Dear Dad, how I miss you. I never realized how many lives you touched until you were gone. Now I can only write these words to you, but know in your heart that I mean them. I love you and I am so proud of you.
May you walk hand in hand with God and rest in peace.
Roberta
Roberta Lee Timberlake, Jordan
daughter
July 29, 2007
I knew you my friend. I know you are standing in God's grace, patrol heaven with other fallen fellow Police Officers, looking out for us. We honor you name Robert Lee Timberlake Jr. We will never forget you . We will dispatch your name in honor of you ultimate sacrifice. Your friend and partner, Seargent Bernard B. Norris. You are still 10/8 in my heart.
Sargent, Bernard B.Norris
Federal Protective Service
May 16, 2007
No man is ever forgotten by G-d.Rest in Peace.
January 24, 2006
Officer Timberlake had been a member of the Akron Ohio PD leaving for the Federal Protective Services. By all accounts he was a GOOD officer.
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