Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

#51,
Thinking of you on the eve of your EOW. You are missed brother and will never be forgotten. #33

Steve Ford
Porter County Sheriff's Dept.

June 1, 2009

Rob,

I thought of your sacrifice & looked down to see your EOW approaching. I thought of your family, their loss, & how things will move forward, but never be the same. I wish for their healing & then the protection of those protecting.

Sr. Security Specialist J B Hamblin
FedEx Security/Seymour (IN) PD 88-04

May 29, 2009

You will not be forgotten, Rob. Thank you for your service. My prayers are with the Hardesty family.

Special Agent
FBI - WFO

March 18, 2009

Reflecting This Day...
Always Missed, Always Remembered, Never Forgotten.
Gods Blessings on You and Your Family!
Peace

anon

June 2, 2008

Rob and Family,

We remember all of you today on this 3rd anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, you are a hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - Sgt Dan Figgins EOW 4/9/05

June 2, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 20, 2008

Perhaps I didn't know Rob as well as many others who have posted before me, or those who will post after me. I saw Rob only at family events, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, but never took the time to get to know him well. I was very "familiar" with him, but didn't "know" him. Perhaps that is why I am posting today, due to a regret of mine, because I had the chance to know him, but never took the opportunity.

Today for no apparent reason to me, I happened to stumble onto this website. After reading many of his friends' and loved ones' posts, I realize that he truly was a fascinating person who left an impact on all the lives that he touched while he was alive. What I'm now realizing is that in his absence his impact continues. There is a regret in my soul for not taking the time "knowing" him in life, but I am learning much of his life and actions in his death. I'm learning what a great person he was to know in life and I'm sure that he will continue to leave a positive impact on those he touches through death.

I'm sure that everyone that steps through the doors of the FBI building in Bloomington who takes the time to find out who Rob Hardesty was will be positively impacted and blessed as well. Isn't that what life here on earth is all about, leaving a "legacy," an example of how to live a life that others would be proud to call their own? I would be extremely proud to leave a "legacy" like that of Rob Hardesty. I'm just sorry I am realizing this now.

See you on the other side.

A.Z.

February 15, 2008

Rob, you are always remembered.

Special Agent
FBI

December 29, 2007

Uncle Rob,

Well I've never posted on here before and for some reason I felt compelled to look into this site today, so I took that to mean that it was time to write something. So I should probably write something important I'm thinking or knowledgeable, something that can enrich someone in some way that reads this, but I don't know that I have that knowledge to say. So instead I'll just say what I feel. I'm sure that there isn't much that I could really say on here that you don't already know, as I know that you are watching over us and helping us all every day still. And I really feel complete that I was able to tell you that I loved you in the hospital before we lost you, so I know that you know how much you meant to me and the rest of us. That comforts me.

Last weekend was Syd's birthday. I am amazed every day by how quickly the girls are growing! They are both so smart, so mature and such beautiful people inside and out. I know you are proud, as we all are. Sometimes I wish we could shrink them and make them little again, as I remember when they were just little munchkins. And boy are they making me feel old by growing up so fast, and I hated when people said that to me when I was younger, but it is oh so true. But I wanted you to know how well the girls are doing, I can see so much of you in them and I know that that is part of why they are so wonderful.

And Aunt Toni is such a strong compassionate person, you chose well when you picked her. Sometimes I wonder how she is able to do the things that she does, to stay so focused and driven. But then I read her thoughts on here, and realize that you made her stronger and you helped her become who she is.

I think that you helped us all. I think about your drive for success in life every day when I'm at work myself. Remembering how nothing would stop you from achieving your goals, and so I don't let anything stop me from achieving mine. As my Uncle you represented love, fun times and a great sense of humor. However now, you represent so much more, as I look to how you succeeded and lived your life to create my own paths.

So anyways, I guess I just wanted to tell you that even though nobody knows it, that I think about you everyday and miss you like crazy for the joy that you brought into all of our lives. Nothing is the same without you, and sometimes that really makes me angry, but at the same time we have all learned so much and grown so much that I have to think that that's something positive. I'm grateful for all that I've learned from you in your life and passing.

Alright Dork.......Keep watching over us! And give Gramma and Grampa kisses for me. I miss you!

Oh........and the Cowboys are having a great season so far!!!!!

Love Always
Green Eggs

Amber
Niece

November 1, 2007

As I read the reflections I see that the FBI family is much like God's family. It's not about ego or who has the watch. I am an outsider who is just a visitor. Thank you for your time.

Kevin Kelly

October 1, 2007

Rob,

I met your sister two years ago at the COPS siblings retreat. They ahd been there only a few months after you had died. They were both very brave for coming. They came back this year, and I was so glad to see them. We talked about you and my brother. You will both be HEORES always!! Please kepp watchin gover those who love you!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III NJSP

September 12, 2007

Dear Mr. Hardesty,
I did not know you, but i bet that if i did that you would have been a great guy. I am your daughters best friend, we just met this year. I just wish i could have met her sooner so that i could have met you too. Carly also is really cool, and toni is a great mom. I really wish that i could have met you.

love,
allie schulze (syd's best friend)

Allie Schulze
friend of daughter

August 6, 2007

Rob, I miss you! I would love to talk to you again. Your quirky sense of humor always brightened our family and our days. You had a way of injecting that humor into the most difficult times and making them seem brighter. I love you little brother. Suz

July 10, 2007

Rob,

This is the first time I have been able to write on this site. It has taken me over 2 years to get up the courage to do it. I have just never been able to write down my feelings and it was especially hard for me to let others see it. But today it occurred to me that it was time. I know that this past week you were watching and had to be amazed (and probably laughing) that I rode in the IL COPS Bike Ride Across Illinois. It was, I believe, the biggest accomplishment that I have ever endured and the feeling was something I could not even put into words. There were times that we were just riding and putting in the miles and my mind would start thinking about my life now and how much it has changed. I think more than the feeling of accomplishment I received riding the 80+ miles a day those couple of days, I was able to reflect back on how I have grown the last two years and how much I gained from you. You taught me to not do anything half way. You taught me determination--what I had to have to get through my life ahead without you here to be by my side and to help raise the girls. I do feel you here though all the time in all of the things we do because we are able to talk about you constantly, laugh about the things you did and remind ourselves of how you touched us each and gave us so much.

The bike ride was awesome to say the least. Every day brought different emotions. The first day I was terrified and the lining up in Alton, Illinois to start made me think "Toni, what have you gotten yourself into this time?" Then about 10-15 miles down the road, looking at all of the riders (over 20 men who took time from their lives to do this for survivors! and my fellow survivor, Carrie!) riding in the pouring down rain and still determined, I knew I could do it and that I had everything I needed to do it--first, God constantly in my heart and mind (and I believe in my legs and feet pedaling for me!), you, and all of my closest supporters. There were so many people supporting me and I could feel the ones as they encouraged me when I trained, were there for me during the ride (and at the end of the ride), cheered me on when I hit those hills the last day one after the other and at every stop encouraged me and gave me more energy to get back on that bike and keep going. I know you saw these people helping me and had to have been smiling. All of the riders from other police departments were men that were so much like you and just the kind of people you would have loved to have been able to meet. As always, your FBI Swat Team and SAC Dun pulled through and supported me leaving me without adequate words of thankfulness. The memorial in Indiana for Gary Dudley and Gary Martin was a hard day yet brought me new messages from God and left me with things I continue to think about with these bike rides across Indiana and Illinois and the gifts He brings to us in others around us (many we don't even know). Then the last day, riding into Orland Park and the reception we got there seeing the Cook Family cheering us on and then riding into Chicago, hitting the finish line and seeing the people there smiling and cheering that we made it (especially the girls and Sandy and Dad). I wanted to throw my arms up in the air and yell "I made it" but, you know me, I didn't do that because it would bring too much attention but inside my heart was screaming it!

So, this long explanation is a reflection dedicated to you so that others may see how you inspired me to reach for things that seem impossible. As I rode, I looked over at Carrie at one point and said "I could have never done this if it wasn't for what we have went through." I do believe so strongly that with trials and tribulations comes faith and with faith comes endurance. Thank you for helping me gain so much endurance.

I will always love you and hold you so closely in my heart no matter where my life here takes me.

Toni Hardesty, Wife

July 3, 2007

Rob,

I just wanted to say that I met your sister, Linda, at the siblings retreat almost two years ago. It was only three months after your passing. I gave her a lot of credit for coming so soon. I only hope to meet her again, hopefully this week in Washington. If not, I hope she comes again this September to the siblings retreat. Please keep watching over everyone that loves you. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. I hope that you and my brother have gotten to know each other. It sounds like he was as active as you!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas
Sister of Trooper Bertram Zimmerman III fo NJSP

May 6, 2007

Rob,
I return to Portage a couple times a year. I miss seeing you bud. I tell my kids about the times we played ball and went sleding into the creek behind your house. Now you and Wilder are watching over us. One day when we get to Heaven we can play a pick up game. Rob Thank You for being a friend and hero Im proud to tell my kids about.

Dawk

Chilhood friend

April 6, 2007

through the c.o.p.s. organization i hav had the honor to meet your great family and tonite after talking to sydney i felt compeled to leave a reflection. although i neva knew you im sure you were a great man from the family you left behind. and i would like to thank you for they have helped me alot with out them knowing it. thanks you

keith dorwart
son of craig a dorwart eow: 4/5/94 morgan county

January 27, 2007

Dear Daddy,
I was reading your reflections tonight. It made me realize that sometimes I get mad at mom for letting you die. But then I realize if you hadn't died then I would not be as strong as I am today and I could not bare to see you in a wheel chair not being able to move the way you used to like run and weight lift. This weekend Aunt Susie and Aunt Linda came a day early for Carly's birthday and spent some time with us. I swear that it feels like you're here again when they're here and it makes me feel happy. I love you dad.

Sydney
Daughter

January 27, 2007

Dear Mr. Hardesty,
This is Sydney's friend. I was just wanting to tell you that you're very blessed to have such an amazing daughter. I know that she loves and misses you very much. I just wanted you to know that your daughter is loved by many. I'm I never got to meet you.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie
Daughter's friend

January 27, 2007

Dear Mr.Hardesty,
I am Friends with Sydney. She is a great friend. I love her sooo much I just wanted you to know.

Stephanie
Daughters friend

January 23, 2007

Hello Mr. Hardesty, My name is Maddie. I am 11 years old. I am the daughter of Mark Hannan, a special Agent in the NRC. I met your daughter while Mr. Hood was riding his stationary bike to raise money for your family and many other families. I wanted to let you know that you have a truely wonderful family.

Maddie Hannan
Not related

January 16, 2007

We recently lost another Agent in a training accident cut from the same mold as you: SWAT/HRT. It just makes me refocus on what it is we do each day. I feel sad for your family. I know it's difficult for them. Rest In Peace.

For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

~Romans 13:4 (NIV)

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

December 19, 2006

The day of your funeral I listened on station to the clicks, and I am sorry to say that I never got give you one. In the short time that I have been a Police Officer I have learned that you never miss the oppurtunity to show your appreciation. Here is my "CLICK" to you sir.

P103

November 28, 2006

Rob
It is the anniversary of 911 today. This day not only changed our families lives, but the lives of thousands. I am thinking of you today especially, since your death was a direct result of these monsters you were training to protect us from. I miss you and thank you again for your great courage and dedication to our country. You will always be our hero. I love you.

Linda
your big sister

linda jacobson
sister

September 11, 2006

Rob, it has been over a year since your tragic loss, and those of us who were there with you that day will never forget a moment of it. I still stand in awe of your selflessness and your concern for the lives of others, even as your own ebbed away. I hope that those of us who remain may always be worthy of your example. May God bless you and your family.

Special Agent
FBI Chicago SWAT

July 10, 2006