Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

After 40 years I still remember every detail about that night. I was the first officer to respond for back up and unfortunately arrived just seconds before Robert was shot but thankfully was able to chase the subject down. I still regret to this day not getting there sooner. Rest in peace Robert, I haven't forgotten you.

Ofc. Ed Stulga
Metropolitan Police

December 15, 2022

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

December 15, 2020

Your handsome and heroic face, reminds me of actor Georg Stanford Brown who played a police officer in television show The Rookies. Rest in peace so young and honored. I came across www.officerdown.com the other day and they made a mistake describing you as caucasian. Hopefully someone from the site will correct this. Rest in peace. Forever a DC police legend!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 1, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Best. A DC hero!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 8, 2018

I was nine when I was told that my cousin was killed, I felt a lump in my throat and I could not speak. I went to bed that night and the next morning that sinking feeling hit me all over again. He taught me how to fight and then he would beat me up (smile). I learned at his funeral that his name was Robert as I only ever heard him called Bobby. I still miss getting nuckle noogies from him.

Ty Wilson

May 29, 2015

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 26, 2012

Rest in peace, Bobby Best. You'll never be forgotten.

Y. Hopkins
Ofc. Best's brother married my sister

October 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Best. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

Bobby was my varsity basketball teammate at High Point High School, but I knew him since he played on a rival Boys Club team. I was very saddened to hear of his death, but appreciate this website and opportunity to honor him and the service and ultimate price he paid to his community. Thanks for all the assists, Bobby, including the greatest final one.

Dr. Douglas D. Perkins
friend

July 14, 2011

I remember you as a young man Bobby when you worked at Dave Browns liquor store,proir to joining the force. Rest in peace.

P/O Lomax
Prince Georges County Police

December 16, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-eighth anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
The hurt never goes away, but both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 15, 2010

May God bless and keep you.

Anonymous

January 14, 2009

Ofc Best was a graduate of my high school, although several years before me. I still remember our principal coming on the PA during announcement time and informing us of his murder because he was a well-liked student some years before. RIP.

anonymous
citizen

December 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 27, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Best, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC

April 8, 2007

GOD bless this officer. May you rest in peace forever.

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 15, 2006

Robert, many of the men and women who took the oath of office alongside you twenty-five (25) years ago recently came together to celebrate our anniversary at MPD and to remember you and the other fallen brothers and sisters from our class. Please know that we remain proud to have served with you and that your memory will be eternal.

Detective Daniel Straub
Metropolitan Police Department

December 15, 2006

G-d Bless.

December 15, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

December 15, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Best family and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Virginia State University Police Department