Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Captain Robbie Edward Bishop

Villa Rica Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, January 20, 1999

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Captain Robbie Edward Bishop

Robbie, though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, you touched my life and never even knew it. It is widely known that you were and will always be recognized as a legend and a hero for your diligent, passionate work in drug-interdiction and the training of other officers.



As the wife of a police officer, I have been aggravated by missed holidays and late nights and fussed.... when what I should be doing is living each day as though it may be our last.
I was so touched by the stories from my husband and other officer's that attended your funeral about how you had reassured your wife and children that you would always see them again someday and would be waiting for them in heaven.
What a gift you've given during your time here on earth, to any child that may have turned away from drugs because of you or anyone's life you've saved by putting them in jail and keeping them from harming themselves or those around them..... and what a gift you have given to your wife & children and family to give them the guarantee of being with them eternally, in Heaven.



You are a Hero, Robbie and shall be remembered as such.…

Tracey Weathers
Wife of Police Officer

Robbie even though we never met. I will always remember the desire you had to keep drugs off the streets for tomorrow's generations. Your Dream and Fight to do so will go on. This I promise you. May God's peace and love be with those love ones you left behind.

Patrolman Stephen Ayers
Fairmount Police Department, GA

Although I have never met you, you gave the ultimate sacrifice to your department and your country.



The Final Inspection



The officer stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.



"Step forward now, Officer,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my church have you been true?"



The officer squared his shoulder and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry badges

can't always be a saint.



I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was rough,

And sometimes I've been violent

Because the streets are tough.



But I never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep.

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

when the bills got to steep.



And I never passed a cry for help

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept an unmanly tear.



I know I don't deserve a place

among the people here.

They never wanted me around

except to calm their fear.



If you've a place for me here, Lord,

it needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't... I'll understand.



There was silence all around the throne,

where the saints often trod.

As the officer waited quietly

for the judgment of his God.



"Step forward now, Officer.

You've borne your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell".

Lt. C. Hall

Robbie, I moved here to Georgia to start my career in law enforcement. When I met you and heard your stories about the job, I became more hungry to be in this field. I applied with Villa Rica because I wanted to work with you and learn from you. They weren't hiring, but it is okay just the same. I feel blessed having felt your energy and motivation to be the good guy, and I was more secure than ever in the thought that I was headed down the right path. My friends, since your death, have asked me "...are you sure you still want to do this?" in regards to my chosen career path. My response to them is a resounding "yes.. now more so than ever." We have to fight the good fight, my friend, and knowing that my brothers and sisters will be by my side always, as they were with you, is comforting enough that I can carry on. Since I have decided to pursue this career, I have felt more love and camaraderie than I ever felt in my real family life. This, I now know, is how a real family should be. I miss you



I love you, Robbie...we all do.

Detention Officer Ruth Eppison
Roswell Police Department, GA

The Blue Warrior



"And when I stood this lonely post,

with pride full in my heart.

I placed myself in harms opened arms,

to fulfill my destined part.

I stood my ground, I fought my war,

I took my chances true.

And all I've lost and all I've gained,

I did it all for you.

So when you see the warriors deeds,

and his armour made of blue.

Remember that the war he fought,

was fought and won for you!"



Allen Woffard, SentryCorp

1-28-98



God bless the warrior and his family.

Allen Woffard
SentryCorp

Thank you for battling to keep drugs out of not only your community, but everywhere. Untold numbers of people never had the drugs made available to them because of your dedication. Though I never met you, I can easily recognize the obvious - you are an American hero.

Anonymous

No one person could ever describe Robbie and the type of person and officer he was. He was larger than life. I myself worked with him for two years and had no idea how great of a person he really was. He is the officer so many of us strive to be. He is a hero to me in a world where a hero is hard to find. Heaven recruited one great soldier the day Robbie passed away. Robbie, please watch over us all, and whisper a prayer for us when you see us in need. In two words, Thank you!

Sgt. Jesse Hambrick
Villa Rica Police Department, GA

Rob has given me and several of friends so much knowledge and information that I can not believe what i am reading. But he will no longer have to sell VHS tapes to help pay for the law suits. He will no longer have to worry about a lawyer trying to get the evidence suppressed. He will no longer have to worry about chasing the bad guys. Just worry about the ones you left behind, and hope that some day we will join you in the heavenly force that awaits us all.



Thanks so much !!!

Patrolman Joe Smith
Columbus Police Department, GA

"Now the laborer's task is over;

  Now the battle day is past;

Now upon the farther shore

  Lands the voyager at last.

Father, in Thy gracious keeping

Leave we now thy servant sleeping."



"I will always remember you Robbie."

Detective Lorraine Floyd
Eton Police Department, GA

EVEN THOUGH WE ONLY SPOKE BY PHONE,I FELT THAT I KNEW YOU NOT ONLY AS AN OFFICER BUT AS A FRIEND. YOU GAVE YOUR ALL TO YOUR JOB. WE WILL ALL GREATLY MISS YOU ROBBIE.

Anonymous

Thank you Robbie for all of your hard work and the wealth of information that you shared with us all. You will continue to be with us daily and we will all continue your fight.

K9 Unit
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA

Dear Robbie,


You have taught me a lot over the past few years, not just how to be a good cop but how to be a friend. Though we just got to see each other a few times a year, it was something I always looked forward to. You were and will be a hero in my eyes and those of us who knew you. For those who didn't:

Robbie wasn't just a dedicated cop,

He was a dedicated husband to Lisa,

He was a dedicated father to his children, Cody and Lauren.

He was a dedicated friend to Bruce, Justin, Dale and others,

He was a dedicated instructor to new interdiction officers,

He was a dedicated mentor to those whom he had taught,

He was a dedicated partner to the officers he worked with,

He was a dedicated member of his community and church,

And most of all he was a dedicated Christian.

So Robbie I can't say Goodbye, but like the preacher said, See ya buddy.

God Speed.

Mike Yother
TN

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13



I knew Robbie as a friend and fellow law enforcement officer and I am honored to call him a friend. He wore the badge of many and did so with pride and honor. His sacrifice is the highest price paid for freedom. This country and the State of Georgia should pay heed to the sound of the trumpet sounding. Each citizen should honor such heros that give their lives so that we may enjoy ours.



God Bless you my friend. You will always be remembered.

SSG Marvin Wideman
US Army

Somebody killed a policeman today and part of America died. A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side. The suspect who shot him will stand up in court with counsel demanding his rights. While a young widowed mother must work for her kids and spend many long lonely nights. The beat that he walked was a battlefield too, just as if he'd gone off to war. Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-staff, to his name they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, it happened in your town or mine. While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line. Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street and he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call and gave us his all and part of America died. ++ Robbie... you don't have to watch your back anymore…

Judge
GA Court System

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE ITS BEEN OVER TWO YEARS SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. YOUR LIFE AND YOUR DEDICATION ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE AND INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US. I KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER US AND SMILING DOWN AS WE CONTINUE THE FIGHT. OUR CONTINUED PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.

Cpl John Peters and K-9 Esso
Berkeley County Sheriffs Office

Dear Capt. Robbie "ICEMAN" Bishop,

I wish to let your family and friends know that still today, several years past that terrible day in 1999, you are still a role model and a hero to officers pressing the fight against the drug world. I have worked in law enforcement for 15 years and anytime I need to get motivated I watch your videos, and lookout mules I get pumped. Here it is May 2003 and you are still the king! To your family, we will never forget your beloved father/husband or his will to win the war on drugs. May God bless you and always know that you are in our prayers.. Keep us safe Captain, as we press the fight to win the war. "SEMPER FI", MARINE, "SEMPER FI"

K-9 SGT. C Scott Baggett
Hapersville Police Department, ALABAMA

K-9 SGT C. Scott Baggett
Harpersville Police Department

I just completed a drug interdiction class here in Charlotte, NC
taught by one of your instructors Harry Walters. I saw several videos of you in action. Man you had skills out of this world. I can honestly say I learned something. I am truly sadden by your death and will pray for you and your family. You really were a skilled officer and really made a big difference in the world and i truly believe you are a real hero.


God bless
MotorOfficer
MCSO

Motor Officer
MCSO

Captain Bishop, It's A honor to be able to talk to you, even if we never met. Your legacy leaves through every TAC Officer on this team. Just tonight, I watched video footage of your techniques. I usually do so when I need a little motivation on a slow day. Yesterday, I told a fellow TAC officer we need a little of Robbie's spirit with us today. On behalf of my fellow team member's, thanks for your inspiration and devotion, you'll always be the best. God truly blessed with you.

TAC-5 Jonathan M. Richardson
Davidson County Sheriffs Office

I remember watching Captain Bishops Interdiction tapes as far back as 1993. I was stunned to hear of his death when I just attended a Drug Interdiction class at the South Carolina Police Academy. I just wanted to say that Capt. Bishop's efforts to stop drug smugglers, has not ended with his death. Past, Present, and Future Officers will continue to learn from him. Those officers will keep his memory alive with every case they make. "Blessed are the Peace Keepers"

Ptl. Robert Porter
Clemson Police Department

Robbie,
It seems like just yesterday when I was calling to ask you a question about a stop, what to look for or hidden compartments.

K-9 roxie retired this past August due to health reasons and is enjoying a life of retirement at home with my son. I wish CJ had the opportunity to meet you so maybe he would understand why Daddy does the job he does.

You are an inspiration. I still watch the video's to keep me motivated and putting to work all that you taught me over the years.

I still think of you as a great friend and miss you dearly. My best wishes go out to Lauren, cody and Lisa.

I hope to see you one day working the beat on Heavens Streets.

Rest in Peace Warrior, rest in Peace. The Fight Continues.

Love ya Brother.

Curtis Endicott
K-9 Officer.

Ptl. Curtis Endicott
Acworth Police

By these reflections we lost a true cop who led by example. God bless to your family and co-workers. Robbie you rest in peace for we have the watch now. Job well done.

Inv, Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

Robbie,

You are not forgotten. You still continue to touch the lives of officers. I viewed a tape of you and multiple drug seizures in a drug interdiction class. You enjoyed your work and your ambition showed. But, more importantly your ambition is used as a training tool on how to be the best. We can all only strive to be as good at drug interdiction as you were Robbie. God bless you, your wife, and your children. May they know that you are always at their side keeping them safe.

Police Officer
Kansas City MO PD

It is very heartbreaking to hear that you passed away the way you did. Although I never met you I feel as though, as a brother officer, we have known each other always. I've seen your videos teaching us of drug interdictions. I've been part of the courses that were conducted by your partners in motor vehicle stops. Throughout the training and ever since I have always been aware of the way you were brought down. I will never erase that from my mind. Again although we have never met, even with your death you have taught me a lesson. To come home at the end of my shift alive and to be aware that ANYTHING can happen no matter how good of a cop you are. Thank you Robbie.

Sgt. Scott McGovney

Sgt. Scott McGovney
Barrington, RI

Last week, Oct 8-10 2002, I attended a commercial motor vehicle interdiction class and one of your tapes was played. We watched while you discussed tactics and tips of the trade. After we finished the class the members of my agency all hopped into our cars and got on I-95 to come home. 10 minutes into our trip we spotted two semi's running together and made traffic stops on both trucks. The driver of the truck I stopped had no money or dope on him but he had several prior arrests, we checked thru EPIC. The driver of the other truck fainted when the other officers found his hidden stash of 1.25 million in cash. It's been 3 and 1/2 years since you left us but you're still taking dope and money off the streets by teaching us. You'll never be forgotten.

Anonymous

We are still learning from you. It was almost super human how you cleared drugs and money.

Thank you, and God Bless your family.


Virginia State Police

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