Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers at this incredibly difficult time.

Michigan Department of Corrections
Friend of Deputy Perry Fillmomre EOW 4/27/04

May 26, 2006

Another sensless murder of one of our finest. Arizona Law Enforcement Officers will remember our brother Officer Targosz. God Bless his family and brothers at Gilbert PD. Go with God.

C. STARR
ADC

May 16, 2006

Though it has been nearly three weeks since your passing, I am just now able to write this. I am deeply saddened of your passing. Though I did not know you personally, my husband worked with you and always spoke highly of you and told stories of the DUI task force that he participated in with you. My heart goes out to your wife and the rest of your family, though my heart aches for them, I know that it was your time to go. How ironic that you were killed by the one thing that you had such a passion for stopping. My prayers are with your family, and I will help Bridget as much as I can in her time of need.

Ami Roman
A Gilbert officers wife

May 14, 2006

My deepest condolences to Officer Targosz'z family. I never had the opportunity to met or work with Officer Targosz however, amongst my co-workers he was highly regarded and a difference to the community he served.

Officer J. Ferrell
Salt River Police Department

May 13, 2006

We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill
As the day begs the night for mercy, love.

A sun so bright it leaves no shadows
Only scars carved into stone on the face of earth.

The moon is up and over One Tree Hill
We see the sun go down in your eyes.

You run like a river on to the sea
You run like a river runs to the sea.

And in the world, a heart of darkness, a fire-zone
Where poets speak their heart then bleed for it

Jara sang, his song a weapon in the hands of love.
You know his blood still cries from the ground.

It runs like a river runs to the sea.
It runs like a river to the sea.

I don't believe in painted roses or bleeding hearts
While bullets rape the night of the merciful.

I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red over One Tree Hill.

We run like a river runs to the sea
We run like a river to the sea.

And when it's rainin', rainin' hard
That's when the rain will break a heart.

Det Moran
Peoria

May 13, 2006

Rob -

My brother Ric, and Rob became great friends through their time on the Gilbert PD, even after Ric moved on to other pursuits. Ric and I were both looking forward to an upcoming rafting trip in Montana with Rob when he was so tragically taken from us.

I became Rob's friend by way of proximity. In other words, I got within 10 feet of him, and couldn't help but like him. I know him not as well as some on this site, but I know this. He was a true friend to my brother. He was a true officer and hero to his community. That is really all I need to know.

As an orthopedic surgeon, I have always felt a kinship with law enforcement officers, not only because my brother took up arms along side you, but more because at 3AM, we are often the only ones doing the hard jobs that few others could or would do. As someone who sees the grim effects of the DUI's that don't get taken off the road, I know how important the job Rob did remains. I also know that other true officers will carry on, and I sleep better in that knowledge. Sleep on, Rob. We will miss you.

Andy Borom
Brother of former Gilbert PD officer, friend.

May 10, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Targosz -- The sacrifice you made for your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Targosz -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

May 9, 2006

well rob,just over a week since you were taken from us and the full depth hasn't totally hit me yet.your funeral was beautiful,the pictures of you always smiling with your arms around someone you loved the true symbol of what kind of person you were,so why were you taken from us still don't understand..the stories were funny made you laugh,made you cry,just enough (barely) to give us a little peace if just for a minute,lighten the heart just the way you would want us to be,not to cry and be sad or mad at the senseless way you were taken but to be happy that you found peace and that you had so much love in your heart and that you are up there taking care of what needs to be taken care of in true ROB TARGOSZ style.dave,pete and ric gave wonderful eulogies that got down to who and what you were,daves story of you putting your fto in a headlock,petes about the first time you 2 debated over who hurt whos feelings in the debriefing room and rics very much enpassioned plea to every police officer in there to go out and make as many dui arrests that night on cinco de mayo as he knows you would want them to do..not to let your death be in vein and you know what rob,they did just that instead of cancelling the task force that they went out and busted their butts because thats what rob would have done.those arrests were for you rob and every person killed senselessly by a drunk driver.you were in their hearts and i know you were there watching ,guiding and keeping them all safe.the cemetery is beautiful,you are in a wonderful spot partially shady with just the right wind to fill the air with you're spirit.thank you for giving me the oppurtunity to know you and that no matter where i'am i will never forget you ROB. R.I.P. big guy.

senta eilola

May 9, 2006

Robert,

May God Hold in his arm's and guide you through the gates of Heaven. We'll take it from here our brother.

The men and Women of the Palm beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida

PBSO
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Offcie, FlA

May 8, 2006

TARGOZS

You always knew what to say. You always knew how to improve a fellow officer. Your knowledge always came forward.

In the PD department, we deep down know that when the officer leaves the home, he may never return. And even with that knowledge, hearing the news of 4/29/06; which was more than shocking; we; as optimists remember the good, funny and the heart felt times. Such as the time you were driven to a “ 905“(emergency back-up), in the passenger seat and approaching a red light, yelling “YOU HAVE TO STOP”, and trying to stop the patrol car from where you were. (The fact that “DURANGO BOB” was driving, may have a little to do with that anxiety). But if you remember, you were one of Bob’s FTO’s. Trained by the best, he knew you were no help to that fellow officer if you didn’t arrive on scene safely.

We are also reminded of what a sound and tactfully ready officer you were. We know that if you had seen this coming, you would have not been in front of that mustang, BUT BEHIND IT, PULLING IT OVER! Which makes this even more alarming. Just how could have this happen?

Please know that the knowledge you passed on to the less seasoned officers is taken to heart. They will carry on your passion. Your lasting impression on this world is forever etched in our hearts. Rest in peace Officer Targozs, rest in peace!

The Jerricks
Former Gibert Officer

May 8, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept.

May 8, 2006

My heartfelt prayers are with the family, friends, Gilbert PD and all who had the privilege to have had their paths cross with this wonderful man, I am the wife of one of your brothers in blue, and each night my husband leaves to work, our kids and I pray for his safe return...those of us woven within the police family know all too well of the risks...and we thank you for paying that ultimate sacrifice, it will never be forgotten and neither will you. The world is a better place for your being here all too short of a time...Ride in peace my hero, your work here is done.

Cindi Krauger
Wife of Gilbert Police Officer

May 8, 2006

Rob,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. I am saddened even more with regret that I did not have more opportunity to spend time with you. Please know that in the short time that I knew you, you were a role model, a mentor and a dear friend. Your kindness was comforting and your conviction and fortitude is still motivating. We could all use more good officers like you. I am sure that all of us have been motivated by you to give "a little bit more" and will always do so on your behalf. I was proud to be able to be a part of your procession and sorely miss holding the back line with you on the soccer field. You are a good man and I will look forward to the day when we can catch up.

R.I.P Brother!

Conan Beach

Agent Beach
DHS/USBP, friend/teammate

May 7, 2006

Brigette,and all of Robs Family
I have always thought a lot of Rob, an incredible man as well as an honorable a devoted officer. My association was strictly DUI task force time and those situations tell you a lot about a person. When I attended the services for him, I found a whole new set of reasons why he was so respected by those who knew him on a much more personal level than I did. I cannot change your pain whoever know that you are being thought of and prayed for by many. Thank you for sharing him with us for this most important work. We will continue to support this work he was so devoted to.
Sincerely, Janet Bosley/Arch Angel Foundation

Janet Bosley
Arch Angel Foundation

May 7, 2006

Although we did not know Officer Targosz, we have the community of Gilbert PD in our prayers at this difficult time. Our community just suffered the loss of an officer last week and our department just marked the 5 year anniversary of the passing of one of our own in an automobile accident. We have visited the Gilbert Police Dept. and dispatch center before, so we wanted to let everyone know that although we are far away, your department is in our thoughts and Prayers.

Elizabeth Seymore/Cpl. Kris Seymore
Notre Dame PD/Elkhart City PD, IN

May 7, 2006

Tears stream down my face as I think of the loss to the the Gilbert Police Department, the Gilbert Community and especially the family of Officer Targosz. I met you once, you will forever be in my mind. You may not walk among your comrades in person but your spirt will keep a vigilant watch over those left to continue the service you were so passionate about.

MH-PPB Officer Wife

May 6, 2006

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathys to the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer Robert Daniel Targosz. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, CNY

May 6, 2006

Robert, words cannot express my sorrow for your loss and for the horrible ironies life can play.

Your dear friend and mine, Ross is deeply sadned, as is the rest of your Law Enforcement Family.

Go knowing that your efforts were not in vain and that your service to the community will surely be missed.

Rest in peace and God bless.

Sgt.Ronald A. Cordova
"Rumble"

Sgt. Ronald A. Cordova
Lake Quivira, Ks. P.D. /Formerly ASU DPS & Motor Officer

May 6, 2006

What to say...difficult...so many thoughts...had the privilege of attending the memorable, beautiful memorial service for Rob with my daughter Holly & her husband Gilbert Officer Jesse Lee Sanger. So very moving - pleased that I chose to attend for such an emotional, outstanding event, despite its tragedy. (Little else was on our minds/in our hearts since his accident.) Learning of so much he cared about & accomplished was awesome! What a guy! Oh yes, no doubt many of Heaven's residents are truly reaping the benefits of his strong character & unique personality! Hopefully, will have a chance to be in his company someday along w/the many others. Prayerful thoughts will continue finding their way to dear wife Brigette & their family & friends. Appreciate the chance to express this - it's a good thing! (Now anticipating our attendance at this evening's Diamondback Game featuring a tribute to Rob! Yea, Rob, & Go, Diamondbacks!!! Very sincerely, Yet another Police Officer Supporter & Very Proud Mom-in-law to one of the best officers in Gilbert's Police Department, Officer Jesse Lee Sanger! Love you Guyz! With admiration & affection from Marvelous Mesa, Arlene

Mrs. Robt. (Arlene) Kieslich
Mon-in-law of Ofcr Jesse Sanger

May 6, 2006

I had the honor of attending A.L.E.T.A. with Rob in 1994. Even though I only got to know Rob a little over 3 months, it was clear that he was one in a million. He had an air about him that could initially be taken as arrogance but as you got to know him, it was clear that it was not arrogance but confidence. He was a complex personality and unfortunately for most of us who only knew him that short time, we did not get to fully know this great and dedicated officer. We did see the leadership skills he possessed and made him class president. I will always remember the time that we couldn't stomach the cafeteria food at A.L.E.T.A. and Rob suggested that we go to Filiberto's in Tucson. He turned me on to their Carne Asada burrito for the first time. Thanks Rob, rest in peace and I'll see you in Heaven!

Detective David Zavos
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

May 6, 2006

We are saddened once again with the sad news of another hero taken from us. It is a great loss for the family and department during this crisis. We might not know the right words to say, or even know how to say them, but we can pray for your family and friends. May the Lord give them strength through this time.

Missionary Joe Taylor
Cops Evangelist Ministries

Joe Taylor (Former FL LEO)

May 6, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the department that has lost Officer Targosz. RIP.

Oregon Officer's wife

May 5, 2006

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I KNEW ROB FROM HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING WHEN I ATTENDED ROCKFORD JEFFERSON. IT SADDENS ME TO LOSE AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AT AN EARLY AGE.

INV. MICHAEL MUND
WINNEBAGO COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE.

May 5, 2006

It takes true courage to do what officers do day in and day out. My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Officer Targosz. May you all find peace in how he lived and what he did for all of us.

Kim
Private citizen

May 5, 2006

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi


Rest in peace, Officer Targosz

May 5, 2006