United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Government
End of Watch Monday, May 23, 1938
Reflections for Correctional Officer Royal C. Cline
Rest in Peace
I ask one thing - that in still, far-off days,
Someone who knew me should in their daily rounds,
Suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound,
Some glance, some phrase, some trick of memory's ways
which brings me to mind, then I shall wait,
eager with hope, perhaps to hear -
“how great if he were with us still!”
And then at the end, all that I wish for is just -
“he was my friend!”
From “A Soldier's Epitaph” by David McNicholl
N Elias
Federal Law Enforcement Officer, USDOJ
Former Security Police Officer, USAF
May 28, 2017
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 23, 2015
I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies...
Rest in peace.
Dennis Holmes, Lieutenant
Federal Bureau of Prisons
October 22, 2014
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
March 3, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 74th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 23, 2012
I'm touched to see this memorial to Royal Cline. I've often thought it was an injustice to him and others in similar circumstances that more was written about the offenders than those offended. I am proud to know that after 73 years have passed that he and others like him are still remembered. Thank you for honoring him in this way.
Gayla Tarry Austin
Grand Niece
December 4, 2011
My mother, Lucille Irene Cline Van Vleck, and her sister Beverly Cline Wright, told me that their father was not supposed to be on duty that day. He had been called in to work because another gaurd was ill. After the murder, according to my mother and aunt, prisoners somehow sent word to my grandmother that if it had been known that my grandfather was on duty, the escape would have been postponed. This was because he was well liked.
One might also notice that many of the publicity pictures from the time Royal Cline was a gaurd at Alcatraz are of him.
Sarah Van Vleck Peacock
Granddaughter
March 27, 2011
I am honored to know your daughter, Beverly. I wish I could have known you. I know the terrible loss she, her sisters and her mother have endured since your last watch. You have been missed so very much and still are today. May your memory forever be in the hearts of those that love you.
I honor you,
Sheila Dunlap
Sheila R. Dunlap, CO IV TDCJ
Mr. Cline was the father of my aunt by marriage: Beverly Cline Wright
November 25, 2010
Today we rang a bell for You this Correctional Officers Week. God Bless
JMullens
FBOP
May 5, 2010
I went and saw Alcatrez and is humble to where you guys worked and enjoy how they are keeping it up
mary cocke
civilian uspp
April 17, 2007
You are my great grandfather. I wish I had known you.
Paula Van Vleck
December 14, 2006
Every fallen Officer deserves to have a reflection listed. Mr. Cline, I am honored to be the first to pay my respects to you. You were a brave Officer and public servant.
I offer my condolences. You may have served and died a long time ago, but you are not forgotten.
Rest in peace, you remain our brother.
Officer Frank Finch
Federal Bureau of Prisons
May 13, 2005
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