Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Dobbs,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 4, 2022

I was lucky enough to have known Virgil since he served in the Navy . A few times my husband and I drove Virgil to Jacksonville to his ship .
Virgil even at a young age had a strong sense of public service . For him to go into law enforcement came as no surprise to those to whom he was known .
When I came across this page I remembered a particular trip we made to Jacksonville Fl. We had a late start that day . It was Myself , my Newborn Son , my Husband , and of course Virgil . We had all been up for hours. and at around 2 am both my Husband and Virgil were too tired to continue driving . So the men got the bright idea to pull over in a Cemetery to get an hour or so of sleep before continuing . Suddenly we all awoke to bright lights surrounding us as well as several guns pointing at us . The Police thought we might have been grave robbers . Luckily after the situation was explained and we were given a small lecture we were released . No one was tired after that ! We made great time driving to Jacksonville.
After awhile we were able to laugh about it . Virgil especially always cracked a joke about it .He claimed that was the moment he decided on law enforcement as a career .
He truly was a great neighbor , friend , husband , father , son . We are lucky in our lives if we get to meet a truly good individual but we are truly blessed we we get to call them friend .

Cynthia Senn
Friend

July 8, 2020

Chief Dobbs,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Midland City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 4, 2020

Rest in peace Chief of Police Dobbs.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2019

I wish we could talk one more time so I could tell you how much I love you. You are my big brother and I miss you so much.
Virgil daddy would have be so proud of you.
I was talking to someone not long ago when I said your name. She smiled and said you were the kindest and most helpful police chief there ever was.

I love you,

Sister

Tina Ryder

April 19, 2018

Well today has been 19 years since I saw Virgil. Prayed really hard that day for God to take me instead of him but we are not in charge of these things and God is in control. Everyone I speak to knows of this man and his dedication to his job. There was times when he couldn't see his boys as often as he wanted to but he loved them very much. His Mother was precious to him as well. As his wife, I was honored to have his last name. I wish that all law enforcement could be a mirror of him. He showed compassion to people when they needed it but always did his job. We will remember....

Wanda Dobbs
Wife

March 4, 2016

Of course I do not remember the moment, but I'm told that as soon as I'm born and he holds me, he smiles and says "Finally... Someone who won't call me Virgil." This man is my granddaddy. I have no active memories of him, I don't know what his voice sounds like, and I have only a few of his artifacts. Every day I wonder what he was like. I cherish the stories I've been told of him, and I always jump at the occasion to meet his old friends who can share new stories with me. I cannot wait for the day I can share my grandfather with my children, even though I did not know him myself. I've been told he was a wonderful, honorable man, and I can only pray I end up with a man just as amazing and gracious as he was.

I've always been told that people die two deaths- the first one when their heart stops beating and the second one when someone says their name for the very last time. And I know in my heart and soul that my granddaddy will never have a second death. I love you with all my heart granddaddy. I can't wait to meet you.

Megan Coles
Granddaughter

September 11, 2014

Virgil was there the day my Megan was born and I've watched him do his job as a police officer yet so delicately hold Megan in his arms. He knew the compassion that most people in their lifetime, and in this day and age, will never know. The family that he knew and loved is different now, but I made him a promise and that was to always taken care of his family and I will not stop now. Heaven is a better place because he is there and this world lost a great man 17 years ago. I'm a better man just for having the chance to have known him.
You are missed Virgil!

Clay W. Coles

March 4, 2014

Chief Virgil Dobbs was a great man. He loved his boys and his sweet Mother. He didn't see them as often as he wanted to, but he always had them close to his heart.

Virgil also loved his children at school. He went to the schools before it was popular. As the boys would hit high 5 with him and all would call him Virgil, I asked him one time did it bother him that they called him by his first name. He said he absolutely didn't want it any other way. He wanted them to know that if they had no one else to go to, they could come to him. Wish he could have been here longer for them.

I think about him and miss him every day. He taught me to be a better person, to love my friends and to be kind. He led us all with quite conviction. He was and will always be my hero.

I will love you for ever and know that we will be together again one day.

Wanda Dobbs
Wife

March 17, 2013

To the family of Chief Dobbs, please know that we are here for you and that the Chief will never be forgotten!


Surviving Wife
Corporal Matthew Thomson
Mobile Police Dept E.O.W. 2-12-2004

Lee Ann Thompson
AL CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS

March 4, 2013

MY STORY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONES TOLD ON HERE. I REMEMBER THE FATHER WHO WOULD CHASE ME AND HIS SONS AND WRASLE WITH US ON THE FLOOR I REMEMBER MRS BRENDA WAS FIXING A CAKE AND MR DOBBS TOOK A BEATER TO LICK AND GAVE US THE BOWL AN OTHER BEATER TO LICK. SHAUN AND TREY WOULD JUMP ON HIM LIKE HE WAS A JUNGLE JIM HE ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME TO TREAT ME LIKE HE TREATED HIS OWN KIDS IF HE GAVE THEM A HUG HED HUG ME TO.
ONCE MY GRANNY LET MY SISTER SPEND THE NIGHT AND SHE SNOOK OUT THAT NIGHT GRANNY GOT SCARED SO SHE CALLED GRANDMA PARAMORE AND THEN MR VIRGIL DOBBS HE FOUND MY SISTER AND LECTURED HER FOR WORRING GRANNY AND GRANDMA AND THEN TOOK HER HOME. MR DOBBS TOOK HIS JOB VERY SERIOUSLY AND IF HE GOT TO HARSH IN MY AUNT SUES MIND WELL AS ANY GOOD MOTHER WOULD DO SHED GIVE HIM AN EAR FULL HED APPOLIGISE AND PROMISE HER TO DO BETTER. HE RESPECTED HIS MOTHER VERY MUCH SO AND I KNOW SHE MISSES HIM VERY MUCH STILL TODAY. SHAUN AND TREY ARE GROWN NOW WITH KIDS OF THERE OWN AND I KNOW HE WOULD BE SO PROUD OF THEM TODAY! WE MISS YOU MR DOBBS ALWAYS WILL!

PAULA WATSON
COUSIN

November 15, 2012

Just wanted to say that if there is anyone out there that may read this, that could maybe tell me some basic information about my dad, like things he liked, things he did... just somethings that could help me to know him better.... You could leave them on here so I could read it or if you would like you could email them to me at [email protected]. It would be appreciated.


And for the purpose of this page...... Dad, I really wish I could have known you more in life. And, it would have been nice if you could have met your grandchildren, I have told them what I do know about you.
Sincerely your son, Virgil W. Dobbs III

Virgil Dobbs

April 30, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thaks to your friends or sharing their memories and devotion toy ou through their reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 5, 2012

Hey Chief, I know its been a while since I came through but nevertheless, I cant say thank you enough for what you did to allow me to become who I am today. Well Ive come a long way and been through a whole lot.... but when I look back over my career and see all the accomplishments and relaize how much has been done, I stand in awwww at the initital investment you made in me.... I wish you were here to go through it with me.... to see that look of a proud dad who has watched his son grow into a successful man.... well Im gonna stop now.... some may think its crazy to talk to someone who is no longer with us on an internet website as if they are really going to read it.... but anyways....... Thank You!

Commander J. Culbreath
WVC DTF Ozark PD

September 4, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY. THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG SERVICE AND FINAL SACRIFICE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. REST IN PEACE.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

March 4, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

March 3, 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

November 13, 2007

As we approach the anniversary of his death, we pause to honor the memory of Chief Dobbs and to acknowledge his ultimate sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his surviving family members.

May God comfort and keep each of you.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery, AL - Police Department

March 1, 2007

Rest in Peace, Chief Dobbs. Your sacrifice if not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 26, 2006

Wow Chief, I can remeber back in 1993 when I first came on the scene. A young knucklehead from Brooklyn New York now in "Mayberry" wanting to be a cop... I remeber you giving me a ride home after I directed traffic at Wallace College. I told you I wanted to get hired and you told me that you would hire me the next time a slot came open. I then told you that I would not let you down and you said "I know you won't". Next thing you know, 13 years later, here I am. You already know the mountians of accomplishment that I have achieved. I will never forget coming around the curve and starting down that hill on CO Rd 73. I saw your car in the water and never would have imagined what happened. I remeber jumping in the water and getting in the car seeing you in the back window das area. I remeber trying to get you to answer me then lifting your body (still don't know where that strenght came from) out the car and laying you on the roof of the car. Wanda amazed me with her ability to help me do the CPR. When help finally arrived (it seemed like forever) I fell backwards into the water from exhaustion. Then at the hospital, I watched the staff at Flowers do EVERYTHING they could before "calling it" Wow, I also remeber attacking the doctor trying to make him continue working (that was really crazy). I was there with you Chief, just like you were (and still is) there for me. EVERY FIBER OF MY CAREER IS DEDICATED TO YOU!. Chief you are the reason why I am who I am today in law enforcement. I never got a chance to say thank you, so here it goes "THANK YOU CHIEF". I miss you and I will never forget you. Thanks.

Cpl. Jimmy Culbreath
Washington County S.O Florida

April 2, 2006

Chief Dobbs,

I remember the day we were dispatched to your accident. When we arrived on the scene, all of us were in utter shock. I had known you for only a few months when your accident occured. You were are great officer and a good friend to all who knew you. You shall never be forgotten in the hearts of those who knew you.

Midland City Fire-Rescue

February 13, 2006

Rest in peace.

April 27, 2005

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

03/29/04

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 29, 2004