Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I would like to express my condolence to your Dept. and family members of Ofc. Targosz. My daughter lives in Gilbert,AZ and I strongly appriciate Gilbert P.D. for making the community safe for her and the rest of the community. I had a Chance to visit Gildert last year and met some of the officers from Gilbert P.D. and was impressed with their professionalism. Whenver an Officer fall we all who are in the law enforcement field lose a brother. To my brother Officer Targosz and the rest of the family at Gilbert P.D. God Bless you all.

Ofc. Shedrick Cocoa P.D.

Ofc. Shedrick
Cocoa Police Dept. Cocoa, FL

May 3, 2006

My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gilbert PD and Officer Targosz' family and friends. God has another Angel. Rest In Peace.

Retired Scottsdale PD Officer
and Grateful Gilbert Citizen

May 3, 2006

What a tragedy. I was saddened to hear of the death of Officer Targosz. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and his fellow GPD officers and co-workers. I did not know Rob personally but I know his death has a deep and saddened effect on many people.

I have no doubt that his good work has touched the lives of many and that his career has honorably been fulfilled by giving his life in the service of others. Thank you Rob. You will not be forgotten.

Obie Henney, Firefighter
Scottsdale Fire Department

May 3, 2006

If I had to think of a friend of my husband's that would literally take the shirt off his back for ya, it would be Rob. All the times I remember going out and doing the most mundane things w/ Rob and his wife are now only memories. Going to a dinner and a movie will always be one of the fondest memories I can think of. Our hiking trip and his wedding, our FL trip for our wedding. All of these things are now just memories and will forever been seared in my mind. Picture are now we have of Rob but the memories will last a lifetime. He devoted his entire life to his wife and making her happy and his career. He always put his wife first and that's what I admire about him. God has a new angel and I am very grateful that someone is watching over us and one day we will know of this glorious place where Rob now resides.

We will never forget you Rob.

Adrianna Barnes
friend

May 3, 2006

I can remember Rob when he would come over to see my dad and hang out over 14 years ago. Whether it was a BBQ or simply to say hi.
From starting out in the military, to becoming an officer.
He was the same person then as he was now.
Joyful, happy, outgoing, and had a great concern for the public.
He will be remembered as the best man a man could be!
For there is no greater way to go, than in the service for your home and country.
Regards to his wife and family.
Erica Christiansen
He will greatly be missed

Daughter of a DPS & Special Forces Off.
Friend & Daughter of Bob Stout

May 3, 2006

Rob,
My family and I are keeping your family in our hearts and prayers. I will always remember your orneriness while I was working in dispatch that at times made me crazy and at others made me laugh, but also that you had the best intentions. You will be sorely missed. My family and I will always be grateful for your part in my mother's memorial just two short years ago. Now I know in heaven, she will be in the best of company.

Special Agent Lisa Sanks
ATF, (Former GPD Dispatcher)

May 3, 2006

I had only known Rob for a short, but impressionable, time. I had the pleasure of first meeting him on a ride-a-long, when stuck at an accident scene waiting for vehicles to be towed, the DUI task force van showed up filled with motors, chicken wings, soda, and of course, Rob. What a way to spend the next hour. It included no less then ridiculous conversation, slight gorging, and an opportunity I hold very dear: the opportunity to see the funny side of Rob.

I feel very lucky to have known him at all in the short time I have worked with GPD. As I wait every evening for him to say "T22 10-8" I realize I will miss him very much. He was always very kind to me, even occasionally slowly spelling street names when 10-9'd his traffic stops!

My prayers are with your family Rob, you were an excellent officer and an amazing person. Rest in peace.

Ashley, Dispatch
GPD

May 3, 2006

The officers of the Solo Motorcycle Division of the Houston Police Department send their deepest regrets for a fellow motor officer who lost his life in the line of duty.

Deepest sympothy to the family and friends of Officer Targosz.

Solo Motorcycle Division
Houston Police Department

May 3, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

May 3, 2006

To Robert: Godspeed my brother. Your time on Earth was far too short. Your job was the most important in the world, and to your family you were the most important person in the world.

To Robert's family and friends: My prayers are with you during this unfortunate time. It was not long ago that I lost a friend in the Line... and it was you all who were there to help us with our loss. I would like to return the favor. If anyone reading this would like to vent, discuss or remember Robert, you can email me at [email protected].

God Bless you Robert... Rest In Peace my brother - we'll meet again soon.

COII T. Jeznach
Arizona Dept. of Corrections

May 3, 2006

Rob,

I was shocked to hear what happened and saddened as you were one of a kind. Many of the reflections have been by fellow police officers. I knew Rob before he was ever a police officer. We were both in college, working at the Arizona Biltmore and would get stuck working the 5am shift together during the summer break...at that time he was also in Special Forces and would dissappear for a week two at a time...chasing the bad guy in another country. What were you up to??

Rob you use to drive me nuts talking about how were going to be a police officer day after day. My usual response was "you better not give me a ticket" then you would flash your cheezy smile at me and laugh. I am glad you forfilled your dream. I have alot of respect for you and the way you lived your life. Thank you for being the person you were and all the great advise you use to give me. I can still hear your wise cracks and it makes me laugh, I will carry these memories thoughout my life. You are one of a hand full of great people I will remember the rest of my life.

You will be missed very much.

T

T
former co-worker/friend

May 3, 2006

Sir,
I want to say something but I'm not sure what. I never knew you, but I know your job was to be everyone's hero, including mine. I thank you so much for that. I will always be thinking of you, and I will always honor you.
Rest in peace.

G. Gonzalez
PPD Explorer

May 3, 2006

God grant peace and comfort to family and friends mourning the loss of our fallen hero. May justice reign swifty and may we all attempt to emulate his charater, passion and dedication.

Rob, our last exchange was priceless, I laugh every time I think about it. I will wear your nickname you gave me with pride! I looked up to you and I am honored to have worked with you. I promise your work will continue...

Ofc. J. Lefler #2507
GPD

May 3, 2006

I sit here both laughing and crying at the many thoughts of Rob. We had several long talks while we rode the recumbent bikes at the gym. I knew then that Rob was just trying to achieve that 34 inch waist he swore he had. He was an odd mix of sophistication and goofball like childishness, and his smile could always light up a room. He was a loyal friend. He never had to blow out someone else’s candle to make his own shine brighter.
I laugh at the thoughts of him and I cry because I am selfish and I will miss him. I always joked that no one loved the sound of Rob’s voice more than Rob. I was wrong.
Thank you Rob, for always making me feel important.
God bless your family.

Diana McLaws
Gilbert Police Department

May 3, 2006

Officer Targosz's sacrafice will never be forgotten by his brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement. He now patrols the gates of Heaven. Condolences to his family and to his Gilbert PD extennded family. Rest in Peace

Belia Fessenden
Retired, Pinal Co. SO, #112

May 3, 2006

The news from Gilbert hit me like a brick. Rob will always remain one of the best cops I ever met, and when I think of the words "integrity, honor, and courage" Rob embodied all those with his words and actions. Rob set a measure of personal service that few can hope to emulate. Brother, the world is a less-safe place to live in with you gone. You will not be forgotten.

Special Agent M. Typinski
Diplomatic Security Service (former GPD)

May 3, 2006

ROB, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GILBERT PD,..........THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES TEACHING WITH YOU AND WORKING THE STREETS. YOU ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH "AT EACHOTHER" EVERY TIME WE CROSSED PATHS AT THE MANY TASK FORCES AROUND THE VALLEY. DONT REST NOW, YOU HAVE TRUELY EARNED YOUR "WINGS"!I AM SURE HEAVENLY FATHER WILL PUT YOU IN CHARGE OF A SQUAD OF GARDIAN ANGELS! GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER!

DD10495
MESA POLICE TRAFFIC

May 3, 2006

Godspeed Officer Targosz. My family and I cannot thank you enough for your service to our community. Rest In Peace sir.

Grateful Gilbert Citizen

May 3, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked alot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

May 3, 2006

Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton,Mo. PD

May 3, 2006

A PIECE OF AMERICA DIED

Somebody killed a policeman today
and a piece of America died
a piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him...at his side
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
with counsel demanding his rights
while a young widowed mother must work for her kids
and spend many long, lonely nights
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too
just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half staff
to his name they will add a gold star
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today
It happened in your town or mine
While we slept in comfort, behind our locked doors
a cop laid his life on the line
Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street
and he stands at each new rookie's side
He answers the call, and gave us his all
and a piece of America died

Author Unknown

May 3, 2006

I am sending out my deepest sympathy to Rob's family and to all of his friends on GPD. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I was a Reserve Police Officer for Gilbert in the very early 90's. All of my family is still living in a beautiful, safe community that Rob and so many other cops help create. CSPD lost a Police Officer on 02/22/06, Det. Jared Jensen. I lost a friend. The days, weeks and months ahead will be full of thoughts, memories and laughs.... and tears. I wish that I had the honor of meeting Rob, from all the reflections I feel like I do know him. It seems like it was just yesterday that CSPD lost Jared... and it still hurts. But time does heal all wounds. Getting to that point is long. Talk about Rob, tell your stories about him and never ever let him be forgotten. He will always be with all of you. Be safe.

Your watch is over brother, we will take it from here.

Officer Jason Ragland
Colorado Springs Police Department

May 3, 2006

Yet another hero who has passed. Bagpipes mournfully echo in our memory on the day he was laid to rest. I haven't seen Rob in 23 years. How strange to read of him in our Rockford paper. How amazing to hear that he is a police officer, like I am. How heart wrenching to hear that he has been killed. We have all seen enough death, we deal with it every day. When we are faced with it with one of our own, it becomes too much for our hearts and soul. I know, first hand, your pain; your questions of why him, why now, for what? I share in your grief. I pray for his soul, I pray for his wife and family, and I pray for you - my brothers-in-blue. May God Bless and Keep Rob and all of you!

Officer
Rockford Police (IL)

May 2, 2006

Rob,
I ache, cry and laugh and I wish it were for another reason than this. I remember the look you gave me during a traffic stop when you noticed the "Mustache Phase". And how you stopped everything and said "That looks redicilous, you're going to shave that before the SWAT test". Followed by you saying "I can hardly concentrate with that thing". I remember talking to you on Friday night, and you giving one of your flashlight speaches as you took yet another drunk off the road. I will miss your voice over the radio, and the comments that made everyone say "He did not just say that". Rob you inspired more people than most people know in their life time. I know you're going to watch over us again from up above, and we'll take care of your family. Wear your new WINGS Proud as I know you will. GOD Speed Brother.

C. Timmins 2660
Gilbert PD

May 2, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Gilbert PD.

Fallen but never forgotten.

Officer B. laurie #1251
Haltom City, Texas

May 2, 2006