Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Robert P. Dana

Metropolitan Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Sunday, March 25, 1984

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Robert P. Dana

March 25, marks 29 years since your murder. Bobby, you will never be forgotten, you are close to our hearts always. Never forget 701!

Sgt. James Simpson
Rockland PD

March 24, 2013

It been a difficult week. We just left your Mom, Joanne's wake. She is with you and Goerge now. You all are always close to Sheilas and my heart, we miss you so very much.

Bob, Goerge, Joanne, thank you for your dedication and support..... You will never be forgoten.

Sgt. James Simpson
Rockland, Mass P.D.

February 18, 2013

I knew Bob b'fore he was in the Met. We Both aspired to be Police Officers, I was a Special in Plymouth P.D. at the time of his death, We had gone out 2 weeks prior target shooting and had a couple a Jacks afterwards. After all these years I am still in shock over it Just can't let 'em go.

Lt. Dicky Fisher
Mountain States Investigations

January 18, 2013

His wife is my frist cousin Charlotte. Unfortunately I never get to meet Officer Robert Dana but I knew of this tragedy. This is the first time I have seen the detail.

Ronachai Krisadaolarn
Cousin

August 31, 2012

I hiked the Blue Hills today and walking to my car saw the memorial stone marker in memory of Officer Dana in front of the MSP Milton barracks.
I paused to pay my respects and honor his service as well as that of MSP Tpr. Paul Perry of Salem.

Paul Tucker
Salem MA Police Dept

July 6, 2012

It's been 28 years today since you left us. You are never far from our hearts Bob. You will never be forgotten. We all miss you very much, not a day goes by you are not on our minds.

Sgt. James Simspon
Rockland, Mass Police Department

March 25, 2012

I remember the Sunday morning that Bobby Dana was killed. After all the running around, following the shooting, was over Frank Parker and I lowered the flags in front of the old Upper Basin Div. to half staff. I got to go home to my family that morning, Bobby didn't.

Sgt. Dean S. Leavitt (ret)
Whitman P.D. Formerly of the Metropolitan Police

July 12, 2011

Bobby hard to believe its been 26 years.. but your still in my thoughts.The shock and disbelief of that Sunday morning are still fresh and I dont think that will ever change. I just wanted to let you know I havn't forgotten you and midnights down at the Plaza were never the same without a visit from my MDC buddy.RIP my friend I miss ya.

Off Chuck Mouncey

November 6, 2010

It's been just over 26years since you were murdered. I can remember the phone call to my Dad that Sunday Morning. Things have been going pretty well, I got promoted.... Family is great, and I still check on your Mom.... I along with my Mom and Dad miss you very much, you have never been forgotten and are close to our hearts everyday.

Sgt. James Simpson III
Rockland Police, MA

May 7, 2010

Bob was a highly skilled and dedicated police officer. He was a great friend and loyal coworker. When I needed backup it was great to see 701 pull up. Bob enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. He was the object of pranks from his coworkers and a willing participant in pranking others. I think of Bob often. He is not forgotten and I am so grateful for his service to our country and community. 701 is 10-7. Rest my friend.

Michel (Mitch) P Morgan, Sgt. (Ret)
Metropolitan Police/Mass. State Police

March 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 25, 2010

RIP Sir, thank you.

Anonymous

March 25, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 25, 2010

Bob and I worked together as FPOs in the late 70s. He was a friend as well as a co-worker. We often carpooled to work when assigned to the same shift and travelled together to pistol matches. Bob left to join the MDC Police about the same time I left to join the Border Patrol. He came from a law enforcement family and took the job and the inherent dangers seriously. I recall Bob wearing a ballistic vest long before they were everyday items. He was also an extremely proficient marksman. I remember getting the call telling me of his death. I pulled out a Christmas card he had sent me which was signed "Robert P. Dana", not "Bob" or "Bobby"(you had to know him to understand). The department and the public lost a good one when Bob was taken!

Special Agent Brad Dupre (ret)
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

January 23, 2009

ALTHOUGH OFFICER DANA AND ALL THE REST OF OFFICERS ON THIS SITE PRIOR TO HIM WERE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY BEFORE I JOINED THE RANKS.ANY POLICE OFFICER WHO DIED THE WAY OFFICER DANA DID SHOWS ALL OF US THE DANGERS OF "BEING ON THE JOB".I AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF THESE RANKS OF BROTHERS IN BLUE.MAY GOD BLESS OFFICER DANA AND HIS FAMILY.MAY HE REST IN PEACE.MAY THIS ALSO SHOW US WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER FROM THE SMALLEST TO LARGEST DEPARTMENTS IN THE COUNTRY.GOD BE WITH ALL OF US AND OUR FAMILIES.

F-TROOPER
MSP

October 5, 2008

It was an honor to have worked with you briefly st the Blue Hills station before transfering prior to your being taken from us. Your service and dedication to the Metropolitan Police will always be remembered.
TPR. Paul Halpin (ret)
MSP/MET

TPR. Paul Halpin (Ret.)
Metropolitan Police/ Mass. State police

August 30, 2008

Officer Dana,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USAF as an SP. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 25, 2008

Officer Dana, Bob, it's been twenty four years now since you were murdered. The loss of the Metropolitan Police and you are sad notes in Massachusetts history. You were a nice guy and I'm glad I got to meet you that one time, even if only for a few mintutes.

In my other post, I forgot to mention, I had your future wife as an instructor in my academy. Small world, huh? I've always felt it was good that she had been on the Ambulance that day. It was good she could be with you at the end. I know it was devistating for her to lose you, that was expected and plain to see at the funeral, but that she could be with you one last time, I hope was comforting to her. I hope it was anyway.

Anyway, I just wanted to drop a line on this sad date.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

March 25, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 25, 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

November 8, 2007

Officer Dana should never be forgotten for being a good Police officer for one of the best Police departments in this state.

Michael Giannetti
VA Police, Boston, Mass

February 3, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Metropolitan Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Dana deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Dana is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 15, 2006

I just came upon this web site and it saddens me that no one has taken the time to reflect on your service and contributions to law enforcement.
I worked with Bobby, was one of the officers that captured his killer and served in his honor guard at his funeral. It is unfortunate that he is now almost forgotten, for his duty, service and ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of Massachusetts.

Joseph Catanese Ret.
Metro Police/Mass State Police

March 26, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Dana the previous Sunday at a patch swap meet. We had a nice chat for only about 15-20 minutes. In that short time, I could see what a terrific guy he was and what a fine sense of humor he had and dedication to his job. To see him on the news just one week later stunned me. Despite the funerals I had gone to, it was the first one where I had actually met the officer and though I could never say we had become 'buddies' in our brief chat, I felt as though I had lost a good friend.

Bob, if I could feel that much sadness after just one short talk, I cannot imagine how those close to you felt. It's just nice to know, you are still with them and always will be.

God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

March 20, 2006

If the officer must give his life
Then we must pick up the weight
We must cry and tear, give a salute
And comfort his family of his fate

The brass will be more polished tomorrow
As we strive to be at our best
We will choke with overwhelming feelings
As we lay our brother down to rest

He never thought of him self as a hero
But only a defender of what was right
From the early morning details
To the load parties late at night

The honor guard is ready now
And flag is folded crisp
We fight the pain, as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the rain
My dear god, we were never prepared for this

We recall his last laugh we can
And cherish his last remembered sight
We will watch out children more closely now
And hold the wife twice as close tonight

We must where the uniform more proudly tomorrow
And remember his sacrifice was true
We must never forget our fallen comrade
Because we are Policemen too

December 29, 2004

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