Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, December 7, 1999
Reflections for Police Officer Roberto Luis Calderon
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The Policeman's Last Roll Call....
The Policeman stood and faced his god, which must always come to pass. He
hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass. "Step foward
now Policeman. How shall I deal with you ? Have you always turned the other
cheek? To my church have you been true ?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I haven'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 awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around anyways,
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me 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 had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."
Offcr. C. Casiano
Miami-Dade Police Dept.
December 19, 2006
Robert:
It is hard to believe you have been gone for seven years. It seems like only yesterday we ran into each other at Kendall station at the gas pumps one night, where we spent an hour catching up and reminiscing about our academy days together. I was so devastated when I received a phone call in the middle of the night a week later from one of our classmates who told me you had been killed. You were a wonderful guy with an infectious smile and a great sense of humor. May you rest peacefully for eternity. I will remember your beautiful smile until we meet again.
Officer Annie Starnes
MDPD
December 14, 2006
Aman remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.
December 7, 2006
Rest in peace, you are not forgotten.....
Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly (Va.) Police Department
December 7, 2006
Fallen but NEVER forgotten.
Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's
December 6, 2006
You were so good to me. YOU are still greatly missed.
Osiris
September 9, 2006
Robert, December 7, for most of us that knew you, is a day that will forever be of infamy. We lost a brother in brown that day, senseless as your death, you have left a positive impression in all that knew you, and I can’t help thinking of you as I drive past your intersection. I remember you well, in the academy ( at the College) as we ran up and down the stairs, while you worked off duty at the Mall or as back up when I was in COPS, you were always there…. Sleep well now… and keep the streets of Heaven safe until the rest of us can join you.
Sergeant Miguel Maldonado
Metro-Dade Police Department
January 17, 2006
It's been five an half years since the day, and every time our old squad get together we always talk about the things we all did together and all the great adventures we did. You are truly missed. you have left a great legacy on this earth and I know god has rewarded you greatly on in heaven for your Sacrifice, rest in peace my friend and I will see you in heaven. 5/23/2005
Detective Aaron Mancha
Miami-Dade Police Department
May 24, 2005
It's been five an half years since the day, and every time our old squad get together we always talk about the things we all did together and all the great adventures we did. You are truly missed. you have left a great legacy on this earth and I know god has rewarded you greatly on in heaven for your Sacrifice, rest in peace my friend and I will see you in heaven. 5/23/2005
Detective Aaron Mancha
Miami-Dade Police Department
May 24, 2005
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the chidren of God.
Lieutenant Shirley Key
Miami Dade Police Department
December 29, 2004
Rest in peace, brother.
Officer K.A. Lokey
Norfolk Police Department, Virginia
December 16, 2004
Thank you for giving us the ultimate sacrifice. Growing up in Miami I always wanted to be a "metro" cop. I remember reading in the Herald when you passed away. Now I am a police officer and although we never met, I want to thank you for keeping me and my family safe. May God be with you and your family.
Officer Christian Lemus
Raleigh Police Department
November 28, 2004
A TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN OFFICER AND TO AN ANGEL UP IN THE SKY:
Four years ago on December 7, 1999 I lost my best friend. If only for "today" instead of finding myself in a lost place full of tears, I thought to HONOR him here by sharing with others the type of man he was: Robert was a sweet, kind, strong person. He was also a funny guy, and loved adventure. Everyone who knew him loved him and trusted him, I was no exception. Robert was a listener, the kind of friend you could confide in and count on for anything. He also had this wisdom about him and when he would talk people would listen. He loved life...he had a wonderful spirit . He was passionate as he was caring, considerate, patient and understanding. He had grace and a certain power about his presence when he would walk into a room. Robert was a dignified man with great morals and values. He was dedicated to his family and sacrificed a lot for them. I applaude him for his great courage and dedication. He loved music , food and he also had a great sense of humor. Often we would joke and talk just about anything...he would always say that the speed limit he felt comfortable with was "77" and my reply would be.."yeah mines too" ...he would just give me that look the "fernando look"( thats another story) ...and would laugh. Robert was an old wise, young man and a kid at heart. He also loved candy, especially the sour kind, the "warheads black cherry" to be specific. Often as he could and because he could, he would obtain candy from me. He loved them so much I would prepare a special order just for him w/ his favorites. Robert was also a great father, His children meant the world to him, as lilly was "daddys little girl" and as he would say Sean was "his buddy". He wanted for his children what he never had. Robert worked hard, for as long as I knew him he always had his "regular" job and "TWO" part-times, all in a weeks work. He was a great provider. Robert is one of those people who you meet only ONCE in a life time. I feel , "IAM" a better person because of him; he made all the diffrence. Robert believed in me and would always make me feel like I could accomplish anything....he showed a great deal of support when my mother was ill. His devoted attention, his protection and his "zest" is so very much missed. I could be here all day writing nothing but nice things about him...that was just Robert. I only wish I could talk with more people who knew you so that I may become blissfully lost with more memories of you. To see you again Robert even for a moment, I would buy you all the candy in the world making you a path that leads to my door, To feel your warm embrace and hear you call my name I would filled the ocean full of hibiscus and make you a bed where you can lay.
I WILL "NEVER" FORGET YOU, UNDOUBTEDLY YOU WILL ALWAYS BE CONSTANTLY ON MY MIND! YOU LIVE IN MY HEART. KEEP YOUR GLORIOUS GRACE AROUND ME AND TOGETHER WE SHOULD WALK. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THE LEAST I CAN DO IS GIVE YOU WHAT YOU FOR SO LONG INSPIRED IN ME. I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU.
Osiris
December 7, 2003
Roberto, Roberto, Roberto:
How time has rewritten every word but one thing is certain, not even time will change the fact that I will always have you in heart, spirit and soul.
I dont know how others cope with your absence but for me it is still extremely difficult. I continue to spend my nights awake wondering, why????!!!!
I think of you everyday and I remember your eyes, your smile vividly. I am so proud and grateful for your existence. Iam honored and especially thankful to God for having you in my life. Iam only one among the many people who love you and respect you.
The other day I saw this and again instantly I thought of you... "If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, Id walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again." I MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU ROBERT !!!!
I cherrish you always but even more so today, the darkest day of my entire life...12/07/03
Osiris
December 6, 2003
Rest in peace. Thank You for your service.
Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
December 5, 2003
You made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers in the Miami-Dade Police Department.
10/03 AC
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
October 14, 2003
ROBERTO WAS A MEMBER OF OUR DEPARTMENT'S HONOR GUARD. I GOT TO KNOW HIM IN THAT CAPACITY. HE WAS A VERY HAPPY AND KIND MAN. HE IS MISS BY US ALL. SOME OF US DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE-------- TAKE CARE ROBERTO AND GOD BLESS. IT STILL HURTS.
DETECTIVE VALERIE CUMMINGS
MIAMI-DADE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Robert was a nice guy and a great cop and I think of him often, especially when I hear any two people talk about movies, which is what I remember most. Robert had a great deal of wisdom and experience to share with this department if only he had gotten the chance. He will always be missed.
Sergeant Denise Bernhard
Miami-Dade Police Department
Hope sees through the clouds to the mountain tops,and journeys...over the high peaks, knowing that on the other side...a green valley awaits. 06-05-2002 Happy Birthday! Osiris
OSIRIS
Robert was and will always be in my opinion...One of a kind man. He always went to great lengths in helping others! He did his job extremely well and in a more personal level He could never be compared nor replaced! Loosing him was/is a great loss not just for me but for the entire comunity. Its been a little over 2 years since you left...I often wonder and ask god why did it have to be you? But I guess heaven at the time was short of an angel...! You are without question exquisite and you are without question my angel! My thoughts and prayers always go out to the family...but specially to Sean and Lilly.
Osiris Sanabria >>>>forever friends!
It's been nearly two years, Robert, and we still miss you and think about you every day. We are thankful for all the things in our lives that remind us of you: you will never be forgotten!
Letitia Calderon, sister-in-law
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