Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Sunday, December 25, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Robert Nguyen
A Friend is a Treasure
A friend is someone we turn to,
when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure,
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives,
with beauty, joy and grace.
And make the world we live in,
a better and happier place.
An Old Friend
slgl
March 22, 2006
Officer Nguyen your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!
SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
March 22, 2006
Robert Nguyen's Eulogy
First of all, I must apologize in advance for what will probably be an awkward delivery of the hardest words I will ever have to write. We are all gathered here today to pay our respects to Rob and his family, and not to mourn Rob’s death but to honor the way in which he lived his life. I truly believe Roby would not want us crying but rather remembering all the good times, those of us who were fortunate enough, to share with him. I’d like to tell everyone who did not know Roby a little about how he lived. I knew Roby approximately twenty years. We played baseball for St. Aedan's baseball team and a youth flag foot ball team know as the Jersey City Tomatoes under the coaching expertise of Marty Murray who is also a Jersey City Police Officer. We attended the same High School(Hudson Catholic) and remember him as that dimpled face kid who was friends with everyone. Roby learned at a very young age how to interact with everyone. I can't remember anyone ever having anything bad to say about him. Roby and I lost touch during the College years but somehow we wound up playing for the same team once again. I remember the first day I saw Rob at the West District. I was surprised to see him in uniform. I wasn't aware that he wanted to become a police officer. I remember walking up to him shaking his hand, giving him a hug and congratulating him. Rob turned to me and said "I made it". He looked so proud standing there in his spotless uniform smiling with those dimples. I knew women would just go crazy over those dimples. But Roby had more than just a dimple, he had charisma. He was outgoing, understanding, optimistic, and a person who was always there to help anyone that needed help. Roby was a great man. The Jersey City Police Department definitely recognized the talent Roby possessed because no sooner had Roby graduated the Academy when he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. I recall Rob mentioning how much he enjoyed working in plain clothes in S.I.U. He told me the guys he worked with were a great bunch of guys. Rob often spoke of his partner, Hector Marrero, saying P.O Marrero was good at what he did and he was learning much from him. I could tell Rob had built a special bond with Hector because they were inseparable. Even for Orange Alert I remember seeing them together working the overtime. He spoke highly of him. After Rob had finished his assignment with S.I.U he had done such a good job he was asked where he wanted to go. Rob chose the Elite Jersey City Emergency Service Unit. Rob was eagerly anticipating the tactical and rescue training he would receive. I could tell Rob wanted to learn everything he could from the Emergency Squad. He had always been very receptive to any type of training he had been offered. It was definitely apparent from all the trophies, certificates, and plaques he had received since he was a little kid up until the end of his Police career. Under the supervision and guidance of our highly trained E.S.U supervisor Sgt. O’Connell, Rob quickly took to the training Sgt O’Connell offered all of us, repelling off of the New Jersey Turnpike Extension, Tactical entrances into rooms using distractionary devices, , rope training using the stokes basket to lift people who have been hurt on a fall, boat training, extrications, training on how to negotiate with suicidal emotional disturbed people which I must say Rob was very good at. Rob was known as (Yoda) because of his skills in using the Jedi mind trick (you don't want to jump). I recall one cold rainy night there was an E.D.P on the Communipaw bridge who was threatening to jump. Rob sprung into action while P.O E.Tavarez and myself harnessed up in the event we had to go down after him. Rob was calm and was able to get the E.D.P to talk to him. Rob touched on the subject of art. The E.D.P had told Rob he was an artist and he liked drawing. Once again Rob's expertise was evident in establishing a bond even with the most emotionally disturbed person. Rob spoke to him for approximately an hour convincing the e.d.p not to jump. I don't know if it was his calm demeanor or those dimples that had convinced the E.D.P but whatever it was he got the job done without incident. Rob really enjoyed his job but Rob was not only about work he also found time to play. From going out to clubs and lounges to taking vacations. Rob had a great time with his friends.
I remember going away on vacation with him three times. The first trip was to Dominican Republic. While some of us were looking to make friends with some ladies Rob was just sitting back and throwing those dimples out as bate. It was incredible without breaking a sweat they all flocked to him like he was the only man on the island. I have to be honest, this was the case in all three vacations we took. You're the man, I remember saying to him. Rob of course being the sarcastic individual he always was, would respond, no Alex you're the man you see the girls talk to me to get to you. That was Rob and I loved him for it. Our last trip together was to Hawaii Rob, Eric, Anibal, and myself for his 30th birthday May 13 of this past year. We had a great time and too many stories of things that happened to us out there to mention. Working at E.S.U I realized we all grew to love Rob a little more everyday he was there. During our time in E.S.U Rob and I moved in together. Roommates, co-workers, and friends I felt this was going to be trouble two single men living together. I just kept thinking about the parties that were to come, boy was I wrong. Rob treated his home as his refuge. I asked him what about a party and he said are you going to clean up and do the dishes afterwards, boy that idea went out the window real quick. Anyway I came to find out we were more like the odd couple, he was Oscar and I was Felix. I remember one time P.O Rosario came to the apartment to pick Rob up to go to A.C and P.O Rosario saw me sweeping and mopping. He said to me "hey Alex I hope Rob shares the chores at home with you" immediately Rob looked at P.O Rosario and said "hey let him concentrate on cleaning don't disturb him." Rob even turned the TV off on me and said I don't want you to get distracted from cleaning. When I come back from A.C I'll bring you a French maid's alfeit if you do a good job and off they went out the door laughing. I‘ll miss his witty sense of humor. Last night at his wake I came to realize how many achievements he had accomplished. He achieved graduating from college, he was his police academy leader, he excelled at everything he dedicated time to but what really made an impression on me was how many lives he touched and how many people he was loved by. You know they say you can tell a man’s worth by how much money and assets he had, I say it was by how many friends he had. Rob was a very wealthy man. God really knows how to pick them. Like many fine officers and brave firemen before Rob and Sean, God took another E.S.U officer a few years ago, Eddie Black. God realized he needed an E-Wagon and two good men help put out those barricades. And I know when it is my time to meet my maker if the pearly gates of heaven are chained up and pad locked,
Rob and Sean will be there with bolt cutters to let me in. Rob may be gone physically but he will live in our hearts and nothing will ever change the great memories we shared with him.
P.O Robert Nguyen badge#2805 appointment date July 1st, 2001 End of Watch December 25th,2005. It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with you, be your roommate, but most of all be your friend. We will miss you. I salute you, We all salute you. Rest in peace my brother.
P.O Alex Rivera
JCPD E.S.U
March 19, 2006
Rob,
There is not one day that doesn't go buy that you are not on my mind. From working together to becoming roommates. Playing Madden football on the playstation at home and you kicking my butt. I know we had great times together as friends and co-workers especially when all of us would go on vacation. I have no words to describe how much I miss you. I will miss you. Take care of yourself and take care of Shawn. Take care of eachother. I will miss you both. Thank you for the great times. It was an honor and a priviledge. Thank You..
P.O Alex Rivera
JCPD E.S.U
March 19, 2006
To Officer Robert Nguyen, his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Jersey City Police Department:
I was so saddened to learn of the death of another young officer in the line of duty. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Robert was tragically killed.
Robert, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. In reading the many reflections left for you and your family, it is obvious that you touched many lives in a positive way and that many love and miss you.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
To his parents, I share your indescribable anquish of losing a son as my beloved son Larry was fatally shot on April 23, 2005
To Robert, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Officer Robert Nguyen.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Robert gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 25,2005.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
March 8, 2006
ROB,
I STILL CAN'T BELIVE YOU ARE GONE. I WILL NEVER NEVER FORGET YOU, I REALLY MISS YOU (VIDA). YOU'LL FOREVER LIVE IN MY LIFE. YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND FOREVER IN MY HEART. THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE.
LOVE ALWAYS
JOHANNY
March 1, 2006
I WILL MISS YOU TOO...
ME.
March 1, 2006
ROB,
I STILL CAN'T BELIVE YOU ARE GONE, YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND. I WILL NEVER NEVER FORGET YOU. I REALLY MISS YOU BABY, YOU'LL FOREVER LIVE IN MY HEART. THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE.
LOVE ALWAYS
JOHANNY
March 1, 2006
Rob,
When my mom first called me and told me about the accident, I just couldn't believe it. I turned on the news and your picture was all over. It all seemed so unreal, like a horrible nightmare from which I would wake up and you would be fine. As days pass by, I realize your death is the most real thing I have ever experienced in my life. I wake up every morning with a pain inside of me knowing you will not be waking up today. I find myself trying to hold on to anything that reminds me of you...letters, emails, pictures. I can still hear your voice so clearly and how excited you were about your new place and how you told me not to tell anyone because you didn't want anything to go wrong. I picture the accident in my mind and how you must have felt. Everyone keeps telling me that time heals all wounds but I think about your mom and family and how they lost their baby. I pray for them all the time and I want you to know that I will always be there for them if they ever need me.
Rob, I'm so proud of you. I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. You will forever live in me and I will never forget you!
Love you always,
Lisi
February 13, 2006
I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers go to the family and friends. Love the Rivera Family.
Margie Rivera sister of fallen officer
NYPD William Rivera EOW 11/24/04
February 11, 2006
First and for most my condolences goes to this angels family. I can still hear your voice. YOu were like an angel where ever you would go you would light up the room. I will never forgot the times we've spent and the hearts you've touch. YOu are always on my mind. ILOVEYOU & MISSYOU see you in the next life.
Hey Women
(Nicky L-13)
Nicole
February 11, 2006
Rob,
We met before you started the academy and from that moment on I realized that you were a very special person. Over the last 6 years, we became good friends and you have been a true friend not only to me but to my mother who you took very good care and I thank you for that, as does she. On Christmas night I stood on that bridge in disbelief. Denying that this happened. Words could never express the emptiness I felt and still do. God hand picks his warriors and he needed you and Shawn. I will always love and miss you.
P.O. Donna Viola
JCPD
February 2, 2006
ROB,
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.
LOVE ALWAYS
JN.
January 31, 2006
I still can't believe you are gone.
I miss you more than words can say.
You were there for me in the hardest moment of my life. I will always love you for that.
May God Bless you.
Love always,
Me.
January 31, 2006
Hey man,
Yesterday made 1 month since you left us. Everyone keeps saying, cheer up "He's in a better place...He's watching down and smiling on us with those dimples."
Even though, it's still not easy...I pass that bridge everyday, twice a day and I can't help but, slow down, turn the radio off, glance out over the water and think a short reflection.
Rob, you are dearly missed by everyone you encountered...We will always remember.
Alden
Friend
January 26, 2006
I really miss you Rob....You'll forever live in my heart.
January 23, 2006
Thank You for your service.
Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
January 16, 2006
God be with your family and department during this time. RIP Officer Nguyen
Sr Disp B J Kendrick
Chesapeake Police Department VA
January 14, 2006
To "Little Rob." You have been so close to my family and your loss of life is so devastating to us. Each day that passes, we are trying to stay strong and remember you the way you would have wanted us to, as a happy, fun loving kid, who always had that smile. I remember you back in high school when you and my little brother George developed that friendship. You became part of the Weyer family. I remember you coming over all the time and us playing basketball until sunset. I remember when you slept over our house and you and George would stay up all night laughing and talking. I saw you develop from a boy to the man you became. I remember when I went to the police academy at Sea Girt, and when I would come home at the end of the week, you would be there asking me all those questions about how it was. I remember telling you all those horror stories and what we endured and how they trained and built us for this incredible career in law enforcement. I remember you telling me that being a police officer is what I want to do and me telling you that you will be a "Great One." I remember when you finally got the chance of fulfilling your dream of being hired as a police officer, and going through the ups and downs that came with it. I remember you tearing your knee up and the "lightning." You never let it get to you, you stayed strong and determined and finally got your dream of becoming a member of the JCPD. We were so proud of you. I just want to let you know that my family will never forget you and for all the things you did for us, especially when we lost our Dad almost 10 years ago. You were another little brother to me. One day we will all see you on the other side. George and my family will keep check on your mom, dad, and brothers. We know how close you were to your mother, and your family will be in our hearts. Rob, my brother,friend, and fellow officer..Rest in peace. We Love You.
PO W. Weyer
WPD
January 13, 2006
i've sat down a few times to write a little something but haven't been able to put my feelings into words. it's not until now that i've finally accepted that you're no longer here. i've considered you part of my family for such a long time and i guess i never really thought about you not being around. i feel so lucky to have shared so many moments with you. i can close my eyes and see you laughing.
it's funny, because not until now have i even begun to understand the officer side of you. i'm so proud of you and the life that you lived. you touched so many lives. you were always a loyal and good friend. someone who was always there when needed. people spend their lives trying to be as solid as you. i love you very much and will always smile when i think of you -- no more tears.
Is
January 12, 2006
I remember Rob the most when he was still a young kid w/ that smile and those dimples. How can you not be drawn to that? You will be missed. I'll never forget you. May you rest in peace.
January 12, 2006
Rob, I can't believe that I am writing this reflection and not talking to you on the phone. Rob you were supposed to be my best man in my wedding and the godfather of my child. I don't know where I go from here now. Mom and me are devasted. You knew everything about me and I of you. I am having a lot of trouble coping with the thought of you being dead. I can't stop thinking about you. I cry everyday. If my wife gives birth to a boy in July we will name him ROBERT. I will never ever forget you. Have a SO-CO and 7up with Pop and Uncle Archie in heaven. We will be side by side in heaven one day when my time is up. I am sorry this happened. Don't worry I will always check up on Mommy. I LOVE YOU ROB
"Plats"
BEST FRIEND/BROTHER
January 12, 2006
I knew Rob a few years ago when I was working downtown Jersey City. He was one of the nicest men you will ever meet! He was not only funny but wise beyond his years. I will miss him dearly knowing I will never have another conversation with him again. RIP Rob you will always be in my heart and many others!!!
Elizabeth
January 12, 2006
First of all I want to start by saying that he is one of the most caring and most friendliest person I´ve ever met in my life. I feel horrible to know that this happened to him at such a young age. He had so much potential to be one of the best leaders in his state. I hope that he is in peace, and I will never forget him. He will be in my heart and mind forever.
Anyely Beato
January 11, 2006
Through the years, wherever you popped up- you always were that smiling face that instantly made me happy. No matter what. You made student council fun. You made prom anxiety/torture FUN! You made life at home from fun-filled college freedom ... fun. You even made adulthood with reponsibilties and a serious career...FUN! Rob, you were a gift from heaven and we were priveleged to have you in our lives. Those of us who saw you just that weekend before we lost you, will hold onto that night for the rest of our lives.
And yes, Rob you were right. Cheese Fries dipped in gravy (even at 5AM) are really really good.
I won't have any until I see you again my dear sweet friend.
Moni
January 11, 2006
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