Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi dad, i am now 14 years old and i am going to be 15 in 9 days!!!!! Time flies, it sucks to say i was 3 months when you passed away so we never got to cherish any moments. Well ive been acting for 4 years now, i want to be an actress when i grow up. Recently we had to write a script about our saddest moment and i wrote about you. Well shockingly me and my brother finally get along, we go to John A. Ferguson Highschool together. We go to school together, walk together, eat lunch together, were inseparable. Hes so over protective with me and the guys but its expected. Hes doing GREAT in school now, im so proud and happy for him. Im doing the usual. Mom is the same, AMAZING. Were like best friends, im her princess and i look up to her so much. Well i just wanted to let you know we miss you and love you forever.
-Forever Daddys little girl <3
Love you

Amber Vargas
1 and only daughter

November 16, 2011

I grew up with Robert as our mothers were pregnant at the same time..
Adelina and Freddy lived next door to us for 9 yrs until he moved to 103 and nw 30place.

We went to different schools but were close friends until we both went into the military and found each other years later.

I didnt speak to him for about a year until I read the newspaper in the morning and immediately drove to adelinas house.It was a sad day!

Robert you are a hero and I'm proud to have known you and loved you and your family

Mike Mitchell

Michael Mitchell
very old / cousin

July 1, 2011

Almost 15 years.......... Even though you are not physically with us I know you are next to your kids everyday of their lives. You must be so proud of them. Robert is just like you, every year that we go to the memorial, people freak out at the resemblance, its sometimes scary. Amber looks like you too but with a little bit of me in her. I pray to you every night to watch over us and help me guide our kids in the right direction. You are missed dearly. Keep resting in peace.

Barbie
Your Widow

May 17, 2011

so im 17 years old now. im a junior at John A.ferguson, and im doin alright in school. right now im working like a slave. i have two jobs, one at dunkin donuts and the other one at Aeropostale. i dont play basketball anymore, well barely cause i work almost EVERY day of the week. but i play with my neighbors once a week. im about 5-9 which is pretty tall. hopefully i get to 5-11! amber is growing up soooo fast!!! shes 14 yet she can pass for a 17 year old. shes really pretty and thats gonna cause problems cause ima have to watch her my whole senior year. but shes a really smart girl so i dont really need to worry. mom is getting old. now that i got 2 jobs shes happy cuz im starting to learn alot of things. and she loves it when i bring her home a coffee after work :) and abuela is doing alright. shes pretty old but shes still the same. and abuelo is hilarious! he flirts with every woman he sees and says the funniest pick up lines EVER! well i just wanted to remind you that we all miss you and love you. LOVE YOU POP!!!

robert vargas
1 and only son!

May 17, 2011

Rest in peace Officer Vargas, your bravery will not be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2011

You are not forgotten. My heart goes out to your children and all you have missed in their lives.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 7, 2011

The pain in the hearts of those left behind is as strong today as it was that dreaded day in 1997, time does not heal our hearts it just makes it easier to get through the day. Continue to rest in peace Officer, we will never forget the HEROES who gave their all.

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

Anonymous

February 7, 2011

hey pop its you're one and only son. well im 16 now. and im playing basketball for my school. VARSITY!!! im doin ok in school. im passing but i know i can do better. oh and i jus got my car. its a AWESOME 2004 black Chrysler Crossfire. i had to beg to get it and promise to do better in school. i kno if you were here you would be proud of me. im having fun. especially in school. im the class clown which i heard that i probably got from u. and everyone is doing good. amber is a nerd and getting like great grades!!! shes 13. it seems like yesturday that i was fighting with her over my nintendo 64. but yea shes grown up so much!mom is the same. bossy and always telling me right from wrong which is what mothers should do but w.e. i been playing basketball alot! its like my life now. oh and abuela is doin good. still telling me stories how she loved u so much.lol she said u were mamas boy.lmao but im like dat to. i guess it runs in the family. i jus wanted to let u know that i miss you alot. LOVE YOU POP!!!

ROBERT A. VARGAS
1 and ONLY son

July 6, 2010

Almost 13 years since you last physically saw your kids. I am sure you watch over them from Heaven . With no doubt, I know they have made you PROUD. Amber is as ARROGANT & COCKY like you were and Robert Anthony is a LADIES MAN just like his dad. The kids have been a blessing to me, they have made me who I am today and for that I will always love you. May you reat in peace and continue to watch over our kids.

Barbara Vargas Dezayas
Widow

August 29, 2009

Robert and I served in the 3/325 together for the better part of four years. More than any other person, Robert was my traveling companion in Italy. After going to a club in Florence, Robert explained to me all the ways (and there were so many) that I was terrible at dancing. Over the course of the next year, he taught me how to dance while we went in search of english speaking girls in Florence and the rest of Italy.

I am sorry Robert, that it took me all these years to discover your passing. I am sorry that you are gone. I liked to imagine that you were down in Fla, winning womens hearts or as it appears you did, discovering a new chapter in your life with a family of your own.

Thank you for teaching me to dance. It has lead me over the years to some wonderful experineces. You would probably still laugh to see me but compared to where we started, you saved me. Good by Robert.

Kevin Heller
US Army and Friend

May 26, 2009

I served in the Airborne (3/325 ABCT) with Vargas, he was a good man.
I just now found out about our loss.
RIP brother!

Richard Schafer
Fellow Paratrooper...

April 12, 2009

Robert, I visited your grave yesterday as it was the 12th anniversary of your death. It seems like only yesterday that I sat in the church with our academy classmates at your funeral. I will always remember you for your great sense of humor and your infectious smile. Rest in peace and I know we will meet again someday. Keep watching over your kids, they are lucky to have you as their angel.

Officer Annie Starnes
MDPD

February 8, 2009

Vargas and I served in the 82nd Airborne together...from bootcamp, to Airborne School, to serving in Italy. he was a great guy and will be missed and remembered. Airborne and RIP my brother....

Lieutenant Howard Tanner
Military

January 30, 2009

"A Hero Is"
One Who Never Hesitates To Tackle The Most Difficult Problems..

One Who Is Always By Your Side..

One Who Knows Right From Wrong..

One Who Acts With Pride..

A Hero Touches Every One Of Us,

Whether It Be Word Or Deed..

Always Tending To Those Who Find Themselves In Need..

When A Hero Leaves This Earth, Yes, It's Sad, But True..

All Too Many Times, The Hero Is Dressed In Blue.

Written by:

Eric DeRenzis

Det. C. Baaske
MDPD

June 16, 2008

May your soul have eternal rest, and your memory live on in the hearts of your family and friends.

Detective M. Owens
DFS/Fraud Div. & BLE Classmate

February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 5, 2008

Just wanted to say that it was a privilege to work with you in Northside. After all these years, I have not forgotten you. I hope your family are well, especially your beautiful children. God bless.

R. Jezierski
MDPD-Retired

January 14, 2008

"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 14, 2007

Robert, I just want you to know you will never be forgotten by your friends, family, and the public. Your death was not in vain. I look back at our academy days with great fondness. You served proudly and still serve as an example to those you left behind. God Bless you.

Lt. C. Fernandez
MDSPD

September 14, 2007

Robert: Wow I can’t believe it’s been so long since we lost you…. By all means you are in a better place. Never the less we all miss you very much. Ironically enough, Jose my husband passed away when our son was 5months old in a motorcycle accident, in Nov of 04. I remember when we use to hang out and you had your white little truck low rider truck with the bass & rims…I remember when I heard the news of your accident I could not believe it, I was like No its not him, I cant be…. Jose and I went to your service and kept in touch with your mom. Who would of ever though our family lives would have been turned upside down and we would loose you guys. Crazy Jose & I went to your service and I was there and still could not believe it was you there. When Jose died his service was held there and is berried in the same cemetery you are at. I go to take him flowers every chance I get and always go by to say hello and let you know we miss you and whenever I can, I take your mom. Which I have been slacking cuz I don’t have time between work and the baby it’s a hand full. Well both your family and ours miss you guys terribly but we know, you are both in a better place, and we have our own Angels watching over our kids and us always.
Gonna but never forgotten!!!
Barbie

Barbara Oliva
Friend

May 3, 2007

I know that you are resting in peace. Keep watching over the kids. I know that you must be proud of them.

Barbie Dezayas
Widow

April 30, 2007

Robert,I can't believe it's been 10 years my friend. I know you're up there watching over us. Continue to rest in peace my friend, everything is QRU.

TROOPER RAFAEL W LOLA
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

April 3, 2007

To Police Officer Robert Vargas and his loved ones:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with your children and other family members who call you beloved. I am so touched by their loving reflections for you. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. How they must miss you and that beautiful glorious smile that shows up so well in your picture.

Robert, you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring. I am so sorry that you lost your life at such a young age.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Vargas. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Robert gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 7, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 7, 2007

Officer Vargas,
Ten years now, and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

citizen in PA

February 7, 2007

This year it makes 10 years that you left to a better place. Now you have my dad there with you too. Please watch over the kids.

Barbie (Vargas) Dezayas
Widow

January 2, 2007