Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a civilian at Troop K hqtrs, I always enjoyed chatting with Bob when he was working the desk at Troop.
He made us all smile with his great sense of humor.
As I headed off to the Academy in March 87, Bob would often call me his favorite 'Trooperette'. I was in the Academy when I heard what happened and was struck with grief. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to know Bob and for the sacrifice that he made (as well as his family). I still smile when thinking of him. Surely, he his bringing joy in heaven! God Bless!

Linda Cotter-Forbes
NYSP, retired Investigator

September 24, 2009

I worked with Bob at Headquarters. I was a civilian employee and hired in 1980. Bob was the most knowledeable
man I knew. He knew about many sujects. He loved collecting
mushrooms and when he worked the A line and I would come
into work in the morning he was always a pleasure to have
greet you and always witha joke. My friend and I used to play games sometimes to break up the day. One was we would
name a trooper and investigator we would want to be there to assist if we needed a law enforcement person and be both
chose Bob. He was the ultimate Trooper and as many said always had a joke but was also a good, good person, who we all miss.

Audrey Brown

June 14, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Dunning and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

June 12, 2009

To Bob's children,

I grew up with your Dad,I was friends with your grandparents
and great grandparents, uncles and great uncles. His tragic death was a shock to all. I can't believe it has been over 20 yrs. God bless you where ever you are.

Bill
Friend

March 16, 2009

Bob and I started college together attending Pace University for two years. We attended the same classes together and because we had both been in the service prior to college we were several years older than the other students and connected.I quickly recognized that he had a superior intellect, the fastest mind I had ever met. We too socialized at the Valhalla watering hole "The Cabin" where I was introduced to his friends Jim Brosemer, Sandy McMath Ron Lorenz and Don Alstrand. Without reservation I can honestly say that Bob was the funniest guy I have ever met and good fun. I have seen him in many social situation and he always turned out to be the life of the party. We also enjoyed many hours of hunting in upstate New York. I miss him to this day.

Robert Patterson
College friend

June 26, 2008

For Scott:

I knew your Dad in high school and through early college. We, and four other buds, used to hang out during the summer at Westwood pool in Thornwood. Bob, Sandy McMath(deceased), Ron Lorenz,Don Ahlstrand (US Navy (ret.)and brother Frank used to frequent "The Cabin", a watering hole in Elmsford. Your Dad was one of the funniest friends I ever knew..and had great stories about his exploits in Japan while he was in the navy. I don't believe I ever knew you but I remember Bob had a son born in the early "60's while I was still in college in Miami. Bob was a good friend and loved his career in law enforcement. You should be proud!
If you wish to know more about me...google my name.
Best Wishes
Jim Brosemer

jim brosemer
good friend

June 16, 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 20, 2007

I never knew the man, I just live near the bridge recently named in his honor and looked him up to see who he was. Now I will think of him and his family when I cross it. I hope you're getting on alright.

Margaret
private citizen

September 14, 2005

Died doing the job he loved. We miss you Dad. Proud to be your son.

Would like to here from anyone who new my father at email address above?

Scott Clerance Dunning
Son

July 31, 2005

Rest in peace Borther Robert, you are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

January 22, 2004

Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

A GOOD TROOPER, A GOOD FRIEND, A GOOD MAN. WHAT MORE CAN BE SAID ...

Anonymous