Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP

MP Matt Lyons - 1980/83
U.S. Army Military Police - 546th MP Co. Ft. Sill, OK

July 3, 2023

On the night of October 16th, 1976 members of my platoon were working patrol on night shift at Ft. Bragg. I was not the MP Duty Officer that night, but I was out working the street with my MPs to evaluate training needs, get their input on various topics, and just spend some time working patrol with my own platoon members. In those days when your turn to be the M.P. Duty Officer came up more than likely you were working with M.P.s from a platoon other than yours.

When we received the notification of Sgt. Lambert’s passing, I assumed the role of M.P. Duty Officer on Post allowing the other LT on duty to focus on Sgt. Lambert’s murder and deal with the chain of command.

My first thought was I needed to make sure all of our M.P.s stayed focused on our mission and not let their emotions get out of control. I included myself in that concern as I was all of 23 years old at the time. We had a good desk crew on, good NCOs in the field, and Spec 4s and below that wanted to do their best so we functioned very well as a unit under very trying circumstances. I am still extremely proud of those MPs.

Early on in this nightmare situation I went to Womack Army Hospital to interview the other M.P. who had been stabbed with Sgt. Lambert. We were still trying to piece everything together and C.I.D. was not on scene yet.

That M.P. had been part of the MP/FPD apprehension team when the suspect was initially picked up downtown. I don’t remember the name of the M.P. who was with me (my passenger as I always did my own driving) but I do recall us discussing at length what we had just heard because it was pretty disturbing.

After clearing the hospital and passing on the results of the interview I remember making a traffic stop where our emotions were put to the test. The driver, a soldier, started giving us a bunch of lip. I told him in no uncertain terms that it was the worst night possible to give an M.P. a hard time. He quickly got the message and I think we sent him on his way with a warning.

If I could tell Sgt. Lambert anything, I would want to convey how his heroic passing saved many law enforcement lives, in an out of the military. I would also tell him that he died because other law enforcement officers failed to do their job properly. That really is the truth of it.

I spent 44 years in law enforcement (military and civilian) working in patrol, detectives, deep cover, training, and command positions. I would know other officers who were killed in the line but none of those tragedies affected me more than the loss of Sgt. Lambert. I am sure other MPs from the 503rd feel the same way.

There were many lessons to be learned from that night and learning those lessons saved law enforcement lives. I passed on those lessons many times when working with or leading other law officers.

To be a soldier or a law enforcement officer is a special calling. When the two are combined a very special and dedicated person is needed to make it work. The memory of Sgt. Lambert made us all better at performing our chosen duty.

God bless America and those who protect her!

Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Maj. MP, USAR
Plt Ldr, 65th MP Co

February 16, 2023

You are always my hero dad. But as one man to another, f*** your side of the family, except for Micheal and Christopher. The rest I can care less. Because they can care less about us. If they my relatives don’t like my comments they can join my dad.

Robert Bruce Lambert Jr.
The only son of Robert Bruce Lambert St.

February 22, 2022

I Love you grandpa I'm sorry we never met!❤

Robert Bruce lambert lll
Grandson

February 21, 2022

I was supposed to work downtown desk that night. I was a SSG at the time. Got the night off as I had worked several days straight. Next morning several friends called to wish my wife condolences. Served 36 years in civilian law enforcement and not a shift went by without remembering that tragedy. RIP and may God watch over your family

SFC RET. Glenn Boyer
65th MP CO

March 29, 2021

I was supposed to be there ,but a fellow officer changed with me ,he was also stabbed pulling Sgt.Lambert from further injury. I arrived just about the time that FPD were transferring the subject to another location. The cause of this incident was the poor search of the suspect by the officers that brought him in.
That night was one I will never forget. Rest In Peace Brother.

SFC-RET JOSE L PEREZ ORTIZ
65th.MP.CO.503rd.MP BN.

August 20, 2019

RIP, you will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

December 14, 2018

On Tuesday October 16, 2018 my platoon will hold briefing in the former booking room where you gave your life 42 years ago. (This room is now an evidence packing room.) We will honor your service, your life and your legacy.

To the family of SSG Lambert, his name his engraved on a memorial in front of the Cumberland County Law Enforcement Center and he is remembered at a ceremony the first Tuesday in May at Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Lt. M. Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

October 10, 2018

Hard to believe it’s been so many years since your death. I recall the impact it had on all of us in the 503rd. Rest In Peace my brother.

1SG (Ret) Michael Miller
Former MP with 65th MP Co

January 20, 2018

Bob , I was there the day you left us , working in the Law Enforcement Center. I remember the day even after all these years you are still remembered. Never forget you ! My brother , my platoon Sgt. , My friend ! Rest in Peace.

Sp4 Robert Thibodeau (Sgt.)
21st MP Ft Bragg

October 8, 2016

SSG Lambert , You were the best , I still think about you and the day you were taken from us all. My Platoon Sgt , my friend , mentor to alot of us then. God bless and rest in peace. I was there in the Law Enforcement Center working above him that day his watch ended. Never Forget

Sp4 Robert Thibodeau (Sgt.)
Platoon Member 21st MP Ft Bragg

October 5, 2016

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and always honored.

Anonymous

October 16, 2014

I remember this case very well, I was an MP assigned to the 21st MP Co 1978-1979. There is a plague hanging on the wall in our barracks remembering SSG Lambert. RIP Brother, I've never forgotten you.

SP4 Senior Correction Officer J. DiLello
US Army MP & NJ Dept of Corrections

April 23, 2014

Even though I will never know who you are or what kind of person you was you will always be my grandfather I guess you can say your my angel watching over me I was born on your birthday. I just wish I could have known you have you in my life an my childrens life. But since we couldn't your upstairs watching was with our good lord. I love you.


Loving your granddaughter Angela Marie Lambert.

angela lambert
granddaughter

April 30, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 15, 2012

Remembering you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. Thank you for your dedicated service to your country and to law enforcement. You will never be forgotten

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

October 16, 2012

we love you grandpa, from all your grand kids in killeen/fort hood Texas

antonio lambert
grandson

August 2, 2012

I never met you but I'm your granddaughter.My name is Mercedes Lambert.I can't believe how much you look like my dad.

with much love!

Mercedes Lambert
granddaughter

August 2, 2012

Robert, your place in our family remains filled with memories of you, and with our love, honor and respect. I am grateful that this place exists to leave this message. I know that your loving uncle Clifford D. Lambert and your loving aunt Beverly, and your cousins Cindy and Sherry are with you.
I pray to be there one fine day, too, Bobby. With love-

Martha Jean Lambert
Loving cousin

May 13, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 16, 2010

Sgt Lambert,

I cannot believe its been 33 years today. You were such a great guy and I so liked working with you. I was horrified at my own inability to do anything that night...everything happened so fast. One minute we were talking and working together and the next moment, you were gone. The memory of that night still plays in my mind. You are missed, not forgotten. Rest easy, big guy. God Bless.

Kathy Sneed
former Officer 21st MP Corps Ft. Bragg

October 16, 2009

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer & MP: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 16, 2009

For Military Police Officer Bruce Lambert:

You served your country both as a soldier and a military police officer. Each position brings you in harm's way for the benefit of every citizen of our great country. That you died doing your duty, and in the service of your country, makes you a hero among heros. Great honor and true bravery is associated with your name. We are grateful for your service and we are humbled by your sacrifice. May you enter Heaven's gates knowing that the United States Army is minus one of the finest examples of a soldier of the troops and for the troops.

I stand proudly to render you a final salute.

1SG Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
United States Army Reserve

February 23, 2009

I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and our Country. You have not been forgotten.

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

October 15, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008