Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Buitrago,
On today, the 25th 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 USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 15, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Buitrago.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 22, 2018

Rob,
It's been 22 years since you left us and I still remember the good times we had in the Corps. Please look after a new officer that has joined you Officer Ashley Guindon from Prince William County, Va. EOW 2/27/16. I was an officer with this dept for a few years 20 years ago. Officer Guindon was on her first shift after graduation when she was killed. Just like you she was energetic and full of life and taken away from us way too soon. RIP pal.

Brian Anderson

March 3, 2016

Officer Buitrago rode with me two weeks while he was in the academy, while learning report writing. He was quite proud to be a U.S. citizen and a WSPD member. He had just finished serving as a U.S. Marine.
I have never met a nicer individual, who showed so much respect for others. I told him he could simply call me by first name when one on one. He never stopped calling me "Sir".

Det. Cpl. Chris Newsom
WSPD

January 6, 2016

Today (01-15-2013) was Fallen Officer Remembrance day for you. The Honor Guard stood watch at the WSPD Memorial for twelve hours and a wreath was placed there in your memory. All Officers wore black bands to honor your memory. You are not forgotten.

Sergeant Kevin S. Bowers
Winston-Salem Police Department
Winston-Salem, NC

January 15, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your memory will always be honored and revered as time never diminishes respect. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

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

January 15, 2012

Officer Buitrago -
You and I share a strange thread in this world.
I began my law enforcement career on the very day you were killed.
As evidenced in the tributes/ reflections listed here, you were truly a man among men.
I honor your memory here, and will continue my career trying to be keep officers like you in mind, to do as good a job as you, and thus honor your memory every day I wear the badge.

Det. Sgt. Douglas Boeringer
Lincoln County Sheriff Department

June 28, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

May 13, 2010

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 4, 2008

Robert
I am remembering our times together in high school as we prepare for our 20th anniversary since our graduation. I know that you will be in the room celebrating with us. May god bless you and your family.
your friend
Lenny

Lenny Martinez
High School Friend from Union City,NJ

July 9, 2008

Dear Cousin Robert:

I am now 23 years old, the same age you were when you were taken away from our family. I want you to know that we all think of you every day. We miss you dearly.

I remember the tragic day just as if it just happened yesterday. I was that last to speak to you on the phone and you told me how you would be coming up to visit soon. I remember the family was scared of my reaction to the news (I was only 10 years old) and they held off telling me till the next day. Grandma was so heart broken just as we all were. Jovi and I were strong for her. That is what we thought we needed to do at the time, but once it was time to say good bye for the last time we could not hold back our tears. I miss you everyday. When I got married I cried for happiness but at the same time I was sad because you were not physically there. I know you were with me in spirit.

Your Dad is doing better now. He is getting stronger everyday.

I love you and will never forget you. Your memory will always live on in with the whole family. My daughter did not get to meet you but I plan on telling her all of our memories and stories.

Love always,

Julie Montoya-Armas

TO all who have left memories at this memorial:

I thank you all on behalf of my family. Being able to read the messages and know how Robert made a difference in others lives not only ours makes us prouder and prouder everyday.

Thank you.

On Behalf of the Buitrago-Montoya Family

Julie
Cousin

February 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 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

December 31, 2007

Hey Robert....I've been visiting the others and wanted to drop by your page. I haven't forgotten you. I still sit sometimes and think about the whys...you were so young....and I am so old. You had your whole life ahead...and mine is half over by most standards. It dosen't make sense, but then again, I guess its not supposed to.

Anyway, you take care now...watch over us from above. Say hello to Steve and Howie for me. And take care of the newest arrivals, the two officers from Charlotte...let them know that the brotherhood will take care of their families for them.

A Brother Officer
Winston-Salem Police Department

April 11, 2007

NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 7, 2007

I found out about your death years after and today, almost 13 years later, I stumble across our high school yearbook. For Senior Polls, you and I were nominated "Class Models" and these words mean so much more now than they did years ago.

Robert, you will never be forgotten and you truly were a "Model" for your family, friends and mankind. These are the words that you wrote in my high school year book in 1988, "To Maidelys, It was great having you as a partner as Class Model in the polls. Love, Robert Buitrago."

I will keep those words and your memory close to my heart. God bless you and your courage and may God watch over your family now and forever.

Maidelys

Maidelys Lopez
High School Friend

December 3, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

November 7, 2006

Thank you for making a difference. Rest in peace Officer Buitrago

Officer
Maryland

January 23, 2006

Officer Buitrago,
My Daddy and other members of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Bloodhound Team assisted in tracking down your killer. Daddy went to court and testified in the case that ended in conviction. He was so proud to have helped put a "cop killer" behind bars. Now, he is in Heaven with you, himself killed at the hand of a "cop killer". I pray for a conviction in our case, as well. I know you have talked with Daddy now and know the stories. Know that those of us left behind miss you and will never forget the sacrifice you Heros have made. Thank you and God Bless!
Lori

Lori Johnson Rowley
Daugher of Fallen Hero, James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04

September 5, 2005

Officer and Marine Buitrago:
Although 11 years have passed since you made your supreme sacrifice to your community and country, please know that you are not forgotten. You have my utmost respect for the work you perfomed in protecting the citizens of Winston Salem and your country as a U.S. Marine. My son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept, was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of robbery suspects on April 23, 2005. Larry was also a Marine and had been a tank commander whose last assignment was a Ceres commander at the Depot in San Diego. Both Larry and I were North Carolina natives. May you continue to rest in peace. Semper Fi.
Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg, CA P.D. e.o.w. 4/24/2005

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

July 28, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005

I served with Rob in the Marine Corps for many years, first at Engineer school at Camp Lejeune (1989), then we shipped out together to Okinawa, Japan (1989-1990) and served on the "Rock" with 9th Engineers Bn. Afterwards he returned to Engineer's school to be an instructor and I went to 2nd Combat Engineer's Bn., we lost contact for a few months while Operation Desert Shield & Storm were in operation.
After the war, I returned state side and was transferred into a new unit the Corps was forming and after a few months of talking to Rob and encouraging him to join the unit, he finally transferred to the Riverine Assault Craft (RAC) platoon. Rob's spanish heritage and language interpretations was to become a valuable tool for the unit. Rob and I used to spend many hours doing the repairs on "our" boats and talking about various topics. His motivation to get a college degree and his citizenship was a top priority for him. Rob and I left the Corps around the same time frame (with weeks) of each other. I was aware he was going thru the process for the police dept. in No. Carolina and wished him the best.
I was extremely saddened the day I was called from a former RAC member about Rob's untimely death and have thought about him often. The pictures I have of us at our different duty stations, will keep his memory alive for me forever.
I was not surprised to hear that Rob reacted to the situation as it unfolded, that was his nature. Rob was a MARINE and a Police Officer and he was not one to stand around while some "skell" was committing a crime.God Bless pal, you are truly missed by your fellow officer's, family and friends. Semper Fi buddy.

Brian W. Anderson
USMC/Long Island, NY Fire & Rescue

March 29, 2005

Rest in peace

January 15, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

Officer Buitrago was a great guy. Rest in Piece Buddy, TJT

Det. TJ Taylor
Winston- Salem Police

January 27, 2004