Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Dale,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 4, 2024

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

April 4, 2020

Bob was a mentor, friend and a cops cop. I worked midnight's with Bob right out of the Academy. Bob was one that didn't mind sharing his knowledge or his opinion. Bob was the one, if you were on a hot call, you look around and he was there, he had your back. Bob's death was a loss to the APD. Bob did his military as a door gunner during Vietnam. RIP my good friend.

Jim Moore retired, Atlanta Ga. Coral Springs Fl

April 4, 2020

I was an EMT with Metro Ambulance Service in "72-'73 and was often assigned to the "old" Atlanta Stadium's First Aid Room where Officer Dale was also assigned, along with Lt. Nixon with Helicopter Crew. I had many good conversations with Officer Dale (Bob) sitting in that room on quiet nights. I can remember when his wife was pregnant and how jubilant he was. He was a Officer and a Gentleman! After I returned to North Carolina, I was hurt to hear of his death. I've never forgotten him through the years and have hoped his wife and family were carried in the palm of God's hand through this time. Bob was a promising officer for the best APD could have been. Officer Dale, watch over the officers of APD serving today.

Dwayne M Carter
Former Major (Chief Deputy) Surry County (NC) Sheriff's Department

June 4, 2018

I was young when he was shot and died, he was very loving to his family . I loved him and miss him everyday. He would be proud of his 2 kids who are now wonderful adults with kids of their own. Rest high on the mountain. See you again soon. Uncle Bob

Lisa Dale McCranie
Niece

April 4, 2018

Rest in peace Officer Dale. Your bravery and honor will forever be remembered. So sad that even today so many accidents still seem to occur to valiant servants.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 4, 2018

My Brother was a good,honest Policeman. I miss him a lot and still wonder what he would be like today. I Love you Bob and will see you again some day.

D, Dale
Brother

May 1, 2017

This is my brave beloved daddy. I was only 7 months old when he was taken from me, my brother and mom. Even though the only memories I have of him are in pictures, I miss him greatly. I have many questions surrouding the night he died and not a day goes by that I do not think about him. I have the utmost respect for those in law enforcement, thank you for serving and protecting. RIP Daddy. I Love You.

Tammy Dale Patterson
Daughter

October 16, 2016

I was the Det that investigated Officer Dale accident. At first I was called names because the evidence showed that it was an accident. I arrived on the scene before he was removed and I can still see him. Bob was a good friend of mine.

Edward Scappaticcio
Friend

July 11, 2016

Bob & I went through the police academy together and we became close friends. He sat next to me in class.
I had left the department prior to his death but we remained in close contact. I was driving home from work when the radio announced that he had died. I had to pull over. Bob had seen combat in 'Nam & it is alien to me that he accidentally shot himself. I hope his wife & child fared well in the following years.

Ashby Cook, retired
friend

July 13, 2014

I was also working the night Bob died. I was working Stake-Out Squad (Anti-robbery/Burglary) when the call came out. At first we didn't realize the shooting was accidental and we all headed to the area to look for the culprits. As I recall he was clearing a building on an alarm not at warrant but I could be wrong. It's been a long time. Bob was one of the best like officers on the morning watch. I think of the many officers I have worked with who lost their lives in the line of duty. There have been way too many. God bless you Bob and family.

Sgt. James M. Wright (retired)
Ft. Lauderdale (FL) PD (Atlanta PD Feb. 1971/Aug. 1975)

June 24, 2014

I remember working with bob from 1970 until he went to the helicopter squad .I was working the night he died when the call came in I was told to block a freeway bridge so that the ambulance would not have to slow down on the way to Grady.We worked together many as car24 and 24b .his death affected me to this day.In his honor we named our first son after bob.I have long since been retired ,but I still remember good friends like him.He made me a better police officer .May God bless you and your family

Lt.c.r.wheeler
atlanta police department

April 11, 2014

Gone, but not forgotten. RIP Uncle Bob

Sergeant Bobby Dale
Irmo Police Department, Nephew

April 4, 2013

38 years today, as I end my shift I wonder what it was like to patrol in your time. I never knew you but will never forget you. RIP Uncle Bob.

L/Cpl. Frederick Dale
South Carolina Highway Patro.l Nephew

April 4, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year 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 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

April 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Dale. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2012

A truly dedicated officer, coming from a family of law enforcement officers still missed greatly today.We still love you and your memory of what you did in your profession.

John Dale
Brother

November 9, 2011

Bob,
I remember the first day we worked together on the helicopter squad & the excitement we shared. You were an excellent Police Officer and you are missed.

John Zimmer
Atlanta Police

June 29, 2011

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Dale.

Sgt. Robert J. Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

Thirty-four years to the day, almost seven years into my career, and still not a day goes by when I begin my tour of duty that I don't think about you. Even though I never met you, I feel that you help and guide me to make sure I go home at the end of my tours of duty. It is an honor to have been named after such a brave person.

Corporal Robert A. Dale
Irmo Police Dept. & Nephew

April 4, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

December 23, 2007

OFFICER DALE, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

September 11, 2007

I knew and worked with Bob Dale from 1971 till his death. I walked Footbeat 11 (Peachtree and 10th Street) with him. He was aggresive and tough on criminals. He was very bright and dedicated. Bob has headed to much bigger things. I cried at his funeral and still do today when I think of him.

Sergeant James M. Wright (retired)
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Police Dept. (Atlanta PD 1971-1975)

February 11, 2007