Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew you and my brothers and I played with your boys when we were kids at Beachcomber Campground. Later, as a Police Officer I ran into your wife and children and had memories of those days. I was in middle school when you were taken away. I remember that day like yesterday and thought about you and so many others through my years on the department. Since my separation from the job, I have put it so far behind me but your sacrifice, and that of many others I have never forgotten. My father and I spoke about your last stop and I kept all the lessons with me through my career and life. I hope your family is safe and healthy and I know your legacy lives on in your boys.

P/O Shaun O'Neill #4478 (Retired)
Philadelphia Police Department 25th District

December 20, 2024

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 17, 2020

I just read a post I left in 2007 and I still hold the same feelings now as I did then. There’s not many professions where 20 or 30 yrs later you are reminded of a specific event or person but in the Police Department you join a family where you NEVER forget those you worked with who have lost their life serving. RIP my brother in blue and prayers always for his partner John who struggles to this day. God bless you both

Retired Detective AM Cleary
Philadelphia Police Dept.

June 17, 2019

I remember this day like it was yesterday. It was my birthday, I was off duty, and I was walking into my apartment building when I saw several Cheltenham PD cars racing with lights and sirens down Cheltenham Avenue, followed by what seemed like and endless sound of Police car sirens. I said something major has happened, and when I turned on the local news, I saw that Officer Hayes and Officer Marynowitz were shot. It was a horrible day. Every time I pass the scene on Limekiln Pike, I think of those Officer's. R.I.P. Thank you for your service, and may God bless both families impacted by this senseless tragedy! Officer Ted Thomas Retired Philadelphia P.D.

Police Officer
Philadelphia P.D.

August 2, 2017

Rip Bobby miss you brother

School Police Joseph Wittenberg
The Phila. School Police

April 30, 2017

Your memory will be with me forever. I was the surgeon that tried to save your life that day, both you and your partner at Einstein, but he lived. I saw your inscription at the Washington DC memorial; you are the only LEO I've ever lost, having cared for and operated on too many injured in the line of duty. Be at peace.

Medical Director SWAT Tactical Medicine
Arizona DPS/ State Police

February 28, 2016

Bob I think about you often, and the fun times we had in the academy. You gave us all so many laughs. Thank you for the DVD you made for us, Because of you we get to look back on that time we had together. Thank you. I will never forget that morning when I heard the news on my way into work at the 9th district. Such a sad day.. You and John are true Hero's. God bless you my friend may you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.

Cpl. Sue Hartnett
Phila. Police dept.

June 17, 2015

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

June 17, 2015

You are never forgotten! Thank you for your service and Rest in GOD's arms!

Mom of LEO
Salinas PD

April 6, 2015

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about this terrible tragedy, I had the honor of working with Bob for several years. He is a true hero that we will never forget. He was man of honor and integrity, his memory will live on in all of us who worked with him in the 35th.

Retired Police Officer Karen Mangold
Philadelphia Police Dept

June 17, 2013

To my dad.
I love u big guy miss u everyday ur my hero and my role model and always wanted to be just like you .... Dressing up like a cop. I have been working extremely hard to get in shape so I can wear 6720 and try to show it half the honor you did . I know I have huge shoes to fill but I'm up for the task to wear the black and blue and make you proud . rip P/o Robert Hayes 6720

Ryan Hayes
Son

May 30, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and prie are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 24, 2012

Just read bio of Alexannder Henry, former Mayor of Phila. Remembered Robert, my former 5th grade classmate at Alexander Henry elementary school who lived on Hayes St in Frankford. My sorry for his death since hearing of it many years ago.

5th Grade Classmate

December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas Dad...love & miss you. always your daughter Lorraine xoxo

Anonymous

December 24, 2010

Bob, give strength to your nephew. I know you are with him.

East Div. Sgt.
PPD

June 28, 2009

Bob,

Reflecting on the night that changed many lives forever.
May you rest in peace.

Anonymous

June 19, 2009

Thankyou for your service, you and your partner are heros for us all to look up too. You are remembered today and everyday and will never be forgotten. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

December 4, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 17, 2008

Bob,

Fifteen years have past but the tradgedy still is like yesterday.
Hope you have found rest and peace in heaven.
Till we meet again.

A family that loves and prays for you!!!!!!!

June 17, 2008

Police Officer Hayes,

Thank You Sir for your service and sacrifice.. You are a HERO.. May the Lord be with your family and friends today and always.. Rest in Peace Sir!

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

April 18, 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 24, 2008

Bob,

Wow this horrific past week brought us all back in time. We miss you so much and our hearts break for the pain you must have gone through. We hope you are resting peacefully.
God bless you soul.
We still have plenty of fire in us to keep fighting for justice, my friend.

November 10, 2007

I can't believe how many years have gone by since P/O Hayes was killed. Police Academy Class 267 has over 20 years on and it's difficult to know how so many in our class have been severely injured or killed. It is good to see that he is not forgotten. I remember the days in the Academy, we used to call him "Pop Pop" because he was the oldest in our class. Those days in P.T., driver training, pistol range - Bob was a blast, always had everyone laughing. He is missed and not forgotten. Prayers go out to you and John M. You are both an example of Philly's Finest.
Class #267 Member

Det. AM Cleary
Philadelphia Police

June 20, 2007

Never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 17, 2007

R.I.P. P/O Hayes. You spirit always be live with us.

SGT. Jim Morace #458
PPD

June 17, 2007