Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was on the job for less then a year when that happened. So sad.....I listen to the names being read this morning at the 2023 Police Memorial Service.
Felt the Sadness come Over me

Det.
NCPD

May 18, 2023

My mother School Crossing Guard Francis Bennett Crossing 803 was knocked out on the ice after getting three students to safety when a car sliding on ice was headed for them. There was a severe blizzard and Sgt Harris airlifted my Mom to University Medical Center. Sgt Harris and my Mom are heroes to me.

Captain Greg Bennett
Veterans Affairs Police

May 15, 2023

Bob Harris and his family lived on my post in Plainview. I knew him well. We even went camping together in upstate NY. He was extremely kind, soft spoken, and I still miss him.

Sgt Frank Kollar (retired)
Nassau County Police Dept, Second Precinct, RMP 219 Plainview

July 29, 2021

I knew Sgt. Harris he was one of many hero's in our profession. May God rest his soul.

Det. Sgt. Louis J. Savini
NCPD retired 1977

May 17, 2019

Shortly before his death, while working in S. Merrick, I received a call for a dog that had fallen through the ice in the Great South Bay and was desperately trying to climb back up on the ice. I called the air bureau, via land line and explained the situation to Sgt. Harris. I thought for sure I would be reprimanded for the call but instead, he thought it would be the humane thing to do and try and save the dog. I gave him my location, which happened to be in a cul de sac. He landed right there in the cul de sac with EMT Kenny Zwerling. We removed the door on the helicopter and they flew over the dog with a life ring and pulled the dog onto the pontoon. They once again landed and we put the dog in the PD and I headed to the TOH shelter red light and siren while Kenny did CPR. They put the dog in a tub of ice to revive him and off we went. On the way back to the 7th Pct., Kenny and I discussed what our new careers would be once the department found out what we did and fired us. Turns out, we became heroes. Kenny called some friends that were reporters and the story hit the newspapers. The next day, Sgt. Harris, with the helicopter, Kenny, me and Fonzi, the black lab, were on the front page of the
Post and Newsday. Turns out that Sgt. Harris spoke with the higher ups and convinced them that this was good public relations and we made several public appearances with Fonzi. Thank you Sgt. Harris!

P.O. Lawrence Addeo
7th Pct.

May 17, 2018

Sgt. Harris lived on the same street as my family Bob would take us roller skating with his daughter. I became a Police Officer like Bob and my Dad. I would see Bob around the job, always having time for some conversations and laughs He was a great and talented man.Rest in peace my friend.

Det.Sgt.Greg Quinn (retired)
Nassau County Police Dept.

May 17, 2018

Bob laid down his life to"Protect and Serve" He was the essence of a hero. A generous and considerate gentleman,I enjoyed knowing and working with him, as all who knew him. I think and speak of him often.God bless you Bob and rest in peace.

Sgt(retired)Errol Ross
NCPD-8th Pct

May 17, 2016

I was on scene shortly after the crash. I was working in ESB and responded with the "Big Tow" that the department had at the time. I had observed the ballfield he attempted to land in close by, S S Pkwy eastbound lanes, and where he crashed on the eastside of the overpass on Wantagh Ave. I firmly believe he was a hero in his actions. He saved additional lives . He acted in the BEST traditions of NCPD. God bless , and rest in peace.

Ret/Det John J Daly
NCPD - 7th,ESB,1st,1st Sqd.

May 17, 2016

Sgt. Harris died a hero. Not many men can say that. His actiions saved many civilian lives. May he rest in peace!

Ret. Det. Sgt. Nick Riggio
NCPD - Third Squad/ Nar.B

May 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

May 17, 2015

A fine and dedicated Police Officer, gentleman,and my good friend.I speak of him often and will always remember him.

Sgt Errol Ross(retired)
NCPD

May 18, 2014

I lost a good friend that day. Bob may you rest in peace.

Det. Sgt. Victor Rerisi (retired)
Nassau County Police Department

May 17, 2014

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to the department.

Det. (Ret) Billy Russo
Nassau County Police Dept., NY

May 16, 2014

Sergeant Harris was truly a HERO, putting the safety of others before his own. Sergeant Harris will be missed.

Student, Oscar Bedolla
Mission Hills High School

May 1, 2014

I have not thought about this accident in many years since I witnessed it on that day. My little league team was playing a game on Duckpond field when the helicopter spun and crashed on the clover leaf of the Southern State Parkway. My father, a NYC Police Officer, was one of the first to respond. Sergeant Harris could very well have saved our lives that day as the baseball field, if empty, would have been the best option at that point.

RIP Sergeant Harris and thank you.

Chris H.

October 22, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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.

I pray for solace for all that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Rest In Peace.

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

May 18, 2012

Even before your death you showed a strong regard for life and the safety of others. Rest in piece.

Anonymous

September 20, 2009

Sgt. Harris,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nassau County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

May 17, 2009

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

Robyn Wilkes

May 13, 2009

This country needs more men like him!!

April 11, 2008

Sgt. Robert Harris,

Thank you for your service to make this world a better place. You made the ultimate sacrifice by putting the lives of others before your own. Rest easy sir, you will not be forgotten.

TROOPER
New Jersey State Police

April 3, 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 19, 2007

Man has no greater gift than to lay down his life while protecting others. They say God watches out for children, well he must have that day, as you took no chance with their lives and it cost you your own.

May 18, 2007

May Our Lord ever bless you.

May 17, 2007