Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Gilbert Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Targosz deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Targosz is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

May 5, 2006

Rob,
Words cannot begin to describe the impact this tragedy has made upon those that knew you. I only knew you for 4 years, but you impressed me with your knowledge of law enforcement and motivated me by your dedication. I only wish I had gotten to know you better in the short time we worked together. Please forever know that the voice at the other end of the radio was only looking out for your safety and welfare. The one thing that made me cringe the most and say to myself "I can't believe he just said that over the radio!" is one of your many traits that I am going to miss the most. Your wife and family will always be in my prayers and may they find strength in their faith and support of their GPD family and friends. Like your smile, I will never forget your shining spirit! You will not be forgotten, you will forever be in our hearts. You are our Guardian Angel. Sleep well, T22, Rest in Peace.

Dispatch Supervisor Angie Heller
Gilbert Police Department

May 5, 2006

Rob, I will miss your smile, your laugh, that sparkle in your eye, but most of I will miss the razzing we gave each other. I will miss you coming to the MPD van and asking for my help and especially the ones that I miss and you couldn't wait to run over to tell me you got the blood!! I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to spend many holidays with you. It has been an honor and priviledge to work with you. All of you motor cops have become family and what a huge loss we have all endured. We will all continue to work hard to get impaired drivers off the road. You have earned your new wings and I am sure you will wear them proud. Thank you for your hard work. May you rest in peace my friend you deserve it. My prayers and thoughts are with your wife, family, Gilbert PD and all the agencies in the valley we will all miss you. May God bless you and those whose lives you have touched.

Dianna Ross

May 5, 2006

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 4, 2006

The members of the Gilbert Police Department have suffered a great loss with the death of Rob Targosz. I have read the posts on this site, and nothing said about Rob suprises me. Our time on earth is determined by a force greater than any one of us...and I guarantee you that at 1:30am on Sunday morning, He was NOT surprised. It says in the Book of Psalm Chapter 30 verse 5 says: "Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning".

You will be remembered for many things, your faith being one of those. God has welcomed you home with open arms.

Chaplain Bill Birdwell
Gilbert Fire Department

May 4, 2006

after reading the reflections, i realize God needed another officer. WHY?? we don't know why but we realize too late that you and all the officers who are taken from us FAR TOO SOON and that you all were only on loan to us. God Speed Officer Targosz.

Civilian
Indiana

May 4, 2006

Surreal…this entire week has been surreal. The DUI Task Force will never be the same without you. Your incredible intelligence…impressive, your confidence…revered your dedication…immeasurable and your smile…eternally luminous.
Thank you.

Civilian Investigator, Dania Apodaca
Gilbert Police

May 4, 2006

In case I never said it enough....Thank You Rob.

Thank you for being a friend.
Thank you for your relentless dedication to the task.
Thank you for providing a "young punk" like me a role model to emulate.
Thank you for the multitudes of "Robisms" that I have collected in my head.
I hope that in time I can become half the officer you have been. You are sorely missed by me, my wife, and this entire department. You have been an exemplary leader to all of us, and you are a fine representative to lead into Heaven. I will see you again,

Your friend and admirer...
Scott

Ofc. S Gallas
Gilbert PD

May 4, 2006

Officer Targosz,
Thank-you for your service. You will always be remembered as a hero. Our condolences to your family and the brave men and women of the Gilbert Police Department. Rest-in-peace, brother.

Detective Corporal Morgan
Park County Sheriff's Office--Colorado

May 4, 2006

It seems far too often we receive such terrible news.
To the friends and family of Officer Targosz,
Our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Pipeman Jason Kolbe
Ecorse Fire Department-Ecorse, MI

May 4, 2006

May God be with his family and department for years to come

PTLM. Chris McGinnis
Cahokia PD, IL

May 4, 2006

Your fellow DRE's and DUI motors from the City of Glendale pay our respects to a dedicated officer, one whom I have worked with directly. Rob was involved not only with removing impaired drivers from our roads, but also in the education of fellow officers who shared the same desire as he in the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers. Our deepest sympathies and regards to all of the men and women of the Gilbert Police Department who have lost one of their "family members". Being in a "family" of my own, I know how you must feel. We send our regards to Rob's wife and family also. Although I wish I did not have to attend a funeral, it will be our honor to escort you to your final resting place. Rest in Peace.

Fellow DRE and DUI Motor Officer
Glendale, Arizona PD

May 4, 2006

Rob,

People wonder what makes a DUI Motor Officer. What cause, or effect, fuels a passion for removing impaired drivers from our roadways; a commitment to making a difference? passion for saving a life? Many would call it being a cowboy.

We stand together as brothers, cowboys making a ride, a clear distinction between right and wrong. Unfortunately, cowboys are a dying breed. It is my deepest fear that the last of the true cowboys, who today are riding off into the sunset, are leaving without those we protect understanding that they represent everything that is great about this country; responsibility, accountability, the American spirit of caring, making a difference.

To you Rob I say, embrace with honor the title of cowboy and ride………as for me, my heroes have always been cowboys. They always will be.




“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence upon those who would do us harm”

BRW
Mesa Police Department

May 4, 2006

I thank you sir for your service. My prayers are with you and your family. You are a hero.

Officer Dan Metzler
Rochester Township PD

May 4, 2006

Lord,
He was yours to give,
and yours to call home,
please stand by his brothers,
so they don't feel alone,
dry the tears of his family,
so they clearly see:
that he gave his all,
so all could have peace.
Blessed are they,
the children of God,
with heavy hearts,
and honor - they trod,
to pay their respects,
to give their salute,
and to ask for your mercy,
on heroes in Blue.
Amen.

Robert, rest easy brother, we have the watch.

Mesquite, TX

May 4, 2006

Rob was my Brother and Friend… We often had long talks about the meaning of life, the purpose God had given us and the reason why we had become police officers. Rob and I agreed that a man’s life can often be summed in a few words… Here are a few words that I think best describe one of the strongest men I have ever had the privilege to call my friend…

war•ri•or n.
1. One who is engaged in or experienced in battle.
2. One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict:

lead•er n.
1. One that leads or guides.
2. One who is in charge or commands of others toward a common goal.

ser•vant n.
1. A person working in the service of another
2. A person who’s sole purpose in life is to serve the needs of others

friend n.
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
3. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group in a cause.

I will never forget you Rob Targosz… you were a close Friend to those who knew you, a relentless Warrior in the war against crime, a constant Servant to the people you were sworn to protect and you were a Leader in all areas of life. Your footprint will remain in the sands of my heart for years to come and your impact on this department and this community will survive long after I have come to join you..

Until we meet again, Brother…

Ofc. Bill Campbell
Gilbert PD

May 3, 2006

Reality

Imagine how our world would be
If every police officer quit
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
Just finally had enough of it.

No respect, no loyalty,
No appreciation of all they do,
They’d give their lives for all of us,
These wonderful officers of “Blue”.

Kicked at, spit on,
Punched, stabbed and shot,
Everyday assaults on officers,
Done…without thinking a second thought!

Our laws are in favor of criminals,
There’s always some loophole in their case,
Out again to commit more crimes and murders
…creates pain, that we, the family and friends
…in time will never erase.

Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering,
When their precious life is lost while fighting crime.

More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes,
Just to mention a few,
Please ask yourself how life would be,
If there were NO officers in Blue!

Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many…would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor,
And your name gets added to the Wall.

Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
Because they enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
In jail serving time, or on “Death Row”.

All give some and some give all,
It’s a risk they chose to take:
To put their heart and soul in it,
To put their lives at stake.

So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
Think of what “you can do”…

To help show respect,
To help follow the laws,
So we’d quit losing our Heroes in Blue!

Written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
Sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03
www.fallenofficersremembered.com

Fallen Officers Remembered

May 3, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Robert Daniel Targosz as well as to the Gilbert Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Targosz, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

May 3, 2006

We all take for granted the daily risk taking of our fine police officers. Thank you for allowing your son and husband to protect the rest of us. We are all privileged to live in a free society because of men like officer Targosz. Please accept my condolences for your terrible loss.

Private citizen

May 3, 2006

Rob was a teacher, mentor and friend to everybody he worked with no matter how old or new. He was an unforgettable person who has touched the lives of many. There are no words I or anybody else can say to describe the loss that has occurred. He will be remembered by many for everything he has done, and will never be forgotten by for everything he was. Rest in Peace my brother.

Officer Barry Hosier
Portland Police Bureau (Formerly GPD)

May 3, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

May 3, 2006

ITS SOUNDS LIKE THUNDER FAR AWAY...

It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.

Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them by...
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.

They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble, they ride out of our sight.

Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.

So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes, you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

By

Author Unknown

Rest in Peace, Brother…

Corporal Gregory A. Cohn
Florida Highway Patrol - St. Augustine

May 3, 2006

To the family and friends of Rob, We were so saddened to hear that another officer from Az. was gone to be with our dad. He must have been a great man. We want you to know that we believe the streets in heaven will be safer now that we have so many good patrolmen up there helping our hero and dad...May your good memories keep you going through these next few days and please know we will keep your family in our prayers because you are now part of our family....May God speed Rob..and Rob will you say hi to our dad and tell him we are proud of him and love and miss him...Love, Xavier and Aaron Rios sons of fallen officer Ramon M. Rios D.P.D. 520 E.O.W. 9/04/05

Xavier & Aaron Rios
Sons of Fallen Officer Ramon Rios D.P.D. 520 E.O.W. 9/04/05

May 3, 2006

may god bless officer targosz as well as all him family members and co-worker's and friend's.he will never be forgotten in the law enforcement family.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

May 3, 2006

Rob,
I've worked with you on the DUI Task Force nearly every year for the last 12 years. We had a ritual, you and I. Every year you insisted on giving me a very generous donation and I told you that you didn't have to do that and you insisted that you did. I finally stopped arguing with you after a couple of years and just started accepting it. This year you found out we got a corporate sponsor and you laughed and told me that you weren't going to give me money any more and I argued that yes you are. You laughed and said you were kidding. It's officers like you who make my job with the Archangels enjoyable. I concider each and every one of the DUI motors and members of the DUI Task Force my family. We will miss you terribly! I will miss arguing with you and that smile of yours! We will continue the work that you devoted your career to and that unfortunately took your life. You were a good man Rob, one of the best! My love and prayers go out to your wife and your family! We will smile knowing that you are watching over us at the Task Force. Rest in Peace my friend.

Heather Hurst
Archangels Foundation

May 3, 2006