Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bradford,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 27, 2022

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 15, 2020

Our 16 PNU crew attended the funeral. I reflect on Officer Bradley and his beautiful family when I hear the Ave Maria. I’m not certain it was the Ave Maria during the funeral that touched my heart and soul. I use it to remember the connection I felt, the sacrifice by Officer Bradley and that of his family living and growing without him physically in this life. I was 24 then, 71 now and I’ll remember Robert, his funeral and his family forever.

I was unaware of the life struggles of Officer Robert Dooley from his injuries. God Bless Robert and Robert, watch over their families and bestow graces upon them to know the husband and Dad is with our Lord having given their lives for all humanity.

Doug Tally, Officer
DPD #16 PNU

March 23, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Bradford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2019

Officer Robert P. Bradford Jr. will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. May your soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 16, 2018

I know your son, he is a good man. You would be very proud. Rest in Peace..

Anonymous PO

October 17, 2017

God's peace and speed Officer Bradford. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP Brother.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

May 27, 2014

Bob Dooley is my uncle, he just recently passed.

jess

June 21, 2013

Officer Robert Bradford, I never met you but I responded to your shooting. I was working narcotics when I heard the call of "Officers Down." I remember the thin white snow where you fell, seeing your last footsteps, and those of your killers. You did your best, partner....

Patrolman Robert Ankony
Wanye County Sheriff's Department

October 2, 2012

Robert, I met you through Pat Logan. We both worked at the Contiental Congress Inn in Dearborn. Rest easy friend. I hope your family is doing well. Brian Bergin. 2012

Brian Bergin
Friend

September 13, 2012

RIP Sir, Hero's are never forgotten

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 31, 2012

I got radio run at about 5:35 on Dec 27th,l972 "two persons down in front of 9234 Schaffer possibly police officers shot." My partner Bob Walden and myself were the first car there. Bob Dooley was laying in street by there car which was left wheel to curb, he had been shot several times. Bob Bradford was laying face down in the driveway, and had been shot several times Conveyed both to hospital via EMS. Put out information from Dooley that it was Hayward Brown, Mark Clyde Bethune, and John Percy Boyd. They're all dead now. Bob Bradford died in my arms that night. I'll never forget you Bob I think of you nearly every day. May you rest in peace and I'll see ya again some day in a most peaceful and beautiful place.

patrolman Doug Heady
Detroit Police Dept

July 31, 2012

Bob was a family friend and lived on our street. He stopped by Christmas night to borrow a tie from my brother, his buddy. He ended up being buried in that tie. A tragic loss. His funeral was a stunning reminder of his friends on the force and in our community. Still missed.

Phil Hopersberger
Friend and neighbor

December 30, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2009

I met you at Eddies Bar on W. Chicago & Southfield. Bob Coopersmith was the bartender. He was retired DPD. You & your partners came in to have a hamburger. You were so full of life and had so much fun on the DPD. Your partners were so friendly, as was Coop. You vouched for me as did Coop and I was hired by the DPD. I was in the DPD Acedemy when you were killed. I went in that day & told my Instructor that I had heard you had been murdered and that I wanted to go home. He said that you would only be MY 1st DPD officer killed in the line of duty and there will be many more, so get back to class. I am so sorry to say he was right. But you were the 1st and I remember you the most. Thank you Bobby Bradford for being so happy, funny, and friendly. I would not have followed thru without you. Jim H

Jim Hendrickson
DPD new hire Nov 1972

August 18, 2008

Bobby,

I'll always remember the fun times we had as kids. Rest in peace buddy.

Your cousin Tim

Cousin

May 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 26, 2007

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 13, 2007

I often think of you a member of the accademy class and friend. Hope you are at peace.

Retired
Oldfriend from your accademy class

May 26, 2007

You made the ultimate sacrifice and you are remembered. We were in the academy together.

Ex LEO
DPD

April 27, 2007

Robert. You not only protected the citizens of Michigan but you also protected your fellow ofiicers. Your service was selfless and dedicated. You are a true hero. I hope my service as a Law Enforcement officer comes close to that of yours.

Deputy Sheriff David Bradford
Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit

December 5, 2006

Remembering you along with all the others on 12-27 who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in Peace. You're not forgotten.

Anonymous

December 27, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor your for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 27, 2004