Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

30 years ago today! Reliving that horrible day in my memory just doesn't seem like it has been that long ago. As I thought about you today, I looked out the window and saw sunny skies and above normal temperatures. I kept thinking to myself why couldn't you have had this weather on this day three decades ago. Instead of clear and dry roads like we have today, you were given snowcovered, icy and slick roads to maneuver as you were headed home from training. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought we wouldn't have a chance to speak again.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of giving a tour of the facility during orientation to the 44th police academy recruits at WSCC. Of course, we stopped at the beautiful memorial in the front lobby to pay tribute to those alumni who lost their lives way to soon. I got to share all the wonderful things about you with our future officers.

Just know you are missed by so many. In the short time we were partners, I have countless stories from when we worked together that brings me comfort and peace. God had a plan for you, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to both know and work with you.

Rest in peace my dear friend!

John O'Hagan
Retired Sheriff

February 4, 2024

Another year has passed but your memory lives on. The memorial with your photograph that was dedicated last year at the Riemer Regional Public Safety Center is my constant reminder of the loss I endured 29 years ago. I just began teaching in my 4th Police Academy at West Shore Community College. My recruits get to hear all about what a special person you were and how you were taken from our law enforcement family so suddenly. Even though I have told the story over and over again, I still get choked up explaining how I lost my partner. Watching my recruits salute the memorial each time they pass gives me great joy that you are still recognized today.

This past summer, I was contacted by Steven Schwein, a retired officer from Taylor Police Department. He explained that he is a part of the Thin Blue Shoreline Ride that rides hundreds of miles every year to both recognize and raise funds for fallen officers and their families. Each year, he selects individuals to ride for on their behalf. This year, you were chosen to be recognized during the 375 mile ride. Their group even stopped at the Sheriff's Office and paid tribute. Steve was nice enough to give me the tag with your name and end of watch information. I hung it up in my office at home with my Sheriff's Office memorabilia. That small chain meant the world to me!

So you see my friend, you will never be forgotten. I miss all the things that made you who you were: your short stature, your smile, your opinion, and mostly your mother like teaching that kept me on the straight path. I smile every time a good story comes up that you and I were involved in.

Another year has gone and another year you have been missed by so many. God Bless You Robin!

John O'Hagan
Retired Sheriff

February 4, 2023

Another year has passed my friend and I still think of you often. Last month at West Shore Community College they had a special memorial dedication for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Your gleaming smile now can be seen by the general public, the recruits, and even me more often as I am still teaching in the Police Academy to our future recruits, and I get to see that beautiful wall of honor recognizing you and others who gave their life as a public servant every time I pass by through the lobby at the Riemer Regional Public Safety Center.
I think you of often and remember you especially today some 28 years later. Rest in peace Robin!

John O'Hagan Retired Sheriff
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2022

Thinking of you often, but especially today. 27 years later, I still cherish the memories of patrolling the streets with you. Gone but not forgotten!

John O'Hagan Retired Sheriff
Manistee County

February 4, 2021

Another year passed! Today marks 26 years since I lost my partner and dear friend. I will never forget that horrible day nor will I ever forget you Robin!

John O'Hagan - Retired Sheriff
Manistee County

February 4, 2020

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 4, 2020

Det. Deputy Sheriff Arnold,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Manistee County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

February 4, 2019

25 years ago today we lost one of our own. Robin Arnold, you left your mark here in Manistee. I am grateful for your teachings as my mentor, my partner, and mostly for our friendship. My heart is heavy today as I took a stroll down memory lane. It was an honor and privilege to work with you! May God continue to bless you until we meet again.

John O'Hagan Sheriff
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2019

Thinking of you today! As each year passes, I still think of you often. Can't believe it has been 24 years since you were taken home. You may be gone, but you are never forgotten.

Sheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2018

23 years ago today you were taken from us without much warning. You always seem to come up in conversation at the Sheriff's Office. Not too many of us older deps left at the office that you worked with; many have moved on. Your picture remains up in our lobby so you are a constant reminder to all of us how fragile life is. Just know you will always be remembered! First we were partners, then friends, then after you left I was a sergeant, then Undersheriff, and now the Sheriff. Sure wish I you were here to witness all the changes! God Bless You Robin!

Sheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2017

Each year as winter arrives and I travel on snow covered-icy roads, I am constantly reminded of that dreadful day that claimed your life 22 years ago. I will NEVER forget February 4, 1994. That day the Lord called you home; however it left me without my partner and my friend.

I often think about the fact that you Robin would have been retired by now (or not if I could have convinced you to stay) and I think about where your career could have taken you if not for your horrible accident.

You had a special ceremony held in Mason County in 2015. Our good friend Sheriff Kim Cole from the Mason County Sheriff's Office made it a point to honor you and others who have died in the line of duty, with a statue and plaque that signifies your ultimate sacrifice. What an honor that was for Sheriff Kowalkowski and I to attend.

Just know you are always in my thoughts, especially today February 4, a day I will never forget.

God Bless You!

Undersheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2016

I still think of you often. Every time I drive those backroads to and from Ludington, I think of that day when you were taken from us. The day I lost my partner. My prayer today is that you are rejoicing with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom.


Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

God Bless You until we meet again someday.

Undersheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2015

My dear friend Robin. I paused a moment this morning in prayer when I realized this is the 20th year since you went to be our Lord. As I have said in the past, I will say it again: you were a true inspiration to me. You left your mark with me not only as my partner, but as my friend. It doesn't matter how many years go by, you will never be forgotten. As much hurt as I endured that day when I learned we lost you, I know in my heart you are much happier. God.... thank you for being our Lord & Savior.

John O'Hagan - Undersheriff
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2014

Robin: Another year has passed and I still think of you often. All the laughs, story-telling, and just your constant smiling face is sorely missed. I know you are in a better place, but that doesn't stop me from missing "my partner." 18 years later you are and always will be, a great memory in my life. God Bless You! You sure left your mark with me :)

John O'Hagan- Undersheriff
Partners

February 4, 2012

Deputy Arnold,
Even though it's been 16 years, you are still remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Manistee County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 8, 2010

Thank you for your bravery, duty and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

February 4, 2010

You have not been forgotten for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Thank you for service to others.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 4, 2010

Another year has passed since we lost you years ago;
I think of you quite often and I just wanted you to know.
I have a picture of you and me, I keep it in my car;
it is a constant reminder of what a special person you are.
Thanks for the memories you bestowed on me over the years;
some day I will see you again and we can share stories, laughter and even a few tears.

God Bless you Robin!

Undersheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 4, 2009

15 years ago today I lost my partner and my friend. A tragic accident left me wondering how this could have happened. You were always the one with a smile and friendly advice that was willing to listen to all my troubles. Suddenly, without notice, you were gone.

I will always cherish the 5 years we spent together as partners. Needless to say, I will never forget February 4.

I know you are with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, this brings me peace.

Just for the record Robin, the impact you made on me has made an impression that will have a lasting effect. Thank you for your dedicated service to our agency, your friendship and compassion. You will always be "my partner".

God Bless You!

Undersheriff John O'Hagan
Manistee County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2009

I am remembering you with the deepest respect for the years of distinquished service you gave to the citizens of Michigan. On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, I am embracing your family in my heart and in prayer.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 4, 2009

Gone but not forgotten. Thnak you for making the ultimate sacrifice. RIP.

June 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 1, 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

November 15, 2007

May we never forget this sister in Blue's sacrifice. May her Family, Fellow Deputies, and Friends have Peace in their hearts on this anniversary.

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept, Lewisburg, Pa..

February 4, 2007