Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In 1996 Bob & I stood side by side, in ranks, outside the chapel, during the funeral service for fallen CPD Ptl Hilary Cudnik.

During that time in ranks, I told Bob that once a citizen had asked me what it was like going to work knowing I might be killed. I told the citizen that I stayed home on those days. Of course, it was said tongue in cheek.

Bob said, "yeah, if we knew ... but, you don't know you just never know."

Two years later when Bob was gunned down within a mile of my home I cried. I asked myself, "How many more?"

I will never forget you Robert Clark. All you did was just go to work. The world weeps. jim

Ofc Jim Snively
Cleveland Public utilities Police

December 13, 2008

RIP.You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

November 3, 2008

I am running off to a meeting for work but wanted to leave you a note. Kind of silly and probably only good for people that leave them but it makes me at least feel better at times. It would be nice to know you read your mail-can you give me a sign some day soon on that?????? Well we burind Ken about a month ago. Mom is continuing on without you both. I know she goes to the grave site every day to lay flowers on your graves since you both are beside one another. I went before we buried Ken and laid flowers on your grave as I do when I am home. It was hard to have the burial out of Our lady of Angels since it reminded us of when we buried you. It was also hard to leave you and come home but I guess your spirit is not even there but floating around us all the time seeing us and giving us signs.
Sean came home from Iraq safe. He was all most killed the first months into the convoys. He was lucky on his convoy one night. I prayed you would be his guardian angel and that proved true. He ended up saving one of his guys who happened to be from Cleveland and knew what happend to you. Sean woudl share teh Plain Dealer with the kid when Granny sent it. I thought of you when Sean told me he carried the kid to the medical tent. I guess he has a lot of you in him and I guess he always did. You were very close to him. He sure loved you a lot. You would be very proud of him since he choose his country to seve as you did.
Well I am busy working and to say the least am lucky to have a job under the circumstances of our country. Plan to retire to the farm some time soon. You would love it. i plant things and think of you and how we always compared notes on planting. We have found CIVIL War artifacts on the farm. You would be digging up my farm if you were still alive-we kid about that all the time.
Well I miss you and love you still so very much. Kiss and hug. Love Mare (your oldest sis)

Mary Clark Forbes
sister-oldest

September 24, 2008

RIP

Anonymous

September 8, 2008

I met Detective Clark's widow, Cathy, many years ago while I was living in Cleveland. Although, I think of her and his family often, I have not talked with her or seen her in years. This morning for some unknown reason I was drawn to this web page. I read the reflection from Emad Baddour and realized this is why I was drawn to the page. I work as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Franklin County, Ohio, in the juvenile division. I became a lawyer after my husband, Sgt. Marc Muncy died in the line of duty. I decided to become a prosecutor, more specifically a juvenile court prosecutor, because I wanted to make a difference. Most of the time I do not feel that I am making a difference at all. The officers I speak with seem to feel the same way. I printed the message from Emad and have posted it on my door (along with a picture of Det. Clark) so that I can be reminded that He made a difference and hopefully, this will inspire myself and others to continue to use their words, as they may just be affective. This young man's posting was powerful and a wonderful testiment to the kind of officer and more important the kind of man, Detective Clark was.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin County

August 11, 2008

10 years my friend, you will never be forgotten, god bless you and your family forever...............................

450
cpd

July 18, 2008

You have not been forgotten.
R.I.P

Kathleen Rocky River, Oh

July 13, 2008

After reading the reflection left by Emad,I again realize that it is these actions my brother use to take, that now keep him living on in so many of us. The reflection came at the 10 year anniversary of a life taken far too early. But it again makes me realize the quiet strength my brother possessed. I don't even think he ever realized the impact he made on so many people. Though he could be mistaken as a bit hard, that was all exterior. Rob had a heart so big and only ever wanted good to come for people. Thank you, Emad, for sharing the story. It is those stories that I have my kids look at and tell them not to forget the Uncle they never really got to know. It is those kinds of things Rob did that I teach my kids about, hoping that as they become young adults, they take with them the traits of one of the finest men I ever knew....

sister

July 7, 2008

This note is for Emad----
Dear Emad,
We read what you wrote about our brother. He knew you all called him ROBO COP-believe me he knew. He also always had hope that some of you could turn around since as you state you faced jail and/or death. There were many a time he told us about what he was up to on the street trying to make sure the drug trade was slowed down in the area. Not an easy task by any means.
I remember your Mom and Dad and Rob loved them a lot. He also knew your Dad was heart broken over your life on the street. He tried to help your father to make sure the streets were safe since you all lived there and he had a business but he also was helping since your father wanted you to turn out well. You were breaking our brother's heart since he knew you could be better.
I respected your father a lot and hoped you found a better way in life. I wondered many times what happened to you.
I am glad that you are becoming the man your father knew you could be and the one that Rob had hopes for. Hopefully you can try to make a change for at least 1 person in your life since even 1 can make an impact on the world-as you have seen with Rob.
Thank you for the message and thank you for not taking the easier path in life-one of crime. Yes I called it easy. Living a life you are proud of is hard no matter if you are from the Inner City or a rich person. Life has good and bad-it is how you deal with it and what you stood for in the end. The path you have taken now is harder since it will have highs and lows-but you have chosen not to take the quick easy way out in life. You have to be admired for this.
Good luck on your path in life. Keep us updated.
Love,
Mary Clark Forbes

Mary Forbes
sister

July 7, 2008

I meant to read the new reflections last week. But after all this time, it is still a little hard to do. I thought that again, this would make me very sad. This time, though, I was given the best surprise. I read the post from Emadd. The story told was the very being of my brother. He could often times let you know he was there, ready to bust you,(especially a baby sister to rat on) but the real reason he did these things was because he cared. He cared about people and their well being, and even though he saw so much negative in his daily life as a cop, I know from talking with him, that just saving a life that was doomed to the environment he worked in was what made him truly shine as the amazing life he was. It is those stories that are shared that keep him alive in my heart. It is those qualities that I tell my kids about, hoping that they take a small piece of that goodness forward with them, into their adulthood.

sister

July 6, 2008

This is the 10th anniversary of your taking earned wings
and joining St. Michaels Department in heaven. It is not
the way you died that is the measure of your worth as a
police officer, a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a man
but the way you lived your life. The seeds you planted with your caring are still growing and blooming in wonderful ways.
Your memory will live on in hearts and minds every where. Your
wisdom still guides and will forever.

July 1, 2008

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are thought of this 10 year anniversary date of your death... your memory will never be forgotten.

Officer Gerbec
Cleveland Police Department

July 1, 2008

Dear Rob, It will be ten years and it seems like yesterday and since you've been gone we've lost several more good young officers to the violence in Cleveland. I hope you'll look down on all the others and guard them from evil.I read Jerry's reflection about all the guys you got with the drawings and Lord knows I'm one,but I ain't mad at you. Instead I framed a couple of them and put them on my walls at home.You have a beautiful family and wonderful kids,you should be very proud.Miss you brother,Dennis

Det.Dennis Sweeney#1652-Ret.
C.P.D.

May 26, 2008

Dear family of Robert Clark and you too "Robo-Cop",

My name is Emad Baddour. This note is long over due. You see, Robert Clark used to chase me and my friends around Madison Ave. We used to call him "Robo-Cop." He has arrested and sent several of my child hood friends to prison, and he has also arrested me on more than one occasion. We used to hate Robert Clark because he hated us.

One day, I was in court on a case that Officer Clark arrested me on. I'll never forget it. It was in Judge Angela Stoke's courtroom. I was there on a misdemeanor, only 18 years old. I couldn't stand "Robo-Cop" because I felt that he had unfairly arrested me and just knew that he hated me with a passion.

Before court started that day, something really weird happened. Officer Clark came up to me and tried to start a conversation. Back then, we didn't talk to police officers so I just tried to ignore him. But I couldn't help but notice that something was different in his tone and the sincerity of his voice. He told me that he had not lost hope in me and that he believed that it was not too late for me to turn my life around, and that I could be something in life. That morning is when I realized that Officer Clark didn't hate me at all. In retrospect, he wanted to see me turn my life around, not only turn my life around, but to excel in life. But wait a minute, "this is the same guy that hated me right?" That's what I thought up until that day and chances are that's what most street kids think about the police officers who frequent their ghettos.

Believe it or not, looking back on my life, his words were the beginning, the thresh hold for me turning my life around. I thought he hated us, when in reality, he wanted to see us do well. It is because of Officer Clark's words that I have completely changed my life around. He believed in me and cared enough to let me know it when I already had one foot in the grave.

It's funny how just speaking life, speaking words and setting expectations into a kid from the inner city with one foot already in the grave, can spark something inside of that person to completely turn their life around. I don't know who will read this, hopefully some police officers, but please speak life into those kids growing up in bad neighborhoods like Officer Clark did for me. Tell them that they can go on to do something Big with their lives and let them know that you care, and they will appreciate you for it. Chances are, no one's ever told them that before. No one's ever told them that they can do something with their lives.

Keep in mind, all of my friends were fatherless, and a lot of their mothers were on crack. The odds are already stacked against them. Say what you want, but kids in the ghetto begin to develop bad habits at a very very young age. WE become products of our environments and begin to lose hope in the future so we start living day-to-day. Chances are, the only opportunity for anyone to speak life over these kids will have to come from a police officer. No one else will do it. No one cares. Everyone avoids that part of town and can care less that these kids are crying out for anyone to show them that they care. They have already been labeled losers, animals, thugs, killers, etc. etc. so all they can do is try to live up to those expectation to the best of their abilities. I know it sounds sad but it's the truth. Officer Clark's caring words changed my life and I know that other officers can do the same thing by simply encouraging inner city youth that they can do well in life. Just words is all it takes sometimes. It's a great place to start.

I want whoever reads this to know that I have had this on my heart since Officer Clark's death and that he did not die in Vain. His words sparked something in me to change. He made me believeand because of that, one day soon I will be speaking to inner city kids and telling them exactly what Robert Clark said to me, that they can be something in life, and that they shouldn't settle for less. Thanks "Robo-Cop", you didn't hate me after all. If it wasn't for you words, I would definitely be dead or in jail. Now I get to change the world like you have. Thank you man. God bless.

Emad Baddour
Madison Ave.

May 26, 2008

Where are you tonight? I wish I could see you and talk to you. I really miss you and just need to hang out with you for our heart to heart chats. Do you know how very much you are missed every day? I hope there is some way that you do so you know that you were never just shoved away after death in a secret place to stay and never to be talked about again. We all try to keep your memory alive and we still wish we could change what happened.
Your children are doing well. They would rather have you with them but they carry on. You should be very proud of them. Mom carries on with all her duties and trials of her life. Pat is doing well but I know she wants to have you be with her and comfort her at times. Barb I think is lost without you-you meant a lot to her as a brother. Ali and Bunky are doing well in school too. Barb's kids all have kids-how weird is that-we must be getting old. Sean is in Iraq-I told him before he went you would be his gurdian angel and that proved true. John still thinks of you and how you both worked so hard in law enforcement. All your best freinds in law enforcement still cannot believe you are gone. So little brother I guess I have to wait to see you again but will still keep you hidden in my heart forever. Love you more than the Sun, Moon and Stars. Sis.

Mary Forbes
sister

April 15, 2008

To the Clark Family
With the recent death of Officer Owens I am sure that it brings up the terrible memories of Rob's passing. I thought it would be nice to know that You have always been in my prayers and will continue to be there.
God Bless

P.O. Melissa Dawson #426
CPD

March 28, 2008

I remeber the day of the funeral. I was eight years old and it seemed like the whole world stopped at least in the neighborhood because, all you could here was a channel five chopper hovering way up in the sky and then you heard all of those old Whelen 227's start up for the procession. This is a memory I will never forget.

M. Wolff

March 23, 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 31, 2007

To the family of Rob, especially his sisters, I am so sorry for your loss. I have read your posts and the site for Rob, in tears! The love and admiration you had for your brother is obvious. Thank you for memorializing his life in such a woderful way!

Margery Gerbec
Cleveland Police Officer

June 24, 2007

Since we were kids I have lived my life trying to be just a fraction of the kind and wonderful person my brother was. His life was taken in the ultimate sacrifice,and with it went a part of my heart. I will always continue to try to live my life by the example my brother set forth for me. He was truely a gift from Heaven, given to this earth for a short time.

Patricia A. Conte
sister

June 19, 2007

Rob,I keep the secret of Falcon Comics safe. Thanks for riding with me to this day and keeping me safe. I feel proud having you as my Guardian Angel.

P.O. Michael Simon 1025
Cleveland Police Dept.

June 11, 2007

I still talk to you everyday. Sometimes, I can feel you right here with me. I miss you so very much. Sometimes I can make myself believe it's just not real. But then, when that "something" twisted and funny happens-that something so strange that only you would "get it" and laugh with me about it, I realize that I dont have you to call anymore. No one quite got the things we'd giggle (or heckle) about like you did. That's when I miss you most......

sister

May 17, 2007

Rob, It has been over 8 years and you have not been forgotten! There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of you, and your family. We spent several years on the street together, fighting the fight, as you were known to the community, you certainly were a ROBO-COP, I guess someone in heaven needed a super strong cop and you were chosen. I dont think many officers can say that they couldnt wait to get to work, and that they enjoyed everyday working the street. You are a great friend, and I truely miss you! I continue to admire what a great father and husband you were, and I am fortunate to have had all the good times together. Your FALCON COMICS will live on, many of victims fell to your pen, and I still am to blame. God Bless you Rob, I will never forget that terrible night!

Sergeant Jerry Zarlenga
cleveland police dept

April 23, 2007

Dear Bill
Rob loved you with all his heart. You all worked hard to help children in need and you still carry that on. Those important deeds are remembered. Rob is still with all of us and knows what you have accomplished and still is there to laugh with you.

Dear Dylan,
You are important to Rob since you are his son's friend. Little Rob has memories and his Dad's good deeds for a rememberance. Those can never replace a Dad being there. By you being little Rob's friend and caring for him-you have become Rob's hero. Remember all the good examples big Rob has given to all of us--and to try to make changes in life and help people. You cannot help everyone-but even if you help just one person like you are helping little Rob-then you are a hero.
Love,
Mary Clark Forbes
(Rob's Oldest Sis)

Mary Clark Forbes
Oldest Sister to Rob

April 11, 2007

Rob you were a big influence in my life at Berea Childrens Home. Lori and I think of you always.

Bill
Friend

March 27, 2007