Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Hardesty Family - At the FBI, we receive reminders to remember our fallen. Each year, when I receive that email remembering Rob, I think of you all. Truth be told, I don't need that email as a reminder. I think of you more often than just at that time. I remember the day of the accident and the days that followed. I remember spending time with the girls, trying to get them out of the hospital for a little while. I remember wanting to help as much as I could to ease the pain you all were feeling. This many years later, I want you to know that you have a place in my heart and that I think of you and pray for you all many more days than just the anniversary of the accident. I didn't know Rob personally but being part of the same organization meant that we were bound by ties unseen by most. His family is our family. You are our family and I wanted you to know that you are thought of often.

Anonymous
FBI HRT

May 31, 2024

Tomorrow is your birthday. You would have been 59. Tomorrow I’ll smile and celebrate for you, but today I think I’ll cry for a while and mourn your death.

I’m finally chasing my dreams and letting that artistic ability you gave me take over. I think I got the dream chasing from you too. It’s hard but it’s worth it. I wish you were here to see it. I think you’d be proud of me. I hope so.

I miss you, Dad. I love you. Happy Early Birthday.

Sydney Hardesty

March 15, 2024

Criticism can only make one more humble. Humility and heart are the characters of the soul. Yours, Officer Cook, was honorable, dignified and represented integrity so vital to the tranquility of Dade County citizens. Forty-three years ago sacrifice and achievement built the bridges of truth and trust that have stood the challenges and tests of time so valuable. With a blessed name and stellar performance your legacy stands tall and proud. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 31, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 2, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

June 2, 2020

Rest in peace Special Agent Hardesty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2019

My father was Special Agent Hardesty's field training officer for the Indiana State Police and he always spoke so highly of Rob as he called him.

Years later as a young boy, I still remember Rob coming by with his cruiser when he worked at the Indiana Sheriff's Department and letting me sit in his cruiser and play with the lights.

Special Agent Hardesty was taken too soon and the world is a lesser place without him. Rest in peace my friend.

Officer C. Garza, Jr.
Abington Police Department; Abington, MA

May 20, 2019

Special Agent Robert Russell Hardesty will never ever be forgotten. I truly thank him for his service to our nation as he was training to gain the necessary skills to deal with aviation type situations. Special Agent Hardesty is a hero. May God bless his family, and may his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

March 24, 2018

We are all thinking of you and your family on this day. We are grateful for your service to the FBI and this country. You're never forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

June 2, 2017

I haven't been here for a long time to read reflections and it touched my heart to see that people still come back here to reflect on the great man that you were to so many. I know you see all of the girls' amazing accomplishments and are beaming with pride. You are missed terribly by all of us.

Toni Hardesty
Wife

March 13, 2017

Today myself and another Trooper were "policing" the site where an Indiana Trooper had been killed in 1999 on the Indiana Toll Road. We were preparing the area to install "Memorial Mile" road signs when we noticed a button with SA Hardesty's picture and date of death on it. Someone had laid the button alongside the Trooper's memorial stone. We were both extremely touched by the act and after saying a prayer we cleaned up the button and proudly placed it back on the stone. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We never forget our fallen brothers and we won't forget yours. Rest in Peace SA Hardesty and may God comfort your family.

Sgt. Nora Werner
Indiana State Police

February 23, 2017

After 11.5 years, I think of you often, brother. We worked the al-Marri case together, and really enjoyed it. I hope all is well with your family, they're (still) in our thoughts and prayers.

S/A Eric O.
FBI & ISP

December 12, 2016

Your physical body is gone, but I believe your spirit watches over your family and the officers who have followed in your footsteps. Thank you, Sir, for your service then when you were here on this plane of existence and thank you still for your continued Service as you watch over officers currently in the line of duty everywhere.....

Pyrographer Rosanne Troncoso Corpus
Police and Military Images

June 3, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 2, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with "51" while he was at Porter County Sheriff's Department. He was then and will always be one of my favorite officers. I've thought of him many times over the years and will always say a special prayer for him and his family. RIP 51, until we meet again....

Christine Wilson
Former PCSP 911

October 30, 2013

Eight years ago today we were told the horrible news that would change our lives forever. We appreciate the eight days following this day so that we were able to slowly say our goodbyes to you. This year is hitting me extra hard with so many more changes. Our first born is graduated from high school last week and off to college across the country in just a few short months.....something you should have been here for. Missing you more than ever today and everday.

Toni Hardesty
Wife

May 25, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 15, 2012

I knew Rob from High School. He will be missed and was heart breaking that this happened to him. He was a good person and many of his classmates knew he would go far in life with what he wanted to do. Prayers always for his family.

Christopher Collins
Classmate; Portage High School, class of 83.

April 19, 2012

I met you nine years ago this month, while I was down from the Chicago FO working a CT case with you (and others) out of the Peoria RA. I still remember when I got the news about your tragic accident. Your untimely loss was devastating to all those who knew you, personally and professionally. You and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Former SA Eric Oller
FBI - Chicago, IL

December 19, 2011

....A bittersweet day today. It has brought a wave of pain remembering just how much we lost nearly 6 years ago. The actions of one man destroyed many lives....both directly and indirectly but we must remember that the action of one can also make a huge difference in the world for good...just as you did. I will never stop loving you or missing you. I am constantly reminded just how lucky I was when I met you 25 years ago and became your wife 19 years ago. You will always be our hero and will be missed every moment of every day.

Toni Hardesty
Surviving Spouse, FBI SA Rob Hardesty (EOW 6/2/05)

May 2, 2011

Uncle Rob my friends 3 year ann. of his death was just the other day, and while I've been having a hard time dealing with that it always leads me back to you! I think about you often and I will continue to daily until I see you again! I can't wait till that day comes! I admire Aunt Toni, Sydney and Car for their strength! I know you are proud of all of them as are we all! I love you and miss you so much! Keep that crazy friend of mine in line up there please :)

Bryanne
Niece

March 1, 2010

Rob,

Life is difficult without you here. I miss you and Love you very much. "Go Cowboys"

Milligan "Biscuit"

David Milligan
Friend

February 25, 2010

You will never be forgotten Rob...
Your 3 girls will always be in our prayers.

Anonymous

June 8, 2009

I just wanted to let your family and friends know that there are many out there who know the pain that you feel today. My brother Roger was killed 4 years ago today on June 2nd. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many folks who care. I pray that God will bless you with many precious happy memories to help fill your heart "especially today".

Judy Coleman
Sister of Roger Lynch

June 3, 2009

To Special Agent Robert Russell Hardesty, his family and his fellow officers with the United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Special Agent Hardesty’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Special Agent Hardesty and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

June 2, 2009