Navajo County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Monday, January 2, 1989
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Robert William Varner, Jr.
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.
Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 2, 2012
I was 10 years old when Bob was shot and killed. I remember the chain of events as though it was yesterday. I think of him often, as he was so kind. I loved visiting him and his dogs or just saying "hi" while riding my bike. He is deeply missed by so many.
Jessica (Hallman) Holton
Neighbor
January 1, 2012
Grandpa,
Its been four years since I have last written to you. I have soo much to tell you, but I know that you have been look down on me and seeing all that I have accomplished. Its almost the end of my senior year and almost the start of going out into the world by myself. But I know that I wont be by myself, I will have you right by my side through it all like you have been for the past 18 years.
I sit here typing this in tears, because I know that I you were such an amazing man to everyone and that I wont be able to share any memories with you for years to come. I know one day I will meet you and it will probably be the best day of my life.
I miss you more and more everyday, but I know that its just another day closer to you. Thank you for all that you have done for this world, you truly are a hero.
Melanie Rivera
Granddaughter
December 31, 2011
Bob,
Thirty-five years ago I was a Deputy Sheriff for Navajo County...You and I both worked nights...There was no I-40 just old Highway 66 and we backed each other up...I was out east of Holbrook on a call at a house in the middle of no-where and shots had been fired at this residence...I found myself on the corner of the house getting ready to make a move towards the front door when I heard your voice "Go ahead Steve, I"ve got your back" Come hell or high water that how it played out on the many nights we worked together.
I miss you Brother...Bob Varner DPS #438
Sergeant
State of Arizona/Special Investigations
December 13, 2011
i think of bob alot. alot of it is because i can look out my back door
and see where he was killed. just awhile after that incident a female officer got in a running gun battle with an assailant, both lived. hardly a time goes by that i go thru that underpass that i dont think of bob. if every officer was like him theyd all be perfect. theyre all heros anyway for choosing to devote their lives to protecting the citizens of county and state and country
a private citizen
citizen
August 7, 2011
My Dear Friend, I stopped today to take a moment to reflect on how you influenced me in my life and how it has helped me grow as a man and a father, I just wanted to remember you on this Memorial Day and I visit your grave several times each month as I tend to my son's, mother's, grandma's and grandpa's graves. Thank you for being a positive influence in my life and an example of a professional and exceptional law enforcement officer. You set a bar that few officers I know have ever reached in my opinion Thank you Kenny
Park Ranger
Arizona State Parks
May 30, 2011
Dear Sir,
I have just learned of the work that your son does for ODMP and for the Officers and their families. You and Mrs. Varner must have done an excellent job as parents and you would be proud.
Leanne Heggen-Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC
February 16, 2011
Bob Varner, end of watch 22 years ago today. I stopped by this morning to pay my respects. I also want to say thanks for being an inspiration. I always appreciated and respected you. But recently I've gained an even deeper understanding of your passion and your service to our community. A man like you cannot truly die, because you live on in our hearts and memories. If I could come visit you at home today I'd have so much to talk about, so much I'd want to ask. I'd probably drive you crazy :-) But mostly I'd want to say thanks.
Roger
Citizen who knew and admired Bob
January 2, 2011
22 years... a lifetime ago we lost you. But in so many ways it feels like it just happened. Thank you to all who still come to this page to remember our Dad.
Cheryl
Daughter
December 31, 2010
I remember it all. To the family, he's still a hero.
Robin Macinitire
AZ. Department of Corrections-Supervisor FAU
March 10, 2010
Deputy Varner,
On this, the 21st anniversary of your passing, I wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten.
Rest in peace, sir.
Brenda, daughter of fallen officer
Clifton Miller, Rossford, OH, EOW 14 May, 1966
January 2, 2010
Gone, but never forgotten.
Twenty-one years - so long ago, but still so fresh. I am proud and grateful to be Bob's daughter. I take great solace in knowing that you died doing what you loved.
Cheryl
Daughter
December 31, 2009
May those who love and knew Deputy Varner be comforted and strengthened by knowing others care and are saddened by his loss.
Chris
Wisconsin
December 31, 2009
It's been a long time, I knew Bob vaguely, but personally. I was a guest in his house when his German Shepard had puppies. When I was in high school I'd visit friends who lived near. Bob and I would talk about dogs,mechanics, his patrol car. He'd even stop by where I worked sometimes. I knew Bob as a man who cared about the community he served, a good person who was approachable and easy to talk to. I still remember when this was reported on the news. It was a sad day, a day I lost a friend, and the community lost a great public servant and protector.
Roger
Citizen who knew and admired Bob
December 22, 2009
You were thought of today...gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Deputy Varner.
Deputy Tina Holtz
Chautauqua Co. Sheriff's Office
September 30, 2009
dear grandpa,
i never got to hear your voice or feel your warmth. you were gone before i could tell you how much i love you and thank you for everything. everyone tells me stories about you and i smile and think about what all i missed. i wish you were here today to see me, michael, robert, and laura. we talk about you whenever we are together.
when im with my friends and they ask me who im related to i always say you. they always have stories to tell me. good and bad. but everytime they start talking about you i stop and think that i will never get to have those same chances they did you get to know you and see who you really are.
grandma is doing good. but trying to get her to stop smoking is one of the hardest things. she is a big help to all of us. she really misses you. we all miss you. my mom, uncle steve, aunt cheryl. everyone.
i try watching those tapes about you. its to hard. seeing all those people who cared about you crying. just seeing and hearing everything makes me all the more want to see you soon.
oh yeah, and did i tell you? i made the high school pommie team. im almost to high school. a few more days. and im going to washington dc and new york. mom is going to try and take me to see your name on the wall. it would be major cool if i did.
well, what can i say other than i miss you and love you lots. watch over us everyday please. i will think about you lots. i love you grandpa.
yours forever and a day,
Melanie Reese Rivera [grand daughter]
Melanie Rivera
Grand Daughter
May 25, 2008
REST IN PEACE DEPUTY VARNER. YOU ARE A HERO WHO WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR YOUR COURAGEOUS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER THEM, AS WELL AS ALL OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS STILL SERVING.
JOB WELL DONE DEPUTY VARNER. NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Jim Sweeney Civilian New Jersey
A friend to our Police Officers
May 2, 2008
I KNOW THAT YOU ARE CONTINUING YOUR TOUR OF DUTY WITH GOD
I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK TO A TRUE HERO
P/O
PHILA
April 17, 2008
Rest in peace, Deputy. You haven't been forgotten, and your memory is still honored and cherished.
Chaplain Susan Keppy
Lewiston (NY) Police Department
December 31, 2007
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
vandenberghe
manchester, nh
December 30, 2007
Rest in peace, brother.
PJN
Cook County IL Sheriff's
December 1, 2007
I didn't know you brother, but hope you rest in peace. The prayers of my family and I are with you and yours.
Mike
mike
MA police officer
October 4, 2007
I have recently had the pleasure of "meeting" your daughter Cheryl, on line, through the policelink site. She seems like an awesome woman, and I hope she and I will build a long lasting friendship. Rest in peace; thank you for your man years of service, and your dedication! And, thank you for your daughter, Cheryl!
Joanie
September 21, 2007
"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.
July 11, 2007
I talked to Steve today and he has talked to others about you to otheres today. you are loved and missed, I wish I had the chance to meet you.
Bob Steinat
June 17, 2007
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