Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My friend Robert. We were friends since elementary school. I recently went home back to Miami and saw a street named after him. I couldn’t believe it. The last time I saw him. Before going back to NYC. He just joined MDPD. He was so excited. Heartbreaking to find out this way. May you rest in peace my friend!

Anthony Ortiz
Friend

March 27, 2023

Amber, Just yesterday while I was driving home I started thinking about your dad and how much I wanted to share my memories of him. Today I decided to see if I could find a place to post my memories and not only did I find this page but that you visit it and want to hear about your Dad. So here goes. We were stationed together in Vicenza Italy from 1986 to 1990. We were in the same squad for a bit and the same platoon for the whole time so we spent a lot of time together. My first memory was with Robert in Berlin Germany in early 1987 and it was snowing and freezing. He looked out the window of this German barracks we were in and saw the snow and was so excited. "I want to go make a snowman! I want to make a snowball!" He had never been around snow before. I am from Up State NY and have seen LOTS of snow. I told him from the window that it was the wrong kind of snow. He was incredulous. "What do you mean kinds of snow?" I explained about slush, powder, pack and that that was power and would not easily pack together. He still wanted to so we went and we had to hold the snow with our bare hands to make it melt enough to form a snow ball. He threw his first snowball that day. I think it was at my head. He got to see a lot more snow over the years as we walked for day in it and often slept in it with nothing more than a sleeping bag. I will share some more memories as we were in our late teens and had Europe to explore in our free time.

Kevin Heller
Army Friend

March 7, 2023

Amber,
Your Dad and I were good friends in High School and in the military. I was stationed in West Germany while he was in Italy back in the late 80s. You can reach out whenever you like I ll put you in touch with a bunch of us that grew up with your Dad. He was really nice guy, hard worker and we had some fun times as teenagers. My number is 305.525.8957. The loss of this officer today made me remember your Dad.

Juan J. Cordero, Esquire
TF 118, 101st Airborne, High School friend

August 17, 2022

Hi everyone! My name is Amber and I am the daughter of Robert Vargas! I am always so grateful to read the reflections posted because it gives me so much knowledge on who my dad was. Since I was only 3 months old, each post is like a new puzzle piece that I get to add to the big picture of who my dad was. I feel so blessed being able to learn about him through your eyes. I would love to hear more about any memories you may have shared with it. I am now married so my email address has changed. Please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Formerly Amber Vargas

Amber Tinton
Daughter

March 10, 2022

Officer Vargas,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served as a U.S. Army Paratrooper. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 7, 2022

Thinking about you today my bud. RIP

Juan J. Cordero
TF 118, 101st Airborne, High School friend

September 15, 2021

Just thinking of u my friend.it was an honor to have served as a Airborne paratrooper with u.Great memories

Jonas l. Coleman
82nd

January 4, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Vargas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 6, 2020

Hi everyone! I just wanted to thank you all for leaving reflections about my dad. I love reading and learning about him. It is truly a blessing to be able to hear such amazing things about him. Since I was only 2 months old when he passed away, I always wish I could know more about him. If any of you would be willing to share some stories with me or things about my dad from the army, the academy, or anything at all, it would mean the world to me. You can contact me via email at [email protected]

Amber Vargas
Daughter

May 2, 2018

Robert:
It is incredible to me that today marks 20 years since you became an angel. I think of you often and I pray that you are enjoying eternal peace! May you continue to watch over Robert, Amber, and Barbie. I hope some day to see your infectious smile again! Rest in peace, my friend!

Officer Annie Starnes
MDPD

February 7, 2017

Robert was one of my best friends during our enlisted days in the US Army Airborne. We spent three years in Vicenza Italy with the 3rd Battalion 325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team. He was proud to serve his country as I am sure he was proud to serve his community.
His was a life of service. I am proud to have known him and called him friend.
Rest in peace.

MAJ Kevin Heller
US Army

January 18, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Hi daddy! It may seem like a while on this page but it is just an ordinary day in my life to be thinking about you. I finally moved on from my old job and I can focus more on school. I am changing my major to Hospitality Management, I've been told that it is a great field for someone like me. I enjoy making people happy with superior customer service and I really love making my parents proud. I wrote an essay recently about you. I really wish I could remember you, but just know that I am in great hands. My step-dad is the most amazing man ever. Mom is my best friend and Robert is coming around. I love you dad and I live to make the ones I love proud, even the ones I don't remember. Abuela is doing great! I visit her so much, it makes her so happy to be reminded of how much she is loved. Abuelo is great too! Everything is going good and I can't thank God enough for the peace that he's granted me with your loss. It was such a tragedy losing you but as a family, we have held up better than people may think. I am so thankful for my life and for the Lord who grants us each another day with a healthy life. Every day my relationship with God gets stronger and I love it. A verse came to and it is forever my favorite so I must share it. Proverbs 3:5-6 TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART; DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. SEEK HIS WILL IN ALL YOU DO, AND HE WILL SHOW YOU WHICH PATH TO TAKE. I love you dad! -Your little girl (:

Amber Vargas
Daughter

October 23, 2015

I knew Robert from the academy days. My husband and I also worked Northside District together. Robert was a wonderful officer. Someone you'd hope would be your back up on every call. Reading all the heartwarming reflections, takes me back to his burial. Seeing his baby daughter and his toddler aged son that he loved so much, was heartbreaking. I specifically remember Robert Jr. getting away from his mother's hold, picking up a rose and just as the coffin was being lowered to the ground, tossing it in. Such an innocent and beautiful act. I remember crying so hard after seeing this. It took me a long while to stop and I wondered what people around me were thinking, as I cried uncontrollably. Never would I have imagined that Roger would be killed 14 years later and that I would be in the same position. It's like my soul knew that moment, when the flower was tossed, that I would feel that pain one day. I'm so happy that Amber and Robert Jr. have grown up to be healthy adults. Their mother has done a wonderful job and I truly believe that Robert is beaming with pride from up above. One day we will have answers as to why this was the chosen path. In the meantime, saying a prayer for much continued strength, success and motivation to his family and eternal rest for my friend, Robert.

Debbie Castillo
MDPD Coworker

September 23, 2015

Hi dad! It's already been 18 years and there's not a day that goes that I don't think about you! Fortunately, I've been nothing but blessed over the years! I got a brand new car and upgraded from my buggy; I got accepted into FIU where I'll be studying to major in Speech Pathology. I'm beyond excited! High school is almost over and the real world is slowly but surely creeping up on me. I'm still working at Sky Zone, it's been a little over 2 years and mom is so proud of me! The most famous line I keep hearing is that Roberr Anthony is IDENTICAL to you, looks and personality. It's crazy because I wish I could say for myself how you were but I hear many things about you; you were crazy, fun, and indeed comical. I'm a social butterfly like you but I'm not much of a risk taker; moms calls me "pendeja". I've been raised by an amazing man so don't worry, your little girl is being well taken care of. I have a boyfriend of 1 year and 7 months now; the funny part is that I can't imagine bringing a guy home to you because I can only imagine how protective you would've been over me. Well I'm doing great in school and work and I'm sure you would be extremely proud of me! I met Sergeant Almeida today during my ride along and it was so heartwarming hearing about you. I'm glad you were able to make an impact in so many people's lives, I only wish I was apart of it but all I can do is pray that one day I see you again. I watched my birth video recently and you treated me like a princess! You didn't leave my side during the birth and after; mom has it all on video. I saved that video in the computer and it's so beautiful. Well I love you dad and I miss you so much! May you continue to rest in peace <3

Amber Anicole Vargas
Daughter

April 8, 2015

It's now been 18 years ..... You will always live in our kids. Amber is 18 and has been accepted in FIU and Robert is 21 and pretty soon will be following your steps. Thank you for giving me the biggest blessings of my life MY KIDS! You were taken much too soon :(. I know that you are in Heaven watching over the kids.

Barbie Vargas Dezayas
Widow

February 11, 2015

Robert

Its been over 20 years since our Academy days. You always made me laugh with all your antics. May you rest in peace.

To Amber and Robert. Your father loved you very much and was so proud of both of you. Whenever i would see him he made sure to mention his little boy and baby girl. Amber I'm sorry you were so little when he passed but in that little time you made such an impact on him. And Robert you were a bolita de humo.

With Love

Sergeant Michele Almeida (Zap)
Miami Dade Police Dept, Academy class mate

July 23, 2014

R.I.p vargas sorry im just geting the news i have shared many great moments with you as a paratrooper and a close friend,memories never die.

jonas coleman
paratrooper

June 7, 2013

Continue to rest in peace Officer Vargas, we will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 7, 2013

Hey dad, I'm 16 now. I got a job at a new indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone. For my 16th birthday I got a 2007 triple white convertible buggy. I'm extremely thankful and blessed by my parents. Unfortunately my brother and I aren't as close which I'm sure makes you very upset. I love him with all my heart but he's in a stage I guess. My mom is still my best friend and will always be. Tomorrow is your birthday, and 3 days later will make 16 years since you passed away. It hurts me, and I will always be left with curiosity wondering what you would've been like. I was so little, we only have 1 family picture. I resemble you but Robert is your twin. Abuela is older and needs more assistance but Abuelo is something else. He's hilarious, and I go by to see them every so often because it makes them happy since my mom, my brother and I are the only people they have left. I'm very appreciative of the nice things people say about you on this website. I can only imagine the type of person you were based on the things people tell me. I love you daddy. You will always be in my heart, and i always think about you. -Your 1 and only baby girl❤<3 Ambie

Amber Vargas
Daughter

February 3, 2013

I don't have much to say, but I just can't help but feel that you would've been just as amazing of a family member to me as your actual family is to me. Your daughter Amber is a beautiful bright girl, Barbie is doing great as a mother and friend to everyone (and i have much to thank her for), and Robert is identical to you. Tomorrows your birthday and i won't be able to visit till the day after, but this little reflection is just one of the many respects that i'm paying in your honor and your family's. I'm sure you're doing great in the heavens, as you protect your family and watch over all of them. Happy Birthday big guy ! May you continue to R.I.P.

Melanie Picallo
Friend of the family.

February 3, 2013

Robert, your name came up the other day...the painful memories of your passing are still present - you are not forgotten by those of us who had the priviledge to work with you and have you as a friend. As a fellow officer, I always knew I could count on you and I'm so glad I was able to see you the week before you passed. I see your children are all grown now...your legacy continues with them & I wish them all the best.

Rachael Jezierski - Retired
MDPD

August 20, 2012

Robert,

So many memories of our service in the U.S. Army. You will be forever missed! Rest in peace, brother!

Ramon A. Ayala-Heredia
A Co. 3/325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy

March 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Vargas. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

My prayers are with the family of this hero as they face another EOW, time does not heal the pain in the hearts of those left behind. Continue to rest in peace Officer Vargas, we will never forget...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 7, 2012