Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was only 15 at the time and my father, John Zalla, was a Conservation Officer assigned to Gallatin County. I’ll never forget when he told my mother the news. Even though it was hundreds of miles away it sure hit home.
Rest In Peace brother.

Captain Brett Zalla, Ret.
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife

March 19, 2022

IT WILL BE 33 YEARS THIS MONTH,SINCE MY BROTHER,ROBERT C.BANKER WAS MURDERED IN KY. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE HORROR I FELT WHEN I RECEIVED THAT PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE,PAM.

AS I HAVE TRIED TO MOVE ON,AND NOT DWELL ON THE LOSS, I DO HAVE TIMES WHEN I REMEMBER HIM,AND WHAT HAPPENED ON MARCH 19,1987. HE WAS 7 YEARS YOUNGER THAN I,SO I TOOK CARE OF HIM AND WE SPENT MANY HOURS TOGETHER PLAYING OUTSIDE,PLAYING SCHOOL,AND PLAYING SPORTS TOGETHER. BACK IN THOSE DAYS OF THE 1950s, OLDER SIBLINGS TOOK CARE OF YOUNGER ONES. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID!!

I KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW,BUT I DO WISH HE COULD HAVE LIVED MUCH LONGER, AND WATCHED HIS CHILDREN GROW UP. HE ALSO WOULD HAVE BEEN RETIRED BY NOW. RIP BOBBY,YOUR SISTER JUDITH M. SAGE,LEBANON,NH

JUDITH M. SAGE
SISTER

March 8, 2020

Rest in peace Conservation Officer Banker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 2019

Rest easy Brother. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Conservation Officer Brad Brewer
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

March 20, 2016

Officer Banker,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO-but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 19, 2015

I wanted to update this for anyone that checks this Site out and add that Eric Burns has gone up for his first parole hearing a little less then a year ago now and was denied. He isn't eligible for another 5 years which will put him at 30 years locked up. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about and miss my dad. But I know he is and always will be with me. To all officers out there be safe and don't take life for granted. From experience I can say that its the loved ones that lose EVERYTHING from both sides and all that's left when a tragedy like this assures is the memories were left with so make each one count when ur with ur loved ones because to often it comes a time ur normal day becomes the last. God bless u all.

Melissa Banker
daughter

February 10, 2013

I love you Daddy and miss you so much.

Melissa
daughter

August 31, 2012

You are honored today Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 19, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 19, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are never forgotten

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 19, 2009

It has been 22 years since the end of your watch, you have not been forgotten. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

March 19, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 19, 2009

Bob,

Although I got to meet you I don't remember anything about you. I know you were at our house the day you died and you had been playing with me. I was only 3 at the time you were murdered. Though I don't remember you there isn't a day that goes by I don't think about you and the ultimate sacrifice you made. Even though 21 years has passed since we lost you my dad still can't talk about you without wanting to cry and getting angry because he thinks the justice system failed you when it comes to the man who murdered you. You will always remain in our hearts!! I truly believe you are my dad's guardian angel every time he puts his badge and gun on and walks out the door to serve the community! You might be gone but you will NEVER be forgotten.

America

America
Bob was my dad's dearest friend

October 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 30, 2008

Officer Baker,
On today, the 21 st anniversary of your murder, I would justd like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kentucky. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 19, 2008

Thinking of you today....

KDFWR

January 16, 2008

We still miss you.

KDFWR

November 8, 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., Columbia, SC

October 29, 2007

I started my career just before your shift ended. I remember hearing that your killer was identified from a copy of the citation he left behind. This made me always conceal my copies when I went back to a violator to issue their copy, just in case it might be needed to Id. someone later. I taught all my recruits to do the same. Thank you for teaching me that, and thank you for watching over us all.

retired patrolman
Lexington/Fayette P.D.

September 28, 2007

It has been 20 years now Bob, but we will never forget. Watch over us each day when we go 10-8.

Officer
KDFWR

July 16, 2007

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE!! REST IN PEACE!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

May 5, 2007

Bob,

It has been a long time since that spring day. I can remember Dad coming home and telling us that there was a search on for the man who shot you. I could not believe anyone would do this to you. You were always fair and at the same time firm in your decisions. I remember coming to your house a few times and seeing some of the animals you were rehabilitating. I remember you coming into Kelly's Meat Processing and checking in the deer every year. Watch over us every day we go 10-8 as the people in this world are always ready to do the unthinkable. Brother you are missed, but you are not forgotten.

John Lancaster, Patrolman
Guthrie Police Department

April 15, 2007

What a travesty of justice!
Thank you Officer Banker for your service. Rest easy brother and keep watch over us.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

March 19, 2007

Bob, we still miss you dearly. We will never forget you!

family friend

October 2, 2006

You are not forgotten.

Officer
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

November 30, 2005