Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rob,
I am so glad that I got to know you and will always remember your great smile. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace...

Sharon Barbieri, Civilian Investigator
Gilbert P.D.

May 2, 2006

Robby,

I will never forget the words you said to me after an incident in which my judgment was in question. You said, “Mike, you did the right thing, you’re a good cop.” You could not know what great impact that simple statement had on me. I never properly thanked you for that and so I say thank you now and hope you will hear.

Thank you for the knowledge you shared, the philosophies over which we argued and the laughter that followed.

You were a teacher, a mentor, and a friend and you will be sorely missed.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Michael

Officer Michael Cluff
Gilbert PD

May 2, 2006

Another police brother slain bringing safety to others, a waste of a precious life.

Rest in peace

Richard
Metropolitan Police (UK) Motorcycle unit

May 2, 2006

Your family is in my prayers.
Now rest in heaven with those who have gone ahead of you. Well done good and faithful servant.

Civilian
Michigan

May 2, 2006

Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.

Trooper
New York State Police

May 2, 2006

May GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

May 2, 2006

Rob was one of the most motivated people I knew. With determination, and honesty, he accomplished many goals and good deeds many of us strive to achieve everyday. I will miss his friendship, his smile and even his complaints about how the easy the bad guys have it. He was an Original. I am saddened about what has happended and I will miss him. May God embrace Rob and comfort his family. You will me missed my brother.

Sgt. Joey Amaya
Gilbert P.D.

May 2, 2006

YOUR FAMILY,FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT ARE IN MY PRAYERS

CHIEF DENNY SHELLEY
WILLIAMSBURG, KY. POLICE DEPT.

May 2, 2006

My heart & prayers go out to Officer Targosz's survivors. May God continue 2 bless and comfort you all at this difficult time. He will always be a hero; remebered, loved & honored.

Police Applicant J. Campbell
A friend

May 2, 2006

The loss of another dedicated officer through the irresponsible act of a drunk driver is heartbreaking. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

Anne (Civilian UK)

May 2, 2006

I would like everyone to know that Rob was a true professional and he performed his duties with the "Warrior Spirit." Rob conducted himself with the highest level of ethics and was viewed by his peers as the truest measure of a law enforcement officer.

The loss of Rob to our agency is immeasureable, but the loss of Rob's service to humanity is simply beyond comprehension.

Ofc. J. D. Williams
Gilbert PD

May 2, 2006

Ofc. Targosz,

I was saddened by reading about losing this great officer tonight; working motors and DUI patrol is the best way to work. Though we never met, I can tell from all the I have read about him that he was nothing but first class all of the way. My condolences to his family, fellow officers, and the citizens of Gilbert.

Rest easy brother, we have it from here.

A. P. Mitchell
State of Alaska Div. of Juv. Justice

May 2, 2006

I sit in front of my computer screen wondering what words I can say that will help ease the pain for your family, friends, and fellow officers. No such words exist.

Rest in peace brother....your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Ofc. Mark Cristiani
Scottsdale Police Dept.

May 2, 2006

I had the privilege (though I didn't realize it at the time) of being Rob's Sergeant when he completed FTO and later as a bike Officer. He and I spent many hours discussing police theory and life, usually having something to do with why it's important to be nice to the people while doing God's work to the bad guys. These conversations were pretty candid and usually had at the rodeo grounds so as not to draw un-due attention to the two crazy cops yelling at each other. As time went on we came to understand each other well and I developed a real love and appreciation for Rob and the truly complex man that he was; a wonderful mix of well read intelligence with a pure child like ambition for the work. On one such occasion he quoted the following to me from memory:

My mind to me a kingdom is; that it excels all other bliss which God or nature hath assigned. Though much I want that most would have, yet still my mind forbids to crave.

No princely port, nor wealthy store, no force to win a victory, no wily wit to salve a sore, no shape to win a loving eye; to none of these I yield as thrall,--for why? my mind despise them all.

I see that plenty surfeit oft, and hasty climbers soonest fall; I see that such as are aloft mishap doth threaten most of all. These get with toil and keep with fear; such cares my mind can never bear.

I press to bear no haughty sway, I wish no more than may suffice, I do no more than well I may, look what I want my mind supplies. Lo! Thus I triumph like a king, my mind content with anything.

I laugh not at another's loss nor grudge not at another's gain; no worldly waves my mind can toss; I brook that is another's bane. I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend, I loathe not life, nor dread mine end.

My wealth is health and perfect ease, and conscience clear my chief defence; I never seek by bribes to please, nor by desert to give offence.

Thus do I live, thus will I die,--would all did so as well as I.

---Sir Edward Dyer

At the time, I thought it was pretty impressive for Rob, who's voice will forever echo in these halls such eloquent pronouncements as "that's a bunch of crap." I now realize that it was indeed a prophetic self portrait of this man who we all have grown to love deeply. He is our hero.

Thank you Rob.

Till we meet again...

Randy McLaws
Gilbert PD

May 2, 2006

Rest in peace brother. Your sacrifice will never been forgotten. You are a true hero.

Officer Loeffler
Lakeville PD

May 2, 2006

As one motor officer to another's family. He will be greatly missed. Only GOD knows why his time here on earth is done but having lost a riding partner 3 years ago, time still has not diminished his memory.

Very Respectfully:
Michael W. HUNT

MPOII MICHAEL W. HUNT
HONOLULU POLICE DEPT

May 2, 2006

Rob,
You were by my side every day (like it or not) at the academy. I will never forget the encouragement you gave me when I just couldn't get over that wall and during our "tank runs". I remember how you used to say you were going to write tickets to people for throwing cigarettes out the window when you got on the street. I remember driving to and from Tucson every week-end and the time we stopped at Wendy's to buy you a Frosty on the way home-you bounced off the sides of the car all the way home and Kevin and I vowed we would never let you have sugar on the ride home again!

You always had a smile and a kind word even after I left the PD. I always admired your self-confidence, your knowledge, and your campaign against drunk drivers. It is truly ironic and downright frustrating that a drunk driver would take you away from your brothers and sisters in blue, from your family, from your wife.

I will miss hearing about your latest foot chase, your latest crazy drunk person, your DUI numbers.

I am sure God has big plans for you - could he have anything but? As others have said here, your watch as the Gilbert PD guardian angel has just begun and I am sure you will tackle the job with zeal!

B. Shippee
former GPD officer

May 2, 2006

Rob,

You will be sorely missed. You were one of the funniest people I've ever met, and your zeal for life inspired. My heart is aching for your wife, family, and friends. You will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Peace be with you till we meet again, brother.

A friend

May 2, 2006

Our family truly appreciates the sacrifice you have made to serve and protect our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones at this time. Please find comfort knowing that Families are forever.

Jennifer

May 2, 2006

Rob: Your friendship forever treasured - your work forever remembered - your voice forever heard - you'll never be forgotten and you'll be so dearly missed. Always & ever, Sandy Rodricks

Sandy Rodricks - Chief's Admin
Gilbert Police Department

May 2, 2006

I do not have the words. I will miss Rob terribly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Brigitte and the family. Rob had the ability to make everyone feel safe when he was around and you just new things would get done if Rob was involved. Even though Rob is not with us physically he will always be with us in our hearts. I am sure Gilbert PD could not have gotten a better guardian angel! I am sure Rob will make sure we get the job done right. Rest now Rob and know you will never be forgotten. God Bless.

Benny Fisher
Gilbert PD

May 1, 2006

My thoughts and prayers to the Targosz family. To Officer Targosz: Thank you for your dedication and service, may you receive your Heavenly reward. Rest well good sir.

Brandon Hall
Glendale, AZ

May 1, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Robert D. Targosz, his good deeds to his community and country will always be remembered. May God bless you.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

May 1, 2006

Prayers for our Brother and his loved ones.

UM108

May 1, 2006

You taught some of my classes in "DT" at the academy. Words arent enough. Gods comfort to your family.

Officer
Phoenix PD

May 1, 2006