Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Betanzos.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2022

43 years is a long time and yet those days in the Newburgh PD neighborhood police unit seem like yesterday. We were all so young. I was blessed to have had the privilege to work and learn from you. Thank you for your time and patience all those years ago. I will never forget

Robert Lehmann (Ret) Sergeant
Suffolk County Police Department

July 28, 2020

Thank you for service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 12, 2020

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss Patricia...God rest Bob's soul and may he give you and your family peace everyday.. God Bless...

Lt (Ret.) Barry Bernstein
City of Middletown NY PD

July 4, 2017

Thirty seven years ago on this date, you walked through the Pearly Gates of Heaven. I will never understand why such a wonderful man was taken from his family. In life you completed me and gave me two prescious gifts, your son and daughter, who made it possible to live on without you. You have been kept alive through your children and again through your grandchildren. You would be proud of all of them, they are a reflection of the wonderful person you were. 37 years ago feels like yesterday, I can still see your smile, your deep brown eyes that twinkled with happiness, hear your laugh and the sense the touch of your hand. We all love and miss you.

Patricia Betanzos
Wife

July 12, 2014

Oh almighty God,

Whose great power and eternal

Wisdom embraces the universe,

Watch over all Policemen and

Law Enforcement Officers.

Protect them from harm

In the performance of their duty

To stop crime, robberies,

Riots and violence.

We pray, help them keep our streets

And homes safe day and night.

We recommend them to your loving care

Because their duty is dangerous.

Grant them your unending strength and

Courage in their daily assignments.

Dear God protect these brave

Men and Women,

Grant them your almighty protection,

Unite them safely with their

Families after duty has ended.

Cpl. K.Kreis
MWAA PD

November 2, 2013

Although it's been thrity five years I still remember those days working together with great fondness. There is not a week go by that I don't think of you and those times. It was a pleasure to have known you.

Sergeant Robert Lehmann
Suffolk County police department

July 4, 2012

What I would like to share today is that after tragedy our spirits want to comfort us and bring joy to our hearts again. It took 34 years for me to get to where I am today. Here is what I would like to share to those who have suffered the tragedy of a fallen police officer.

My spirit with the help of his fostered the ability for me to rebuild and enjoy the essence of the man who was my and our children’s world. After the excruciating pain and after relentless mourning, I learned to smile - meaningfully again. Ever so softly at first and then, at some time, with joy.

After time, I learned to let myself cry again. Not with the same rage and heartache I cried before but with tears that help wash the heartaches away. After time, I have learned to say his name again without pain.

When I think of him now I think of the man who gave me my most precious gifts, his children. These children gave me the gifts of grand children. Every day I have reason to smile, those smiles help to fill the hole in my heart. His children, grand children and I are who we are today because of him, not because he died. Today the tears drops will wash some of the heartache away I hope your tear drops do the same for you.

God bless the men and women who have given their lives to persue their dreams. God bless their friends and families who will never forget them. Even if just for a short time let the essence of your loved one caress and comfort you.

Patricia Betanzos
Wife

June 30, 2012

Bobby and I rode together many hours on Lander Street as part of the Neighborhood Policing Unit. There was no one who was better with people of all kinds. He showed me what policing should look like. Tough, compassionate, smart, and truly joyful. He loved every minute of it.

I was fresh out of graduate school and a civilian crime analyst. We became friends and I was on the riverfront on July 4th. I sat by his bed at St. Francis hospital.

My view of life and law enforcement was forever changed. Bobby's work on the street was the gold standard. I think of him every time I see a smart, capable young police officer who loves their job.

Peter Bellmio
Former NPD Crime Analyst

May 9, 2011

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

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. In reading the reflections, I can see that the love your wife has for you has endured these many years. Your picture shows such a handsome man and I bet you two made a lovely couple.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 12, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Betanzos and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 7, 2009

"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

December 20, 2007

ALTHOUGH I DIDNT KNOW YOU I STILL SEND LOVE & BLESSINGS TO YOUR FAMILY. AS THE NIECE OF A FALLEN OFFICER I FEEL THEIR PAIN , I MISS MY UNCLE DEARLY. MRS.BETANZOS BE STRONG AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE , WE ARE FAMILY . GOD BLESS YOU ALL. MAY YOU FIND PEACE.

JODY THOMAS
NIECE TO FALLEN OFFICER WM. ROBINSON

September 19, 2007

It has been twenty years. You are not forgotten. I know you up there looking down at us smiling. God bless you and your family, Thanks for you service.

special agent
NCIS

July 12, 2007

You will always be in the hearts and minds of your family. We are all so proud of you. May you always feel the warmth of God's love.

January 31, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones. You are close in age to me and I am now retired a few years after serving over 30 years in law enforcement. I thank you for your service to law enforcement. Your loved ones have kept your memory alive for almost 30 years and will continue to do so as they love you. Continue to watch over them. You are a true hero and will always be remember.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 11, 2007

The midnight stars are shining on a lone and silent grave
Beneath where sleeps the one we love and whom we could not save
You bid no one a last farewell
You could not say goodbye
You were gone before we realized, And only God knows why
Oh please take this message to the one we love above
Tell him how we miss him
And give him all our love
- unknown

Family

August 26, 2006

Your smile, your laugh, your love, your life is with me always. I salute you. Rest in His arms.

Ret. Lt Frank W. DeLuca
Newburgh NY PD

August 25, 2006

You are the guiding light of my life and soul. Your brief journey here on earth was one that touched so many. I,your wife, your son, Robert, Jr., and your daughter, Christine, are blessed to have had you as husband and father. You would be as proud of the fine children you fathered and loved as we are of you. You live on in our memories and live with us every day. You are blessed with a new generation of grand children, and one, Robert Joseph, III who carries on your name.

I am blessed and honored to have been a part of your life and love you always.

God bless you. May the day come when we can be together again.

Patricia Betanzos
Wife

August 24, 2006

May you Rest in Peace and May Our Lord give your loved ones many Blessings.

July 12, 2006

Rest safe with Our Lord.

July 6, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

May 16, 2006

Thanks for your service. It was an honor to serve with you and a privilege to know you. The citizens of the City of Newburgh lost a good man and a good cop when they lost you.

Rest easy my friend and my brother.

Guy Thoms
Police Officer, Newburgh P.D. 1974 to 1978
and Retired Sgt. Pueblo, Colorado P.D.

Sgt. Guy Thoms Pueblo Co. PD Retired
Newburgh PD 1974 to 1978

May 8, 2006

Officer Betanzos,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Newburgh.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 14, 2005