Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bob, you will be sadly missed. Not one person will ever forget the DARE program and know that you changed lives. RIP. You are a true hero.

Doug Macedo

November 6, 2005

I heard the news on the radio today as I was coming back from Vermont. I was shocked and saddened.

We graduated high school together.

We started together as Reserve Officers in Swansea, you stayed and I went to another department.

So sad to hear of your passing, my thoughts are with you, your family and the Town of Swansea all who have lost a great one.

Dave

November 6, 2005

I grew up in Massachusetts and now work and live as a Police Officer in New York. Every time I check this web site I prey that number will be the same as the last time I checked. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

God Speed Brother.


Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.

Elizabeth Burkhart, SSJ

Investigator
Town of Camillus Police Department, NY

November 6, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus POlice Department, our deepest sympathy's to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant Robert Cabral. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, NY

November 6, 2005

sometimes i leave a reflection, but most often i just read without doing so. however i could not let this officer pass without saying something. the thing that strikes me with you is how the youth and the people in your town cared for you, and what a difference you made. this may sound corny but it was people like you that i looked up to through the years.they were the ones that i remember most and led me into my career. i hope that if by some misfortune that i leave this life early, that people will care for me the way they obviously did for you. i almsot feel as though i know you for some strange reason. well enough of that. you fought a good fight, you made us proud, you showed why the good guys are better than the criminals. i am proud to call you a brother law enforcement officer....ill see you up there....till then we have the watch....say hello to jeff davis of columbia county florida sheriffs office......ccso deputy

November 6, 2005

I've never been able to comprehend why a person would want to operate a motor vehicle, after consuming an alcoholic beverage. I was saddened to learn of the death of Lt. Robert Cabral, which was the result of someone's stubborness not to drive a vehicle while intoxicated. I hope the intoxicated driver gets every bit of time in prison that the law provides in Massachusetts. I extend to the family to always remember this officer's bravery and courage. Lt. Cabral your shift is over now, and we will take it from here. Rest in peace, brother...

Deputy James E. Bradford Jr.
Bradley County Sheriff Department

November 6, 2005

After reading other reflections, Lt. Cabral was a true and genuine police officer. May your family and friends hearts heal and continue to show their pride in you by remembering what you were all about. May you rest in peace and look over us all for guidance. Thank you for being a wonderful person.

Another Officer And Sister in Blue
Califonia

November 6, 2005

God be with your family,friends and co-workers through this time.
RIP LT Cabral.

Sr Disp B J Kendrick
Chesapeake Police Department

November 6, 2005

My daughter is in the 8th grade at Case Jr. High in Swansea. She cried when she heard the sad news. Officer Bob was much loved by the children of our town. Our prayers to go the family, fellow officers & friends of Officer Bob Cabral.

Kathy & Jill Grandmaison, Swansea, MA

November 6, 2005

God’s Hero in Blue

He walked life’s lonely path with honor, Lord,
Protecting those you sent his way…
Until, at last, with task well done,
Your call is heard today.
We hear you saying:
“Come, my friend, with me apart…from years of service rest.
You’ve helped the poor, protected all, you’ve passed Life’s every test.
You did not falter, did not fail though weary was your soul
I saw your tears, I felt your fears…I helped you toward your goal.
Beneath that badge there beat a heart, strong, courageous, true…
When duty called, you answered, my hero dressed in blue!
Come, my friend, your reward awaits: the law you did obey.
Faithful through life’s endless storms you showed my people the way.
Your beat is ended; roll call’s done! Now, rest on Heaven’s shore.
The good you did so willingly will remain forever more.”
Thank you; Father, for your great love as we cherish his memory dear
We offer this brave soul to you…be with him ever near.
And when, at last, we hear your call may we each take our place
On Heaven’s shore, eternal home, beneath your kindly gaze.

P/O Dan Bailey (Ret)
Norristown Police, Pa.

November 6, 2005

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that 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 battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
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, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.

R.I.P LT Cabral as you have paid the ultimate sacrafice, and crossed the thin blue and you are the true definition of a HERO.

Corrections Officer

November 6, 2005

God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. You are not forgotten by your entire police family.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

November 6, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Cabral family. There are no words of comfort I can give you except that Robert is a true hero and he will never be forgotten. Keep his memory alive by talking about him. I ask that his brothers and sisters in blue with his department stay close to the family and assist them any way you can. I lost my son in the line of duty 15 months ago to a drunk driver, but in our case the individual was also killed. The family will need friends and family to stay close to them to help them through the trial of the individual that caused all this devastation and pain. Robert, keep watch over your family and guide them.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

November 6, 2005

Lieutenant Robert Cabral "Officer Bob"
You have made a huge impact on everyone’s lives, you were an amazing person, you gave so much to the community, and none will ever replace you, Thank you so much for your time and effort to make Swansea a better place. You will be greatly missed and loved
God Bless. Rest in Peace

Andrea Pineau

November 6, 2005

Rest in peace my brother in blue now you can walk Heaven's beat. Your family, friends, and co-workers with the Swansea Police Department are in my thoughts and prayers.

Officer D. Johns
GSU Police Department

November 6, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to the officers and family affected by this tragic incident. Know that God is with you always.

Officer Bieger
Oklahoma City Police Dept.

November 6, 2005

Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes.

Be at peace Brother.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Lieutenant Cabral.

Ofc. Scott Bachman
Baltimore County (MD) PD

November 6, 2005

Lt. Cabral,

You taught me in school and you taught me to be the best I could be in the Swansea police Dept. I want to thank you for the kindness you showed me and everyone you came in contact with. I looked forward to seeing you smile as I walked through the door to work the 12-8 shift. I will never forget you standing there with your Yankees hat on that you wore with pride. You will always be the best in my heart. God Bless You.

November 6, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant Cabral. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

November 6, 2005

My heart aches for you - the family, friends, and fellow LEO's of Lt. Cabral.

Lt. Cabral's death was nearly the same manner as our Kevin's.

Our hearts and prayers are with you every step of the long journey ahead. He lived as a hero, and will join the many in Heaven who have gone before him.

God Bless you all.
Mary Fisher

Mother, Deputy Kevin Sherwwood
Clare County, MI EOW 10/9 03

November 6, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Rest in peace brother the watch is ours now.

November 6, 2005

To Lieutenant Cabral family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you

God Bless you

terry miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares

November 6, 2005

My thoughts are with you, your family and your department. I admire the positive work you did for your community.You will not be forgotten, God Bless.

Patrolman Paul Patriarca
Newton Police Department

November 6, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward 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 ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
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 got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

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 a 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 born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

November 6, 2005

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Lieutenant Robert Cabral as well as to the Swansea Police Department. Rest in peace Lieutenant Cabral, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

November 6, 2005