Arkansas State Police, Arkansas
End of Watch Thursday, February 27, 1975
Reflections for Trooper William Ronnie Brooks, III
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Ronnie was my 2nd cousin. I was very young when he was killed. I remember how my grandmother and Great Aunt were very upset. My dad, Ronnie's cousin, was extremely distraught. I went to Washington DC some years ago and found Ronnie's name on a memorial for Law Enforcement who had died in the line of duty. Gave me chills.
Donna Weatherman
2nd cousin
July 3, 2024
Ronnie was my cousin. I am Tiney Moran's daughter. We didn't get to see him and his brother, Stanley Wayne, very often when I was a kid...family reunions mostly. He was always nice to me, being older, and protective. He is missed! Brenda Moran Shultz
Brenda Moran Shultz
Cousin
September 6, 2021
Rest in peace.
J.R.
February 27, 2020
God Bless our Officers in Law Enforcement.I am gratefull to have them around.My stepfather was a seargent in the Ft.Smith Police dept. in Arkansas.(retired)A couple of close childhood friends are currently in Law enforcement now,in Arkansas.Please pray for the protection of our Officers.Step up and help an officer in trouble.do the right thing!Ronnie thank you for watching over us.
Disabled Veteran/Kenneth L Krone
USMC/US ARMY/commercial transport
September 27, 2015
Dale Bradford (R.I.P.), wrote and recorded a song several years ago, in memory of this Arkansas State Trooper. The song was entitled "ODE TO TROOPER RON".
Anonymous
May 15, 2015
I can't say thanks enough for the wonderful thought and prayers. It WAS a sad day that changed my life forever. I lost my best friend and husband. Things after that day are very fuzzy in my memory but on this 40th anniversary of his death, I still thank and respect all officers who risk their lives just by putting on that uniform to protect us which becomes a target for those who are looking for one. All of you are under paid for the job you do. I hope someone remembers Ron. He truly was a good and Godly man.
Widow of Ron Brooks
February 27, 2015
Ron and I were friends, often playing guitars or shooting prior to going to work for the Arkansas State Police. He was a dedicated Trooper and was very proud of the ASP. I was on duty and remember when the call came over the radio. He was a fine Trooper, who did his best, and served with honor.
Sr. Cpl. John E. West (Ret)
Arkansas State Police
February 27, 2015
Trooper Brooks, I didn't know you but my father witnessed your death and was greatly moved by your dedication and sense of duty in the apprehension of the fugitives. You gave the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Clarendon, Monroe County, and the State of Arkansas and will always be remembered. Honoring your sacrifice is one reason I became a law enforcement officer over 20 years ago.
I remember the response by local and state law enforcement after you were killed and want to thank all the brave law enforcement officers in east Arkansas for all that they do on daily basis.
Lieutenant Robert Barrentine
Tyler Texas Police Department
May 8, 2013
Ron, I will never forget getting that call, that morning, I was at the police station in Brinkley, getting ready to head to Clarendon, to begin my shift. I wonder how things mav have played out if I had been an hour earlier.. May you rest in peace., and may God Bless your family. Former Trooper Rick McMillian
rick mcmillian
arkansas state police, former trooper
June 21, 2012
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. .
Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored amd revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your famiy is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends and family for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 27, 2012
Thank you for your service Sir, RIP
James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 27, 2012
Thanks for your 4 years of services, Will.
David
February 27, 2012
i knew ron and he was a great guy - ron and a bunch of fellow trooper came to my house one night - ron played his guitar and it was wonderful - knowng him personally i was more than a loss
investigator
asp
January 18, 2012
I DID NOT KNOW TROOPER BROOKS. I COME FROM A SMALL TOWN IN SOUTH ARKANSAS CLOSE WERE HE WAS KILLED AT . WE WERE RAISED TO REPSECT ALL LAW OFFICERS IT WAS A SAD DAY I WAS TEN YEARS OLD AT THE TIME. REST IN PEACE THANKS JOHNYOUNT
JOHN YOUNT
February 26, 2011
I was in Clarendon Arkansas the day Trooper Brooks was killed I was at the old depot when i heard the shot it was a very sad day for everyone in Monroe county he was a fine man and well liked in the community its 35 to 36 yrs but I still think about it he had recorded a Christmas song on a 45 rpm of which i have a copy and enjoy from time to time.
Anonymous
February 21, 2011
Trooper Brooks,
I just saw your story on Real Stories of the Highway Patrol and I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arkansas. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
December 26, 2008
Rest in Peace, Trooper Brooks. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
May 19, 2008
I miss you so much. I was to young, when you left me, to realize what a good man you were. It's been a long 33 years without you.
Mary Lynn Bailey
wife
April 16, 2008
Trooper Brooks, thank you for your service and dedication. You have not been forgotten. Rest in peace.
Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
April 3, 2008
Trooper Brooks I often heard troopers talk about you when I began in Troop E 1979. I regret not getting a chance to know you, however I am glad to know you passed this way.
I hope to patrol with you someday,
Lloyd
Captain Lloyd Franklin Trp E
AR State Police
February 27, 2008
Trooper Brooks and all Troopers and State Patrol Officers,
I am a municipal police officer in a medium size city and have worked in a fairly large city. City Police Officers do see and do alot but it takes a man with the courage of a damn lion to face down three pieces of human fecal matter with little or no backup. I salute all of you everywhere whether you are patroling our highways or the streets of gold.
Patrolman Andrew McGahey
Clinton Police Dept. Mississippi
February 27, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 21, 2008
Rest easy hero.
September 8, 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
August 6, 2007
Ron, I think of you often. I knew you for years prio to us working for ASP. The day of this incident will be forever in my mind. We all miss you dearly.
Terry
January 13, 2006
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