Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Bob,

We grew up together in North Swansea. Just a couple of local kids that both went into law enforcement. You were some, not many, but some years older than me. You were always decent to me, always had a kind word. We worked together when I started out on Swansea PD. When you were killed, it seemed so weird, so surreal. You were always suppose to be there. You were one of those people that I always knew and I took for granted that you would always be there. To attend your funeral for a brother officer, fallen in the line of duty, that just wasn't suppose to happen. Not to someone from the old neighborhood. Someone that was always a sincere person with a kind heart. Rest in peace my brother.

Patrolman Fred Paquin
Seekonk, Mass. Police Department

November 6, 2006

A year ago, my world and my heart were ripped apart by the act of one selfish individual. The pain I feel hasn't diminished. What we used to see as obstacles seem so trivial now. Thank you, Bob, for bringing so many blessings to my life, especially the two I hold most important and most dear. You know they are my priority now. It seems so fitting that the last thing you and I did together was a community service project, eh? I promise I will do all I can to keep your dream and vision alive. You will always be my Hero and my Love. Please keep watch over us and help me fulfill our mission.

Officer Happy Snodgrass
Hemet Police Department

November 5, 2006

Dearest Bobby:

Although we never met, I feel very close to you. I am so very, very sorry that one year ago today, you were senselessly killed. My heart breaks for your family, your brother Tommy, who is my dear friend. I pray that justice will be served on your behalf and that one day we might all be able to breathe again. Everything stopped when you died, for youR family and those that love you. May you continue to watch over and protect your loved ones as you did when you were here. The world lost a great man this day one year ago. You are worth every tear.

With love and respect,
Carmen
Sister of Sergeant Howard Stevenson, EOW 1/9/05

November 5, 2006

It's been a year since you've left us. A town with a big hole in it's heart. You will never be forgotten, your memory lives on, forever in everyone's hearts. Rest in Peace, Officer Bob.

Laurene Rapoza

November 5, 2006

Lt. Cabral, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as the second anniversary of your entrance into Heaven nears. Thank you for your years of dedicated service - your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace...

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

November 2, 2006

Rest in peace Lieutenant Robert Manuel Cabral!!!

November 2, 2006

Dear Robert,

I met your brother this past weekend at our siblings retreat. He is a great guy and he cares a lot about you. He told us some great stories about you. Tom I have been thinking about you since we left St. Louis and hope everything is going ok with you. Just remember we, the siblings, are always here for you!!

Andrea Zimmerman Lomas

September 14, 2006

Lieutenant Cabral,

"Hope is an effort to make it so, not a wish that it may be so." by G.I.G. Your efforts in the DARE program made a difference in countless numbers of children. As a parent, I "Thank you, Lieutenant Cabral" for sharing your knowledge. You made a difference in their lives, as our local DARE officers have. Thank you for your selfless acts of courage and strength. May God bless you and your loved ones.

M Martin
Barre, MA resident

August 4, 2006

Dear Lt. Cabral,

I recently returned from the internatinal DARE conference in Orlando, Florida, and heard your name read as the association recognized all the DARE officers who were killed in 2005. It is strange how someone who was drunk was the person who took the life of someone who promoted the DARE program.

I will always remember how you took on the cleaning of the garage area of the children's home in Nashville when we did our community service. You worked hard and was the only one willing to be in an area that did not have any type of air flow.

Your commitment and dedication to the DARE program and helping young children know that there are better things to life than drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are to be commended. Your influence on all those you have come in contact with is more than you probaly will ever realize. Thank-you for all you did!

Jean Mumbleau
California DARE Officers's Association

July 31, 2006

Bobby was a huge influence in my life when I was a young trouble making kid. His kindness and friendship influenced my decision to enter law enforcement. Bobby even took the time to help me apply for the Department issued scholarship, which I received. I was deeply saddened when my family called me regarding his death. He was a great cop and even more important, a great man.

Special Agent Donald J. Henrique
US Government

July 14, 2006

My fiancee is a police officer. Every night I kiss him goodbye and say a silent prayer for the families, friends, and fellow officers that have been left behind by sacrifices like yours. In March of 2005, we lost our dear friend Peter Grignon. He was only 27. He, like you, gave the ultimate sacrifice. He was shot by a 17 year old boy who then killed himself. He left behind a beautiful wife, Rebecca... parents, a brother, and countless officers that are forever changed.

My fiancee has a particular distaste for DUI's. He has gotten the award for DUI apprehension more then once. He's always calling me to tell me about another DUI he got. It saddens me that this is what took your life far before your time. I quietly thank God everytime he locks up another senselessly irresponsible person.

Officers like you and Peter and thousands of others inspire me, not only to live my life to the fullest but also to appreciate every single blessing I've been given because tomorrow surely is not promised. I hold my officer a little tighter. We don't fight about the same petty things as before. When we lost Peter, it became so much more real. Yes, we've always visited odmp.org and known the reality of this daily sacrifice made by police officers, but we also managed to keep some sort of distance and denial about the reality of it happening to us, to our friend, to my fiancee's fellow brother in blue.

I thank you for the work you did. I see on this site how unbelievably admired you were. You'll never be forgotten. And I hope that your family knows that all across this country you are remembered every day and that those you left behind are in my daily prayers. Through God alone is this journey after you've been taken possible. It's been a little over a year since we lost Pete in such a tragic way. It's still hard. It still feels fresh... but God is with us everyday as we carry on Peter and all fallen officers legacies. I promise I'll never let anyone forget you and your sacrifice for the job that was more then a job to you.

God bless you "Officer Bob" and God bless your loved ones,
LEO Fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05

May 17, 2006

Bob,

It has been so long since I wrote my feelings. I have been trying to continue on but I can not tell you how hard it is. Every where I turn your there. Every thought I think you’re in it. It has been six months and sometimes it feels like yesterday and other times it feels like a life time ago. As I am sure you know I saw the boys a few weeks ago. It gave me such comfort. I had not seen them since the funeral and I just remember the look on their faces. It was eating at me. They both looked good and I got the best hugs. I know you made all that happen. I am packing now for Washington. We will go honor you and all the other officers who gave their life’s making sure we are all safe. I am hoping and praying that maybe this will help us all start the healing process. I know you are with me each and every day and I can feel it. Sometimes I think you are trying to tell me something but I just can not figure it out. Thank you for always being there for me. Please kiss Ma and tell her we miss her so much too! I love you!!

Sue

Sue Schucker
Sister

May 11, 2006

Hi Uncle Bobby..I have been reading all the different sites with all the great things that everyone thinks of you..and I feel badly..because while you were here I didnt realize how much you touched everyone elses lives..to me..you were always my uncle Bobby..the one who I look like..the one who would take me on his motorcycle and take me for pizza..the one who was always a father figure when I didnt have one..Anyway..what I am trying to say is that I always knew you were a great uncle to me..but to see how much you meant to not only our family but to a whole community is amazing..it seems like when Mimi passed away you stepped into her shoes for the town of Swansea..The only thing that helps me deal with your death is the fact that I KNOW you are with Mimi again..and she was waiting for you that night so you didnt have to suffer...I know you were there that night at Aunties house..the tv? Upstairs when I was laying down with my little one? Xavier misses you very much and I am so sorry that you didnt get to meet Jalen face to face..since he makes faces just like you!! Okay, I have rambled on long enough..We leave tomorrow for D.C. to go to the Memorial for you and the other fallen officers..I hope you see us all and know that you are missed very much every day..!
Love Always
Christy Lee

Christy Gordon

May 11, 2006

Officer Bob, you were an excellent teacher,officer and friend. You will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed.

Sean Grady
Former Student

March 8, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day Officer Bob!
Help us all find away to deal with your lose. You are missed so much and loved by so many. The only comfort that we have, is knowing that you are resting in peace in a beautiful place. God Bless you for everything that you have done and just for being you.

February 13, 2006

Bob-

I can't tell you how much you are missed. We are so proud of you for the life that you lived. You are gone but not forgotten. Give us all strength, especially those that need it most. They miss you.

Detective David Schucker
Lawton Police Department

February 6, 2006

Bob,
I was just browsing around the web and found this site. I know in my heart that u are at peace in heaven. I know you take comfort in knowing your sons are safe an surrounded by love. We are all sadden that you were taken away from them, because they truly miss up. They will always remember u and treasure your memories forever until they meet with you again. You have instilled great values in them, and your goals for them will always be valued. Know that you are so treasured by so many and that we all grieve your loss. You have touched so many lives and many know your wishes for your boys, they will achieve them, because they have you as there guardian angel and many people that truly love them and will always support them. Continue to surround them with your presences and let them know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace! Officer Bob!!!!You are missed and loved very much..........

January 31, 2006

Hi Bob,
I surprised Stephanie by showing up at her sweet 16 party. She was so happy. We were all there except the boys. How sad that is for not only us but them to. I stayed in Boston with Tom because he had surgery on Tuesday. He is doing ok. Then Jo, Tom & I went to court on Wednesday to hear Wayne Smith arraigned in New Bedford Superior court. Finally some good news that maybe he will actually get some punishment for taking you from us. Paul was there to. Your brother officers also were there supporting you. It will be a long process but I promise we will see it through. I continue to try and get back on the right track but it is just not happening. I have so much guilt for hurting you during our Thanksgiving visits, allowing others to get in the way. I just so wanted to keep peace and also let Xavier continue his relationship with others. I know all the things you told us and I now have your hand written journals of the crap you were put through. As I am sure you see everyday the crap has been transferred to your siblings. You must be so angry. But you also know how strong we are and no amount of crap will take away that you were my brother for 46 years. You can take the tangible items but not the fact that you are our brother and what you would want to happen is not being followed. I really do not believe in ghosts or things like that but all the strange things that keep happening to us are beginning to change my mind. I understand the soul can not rest until they have peace and I know you do not have that right now. We are trying to find a way to give you that.

I miss you and hope everyday peace will be yours so you can rest.

I love you!!!
Sue

Sue Schucker

January 14, 2006

Happy New Year Officer Bob, the holidays were tough this year without you. Everyone misses you so much. You are always on my mind.

Tracey

January 7, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother!

Sergeant Steve Girard
Ashfield Police Department

December 28, 2005

Such a long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.........

Tom Cabral
Brother of Lt Robert Cabral

December 26, 2005

Merry Christmas Bob! I love you!!

Sue Schucker

December 25, 2005

ROBERT....MY WIFE AND I SEND OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND TO ALL THE OFFICERS AT THE SWANSEA POLICE DEPARTMENT.

OFFICER MICHAEL ROSE (RETIRED)
SAN LEANDRO POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 22, 2005

Bob,

We miss you so much and struggle daily to wake up from this nightmare. Ma raised us all to be strong and independent and I know that is what you would expect from us. We know you not only devoted your life to your family but we know how much you fought drugs & alcohol. Jo, Tom & I will continue that fight for you. When the boys get older I bet they will do the same. You taught them well. I hope you’re with Ma now and are proud of us. We love and miss you each and every day!!

Love Sue

Sue Schucker
Bob's sister

December 8, 2005

Almost a month as passed since you had to leave us. Each day you are thought of and wish you were walking back through the door. The last 20 years now seem like a blur and passed all to quick. You will always be here with us. You are now an angel who left to watch over us.

Forever missed

Terri Senior Dispatcher
Swansea Police

December 2, 2005