Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bob and I were not only Basic School classmates, we were both stationed together at SP Canandaigua at the time of his murder. I smile when I think about our morning coffee BS sessions. Bob was not only a cop hero, but a war hero to boot. Good guy, really sharp. It is an honor to have known him. 'Till we meet again, Bob.

Sgt. Dennis Jason
NYSP

November 17, 2009

Robert Van Hall served in my Special Forces unit in Vietnam, where he was deeply respected. Our all-volunter unit (MACV-SOG) conducted covert operations behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, running missions in very heavily occupied areas. Bobby was truly heroic, and received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He is sorely missed by those who served with him. De Oppresso Liber, JOHN PLASTER

Major John L. Plaster
U.S. Army Special Forces

August 2, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 20, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

December 4, 2007

Hero's and the sacrifices they make are never forgotten. Investigator Hall, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

December 5, 2006

Bobby,
We were stationed together at SP Waterloo. You were glad to see me come through the door. It meant you weren't the junior guy anymore. You were a man's man. The last person that this would happen to. I was in Corning that night in 1980. There isn't a day I don't think about you. I pray God was merciful and you rest with the Saints in heaven. You remain my very good friend.
Rev. Ray Copp (NYSP Retired)

Rev. Ray Copp
New York State Police (retired)

October 22, 2006

Inv Van Hall, rest in peace. You are honored by a street having been named after you here in the City of Corning, in Denison Park, were your senseless and tragic murder happened. Your killer deserves to die in prison and we all hope he does. And then when he steps in front of God, may he pay further in hell. God Bless and watch over us as we hold the line.

Sgt PJ Dyring
City of Corning PD, NY

March 2, 2006

Your death is not forgotten. Just today I learned that your killer was denied parole and is still paying for what he has done. Rest on brother

Sgt Ritchie
Parkersburg WV

December 21, 2003