Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Roy, I was a Lane County S.O. dispatcher from November 1972 until November 1974. Although my time there was short, it is memorable. Great group of guys. And you…your sense of humor is something I still remember.

Lizabeth (Christensen-Joiner) Robison

September 14, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

April 11, 2022

I was a student of Roy Dirk's at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon 1975 and I was studying criminal Justice. He was a very positive and a great criminal justice instructor! He took a special interest in me becoming a police officer with Lane County Sheriff Deputy. He would allow me to have dinner with him and his wife every weekend. Then one very sad day in my life I was advised that he was killed by a individual named "Snake Brooks" and I new of this individual being a the owner of a restaurant called " Lighter Brown & Darker Brown" and his employees were like a cult group. I then went to his funeral, and being the only black person there felt good to me because he was my best friend and I thank him for the time we shared!!!

Bruce Kelly
Personal Friend.

October 20, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Dirks.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 11, 2019

I was a young Trooper assigned to the Multnomah Patrol Office in Portland at that time. I had stopped a van s/b on I-5 near Wilsonville. Inside the van were several white female adults as passengers. The driver was an adult Black male who's name escapes me now. This traffic stop was shortly before Deputy Dirks was killed. The occupants told me or I learned that they were from a commune called Children of Valley of Light. I was very apprehensive during this traffic stop. After releasing the vehicle and occupants I went back to my office and discussed the stop with my Sgt., one Sgt. Lovejoy. Sgt. Lovejoy created a teletype message and sent it out via the Law Enforcement Data System to other agencies. I have always wondered if my stop and the subsequent advisory had a bearing on Sgt. Dirks going up to the Blue River area later. Sgt. Bob Wilson Portland Police Bureau retired.

Sgt. Robert Wilson Retired
Portland Police Bureau

June 8, 2017

Dad, I will never forget the hope you gave me, I will never forget you providing the radio entertainment in the car when you picked me and Debi up for our weekends together. You were the most loving and thoughtful father I could have ever asked for. You showed us unconditional love and support. I remember when you would ground me when I did wrong. You always gave me a second chance to regain your love and trust. When I was thirteen and there were few women in law, I told you that I wanted to be an attorney and you said then you will. You never doubted me and I never doubted you. I miss you and love you and hope you inspire others as you have me. Thanks to all of the people who have honored my Father and helped to keep his service and memory alive. My Dad Roy was an exceptional person, even with his flaws. Many of his flaws have become our gain and have enriched our lives as well. I will never forget his devoted friends like Martin, Gino, Dave and our family as well! Denise Dirks, his loving daughter.

Denise Dirks, daughter
Daughter

November 8, 2015

I began my Oregon Law Enforcement career in September 1974 at the Lane County Sheriffs Office. As a rookie things can seem overwhelming at times but I remember Roy as a standout teacher even though he was not my coach. In the office at coffee or off duty he was always ready with a kind word and helpful advice. To this day I think of Roy often.

Rest in Peace, Always remembered.

Robert A. Rosage SrTpr.
OSP (Retired)

September 26, 2015

I , also worked with Roy for many years on Lane County Sheriffs Dept. ( 1963 to 1978 ) as a patrolman and then a Sgt. for 9 yrs . Roy was always polite , courteous , knowledgeable & highly proficient in his investigations , etc. Roy set a perfect example of a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer , a Roll Model for recruits & newbie Detectives . RIP Roy ! You are in a far better place than here in this screwed up world !

Sgt. Ron Ridings 1963-1978
Lane Co. Sheriffs Dept. RET.

August 30, 2015

The recent death of Bill Kennedy caused me to reflect back Roy. Bill and Roy were great friends and the death of Roy was very hard on Bill, as it was on the rest of us at the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Police Officers face dangers each day that the general public can only imagine. I'm thankful to have known Roy. To Roy, Bill and all other law enforcement officers who are no longer with us, we will not forget.

John Kilculle
Lane County Sheriff's Office (1967-1980)

January 9, 2014

I would like to start out by saying he was a great man and the person who started my law enforcement career. I'm a black male and this deputy was a true friend and he also taught criminal justice at lane community college. I attended his funeral and was very glad to see all the support and friends on that sad day.

Student Bruce Kelly
Lane county sheriffe

August 6, 2013

Roy's badge number in his bio indicates not available. It was #40. I never knew Roy and was only three years old when he died. However, I have worked for the Lane County Sheriff's Office for the past twenty years and I'm currently the resident deputy in the rural area where Roy was killed. I think about Roy whenever I patrol the remote location where he was murdered and despite never having known him, he'll always be my respected brother who gave the ultimate sacrafice, protecting the citizens of Lane County

Deputy David J. Silano
Lane County Sheriff's Office

August 31, 2012

Roy Dirks was my step-father and I was 16 when he was taken away from us. I have never forgotten the tragedy of that day and the ultimate sacrifice that he made. He left behind four other children, and I pray for them every day. He was a wonderful person, loving father, and just a good man. I know that he watches us from Heaven and that we will see him again one day. God Bless you Roy, you will never be forgotten!

Kelly
Step-daughter

August 15, 2012

I visited Roys' Grave today as I have every year. He was a Korean Verteran and a fellow Detective when he was shot and killed in 1975. We worked together and while investigating his death I also officiated his service. All of the flowers on all the graves we so nice and I had none to give. All alone, ... today I felt so empty and alone while standing at that grave. A feeling Roy must have felt when he was confronted and murdered. In contemplation and prayer I remembered the poppy that a man had given me at a Vets. Ceremony earlier in the day. I took it from my Harley Davidson vest and attached it to the small flag someone had placed at his grave. This fall (Wreaths Across America) Sherry and I will again place a wreath at his resting place. You have never been forgotten Roy.

Martin DeForest
Presently a Patriod Guard Ride Captain

May 28, 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 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

April 11, 2012

Think of you often and pray for the well being of your family.

Gino
Friend/Co worker

August 6, 2011

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 11, 2008

Deputy Dirks,
Thank you, Sir, for making my childhood a safer one. You stood on the line and made a choice to oppose evil. I pray you know God's Peace. And as much, I thank your family for the incredible sacrifice they made, giving you up with such abruptness, I write this hoping they will read it, and know that we as a society valued you, too, and are aware of your value and the great loss suffered when you were taken away.

G. A. Redman, Reserve Deputy
Polk County Sheriff's Office

May 10, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 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

January 14, 2008

Brother Roy,
Your service is not forgotten, nor are you. Thank you foro your service and sacrifice.

Watch over us from above.

SGT Phil Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff's Office (MI)

April 7, 2005

I want the family of Deputy Dirks to know that he will always be remembered. I thank Deputy Dirks for his sacrifice and I ask God to bless his family.

Patrolman D.E. Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

April 4, 2005

Watch my back for me. Gone but not forgotten.

Deputy J. Dirks
Rush County Sheriff's Office

January 30, 2005

You are not forgotten.........

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

June 25, 2004