Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I also had the pleasure and honor of being in the same academy class as Dave. I don't think anyone has ever been so proud to be a Denver Police Officer. The devastation from his shooting was never about his injuries, but came from his inability to put on the uniform and serve his community in that capacity. He never stopped being a Denver Police Officer in his every thought, word and action. If we all could be just a fraction as committed as he was what a difference we could make. Heaven is a better place and we all have lost tremendously. Thank you Dave!

Commander Rhonda Jones, 79025
Denver Police Department

February 9, 2012

We protect. We serve. All give some. Dave gave all.

Officer T. Gentry 97008
Denver Police Department

February 9, 2012

I couldn't help but notice the similarities in Dave's badge and the badge of my late husband. Patrick R. Anderson 79063.

I am sure that he and Patrick are now kicking it up in Heaven. Because as sure as I breath, I just know that there is a "special place" in Heaven just for these wonderful cops.

I wish his family well. On this day, the 2nd Anniversary of my husband's death, the pain is still raw and will always be felt by everyone who knew him.

The Denver Police Department never ceases to amaze me in their compassion and love for their Officer's that have gone. The Legacy's of these great men and women are always shared and felt, years after an Officer has passed on.

At the moment I am thinking about another great man: RIP to my good friend Patrick Pollack, I still miss him like it was yesterday.

Bless Dave's family, My thoughts and Prayers are with you. Annmarie Anderson

Tech. Patrick R. Anderson DPD
Last day of Watch 2-08-10

February 8, 2012

From the time my husband met & befriended Dave in the academy, it was just the three of us on many trips, holidays, and just hanging out. Dave became like a brother to me, complete with all the teasing. He was best man at our wedding and a few years later became "Oscar" (Uncle) Dave to our 2 boys. Dave was such an inspiration; no matter what difficulties or hardships he may have experienced in his life, he was always upbeat, generous, and kind. I remember it seemed so fitting to me that he would awaken from his coma on Easter and as soon as he saw me, he greeted me with a joke. He was definitely one-of-a-kind and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Ingrid Barker
Old friend

February 8, 2012

Dave was a fellow DPD Academy classmate of mine. I have wonderful memories of our experiences there and will never forget how he liked to tease me, with a straight face, and I'd fall for it every time. Dave's pride and honor of being a Denver Police Officer was contagious for all of us who knew and worked with him in those early years. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to have known him then, as well as recognize the legacy of strength he has left to all of us.

Det. Barbara Stewart #79034
Denver Police Crime Laboratory

February 8, 2012

I was able to work with Dave for 4yrs after he was shot. Let me tell you he never lost the joy of living. Dave also was had a joke to make you laugh, and he was always willing to give you his opion of life and how it should be. Dave will always be in my thoiughts, and I know I'll never forget some of the great jokes or wisdom that he oftered, wheather I wanted his opion or not he was very free with it. I smile often thing of him and he will never be forgotten. Even tho I cared for Dave I'll always think of him as a friend.

He gave so much of himself...Thanks Mr Roberts for the years you let me care for you.

Becky Nelson
Friend

February 8, 2012

I had the privilege of being one of his Academy Instructors. Dave had the most irreverent sense of humor. he never lost that, in spite of the pain and physical limitations he faced after being shot. He was an inspiration to those who knew him.

Captain Edward Lujan, Jr.
Denver Police Department (Retired)

February 8, 2012

Dave Roberts was an academy classmate of mine. Iremember his incredible sense of humor and zest for life. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. After his injury he never felt sorry for himself despite the pain and limitations imposed on him. His story is truly one of inspiration and perserverance. He has been one of thePolice Officers that has been an inspiration and motivator for me over these many years. It is a privilage to have called him a friend.

Technician Gerry Tschirpke,79039
Police Officer Denver Police Department

February 8, 2012

Dave was a good partner and cop! I think his calling was in the Traffic Bureau but I worked with him in District Four. Dave was determined and strong willed. He was a good worker and protected by back often. I liked to set him off just to see him go berserk! We had a lot of fun and shared a lot of meals at the Breakfast King. After Dave got shot he taught and spoke about his experience of being shot and the aftermath. He really missed being a cop! I miss you my friend.

Retired Detective Chuck Martinez 73038
Denver Police Department

February 8, 2012

I was blessed to know Dave since his days as a Reserve Officer, through his tour as an active officer, and through the years after he was wounded.
Dave showed strength, integrity, and passion for the job - loved his brothers and sisters in blue and stood strong on the front line as he protected the people and city.
You are a brave man - loved by all and will be forever in our hearts. Rest In Peace, brother.

Sergeant Mark Crowley
Denver Police Department

"Blessed are the peacemakers"

February 7, 2012

Dave Roberts was a hero to me. I met Dave shortly after his injury. His humor sustained me, inspired me. He taught Officer survival to many police departments when I was Exec. Director of the Colorado Dept. of Public Safety. He may well have saved officers lives through his experiences. I will always miss Dave. Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas
Former Exec. Director CDPA and Jeffco District Attorney

February 7, 2012

Dave,
May God give you rest and your family peace.

Sergeant Bill Stanley
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave, I knew you before and after the shooting. You always maintained your sense of humor from day one. Your courage over the years is a shining example to all of us to never give up, even in the most deadly of situations. I'm a better man and police officer for having known you. God Bless you little brother, we shall miss you.

Detective Dennis Chavez
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave ate, lived, and breathed the DPD. Most of his life revolved around this department and the men and women in it. If he wasn't working the regular job he was working off duty. He simply loved being a Denver Police Officer. It was his dream come true. He always honored the badge and there was no one more passionate about doing the right thing.

Dave was best man at my wedding and I've got about a million stories about his/our escapades;-) God almost certainly saved a place in Heaven for him. I miss him . . .

Lieutenant Roger Barker
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave you were a true HERO in every sense of the word. You were severely injured and fought to survive. You showed us that nothing could keep you down, which is how we should all live our lives. Thank you for your courageous life and ultimate sacrifice.

Detective Grace Nunez de Ovalle
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave was a great classmate and fellow cop. He always had a sharp, great sense of humor and could joke with the best of them. He was overjoyed to be a Denver Police Officer and was very committed to his career. It was a shock to all of his fellow academy classmates when he was shot. His injuries took the "old Dave" away from all of us. Although he struggled with his health since being shot, he was proud and determined to live on his own. His is sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Lt. Kenneth D. Chavez
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave,
I told the "world" about you on my Facebook page. You were the most caring and generous man I ever knew and in spite of your injury you were always there for me. You overcame so much and invented many things to keep you independent in spite of the hemiparesis to your dominant side. You could still take care of yourself and even cook and clean your house. I even let you drive my Lexus one time and you did okay till we went on the sidewalk. everyday.I still have your signed copy of John Denver's "Follow Me" and someday I will.

Barbara Rozycki, Forever Friend

February 7, 2012

Dave,

Your dedication to the Denver Police Department was impressive to say the least! Your examples of strength will forever live with us...it was an honor to have known you BROTHER!

Detective Ed David
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Officer Dave Roberts, unfortunately I never had the opportunity to work directly by your side, but I surely enjoyed our conversations we had when I worked with you at the Bronco games. By this time you were no longer in uniform, but your pride and dedication of being a Denver Police Officer was still very evident and you made me proud to wear the uniform you were so proud of. For it is brave men like you that make this uniform so special and I am honored to have shared that experience with you. Your smile and enthusiasm will be missed, but I will always remember you and your pride for DPD. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. God be with you brother!

Lt. Jeff Martinez
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012

Dave,
I knew you only after your injury. Despite pain, suffering, and obstacles, you showed us all how to live with compassion, humor, and humanity. I am grateful for your example. Your brothers and sisters at Denver PD will always honor your life and service.

Detective Danny Veith
Denver Police Department

February 7, 2012