San Francisco Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, February 9, 1978
Reflections for Officer Robert E. Hooper
Bob (Robert Hooper) was working in my Noise Abatement Unit. His work was more sophisticated than the unit projected. We were involved in many issues. Some were just noise and auto matters. Some were nightclubs and investigation of nightclub activities. Noise Abatement was a great unit.
Robert was special. I've never met such a numerous lovely fellow...his smile lives with me...so many years after a punk took his life.
My most special and continued prayers are still with this special smiling fellow.
God bless Robert Hooper and his family.
Richard Bodisco SFPD Traffic Bureau
September 14, 2024
I was recently reading about the other SFPD officer who was shot at that same incident and came across your story. Even though I've seen your name on the wall at HOJ, I never knew the full story behind your in line of duty death. Your sacrifice and commitment to duty exemplifies the nobility of our profession.
Officer Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department
November 17, 2021
Rest in peace Officer Hooper.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
July 18, 2019
I was the dispatcher on the radio when Officer Hooper was shot and killed. He called the code 33 as he chased the vehicle but his radio was breaking and it was very hard to copy his transmissions. Eventually, he gave the C4, vehicle lost in the area. A few minutes later, Officer Hooper called another code 33. saying that he’d located the vehicle he’d chased earlier parked in front of a residence—and I tried to copy him as best as I could but he was breaking so badly that most of what he said was a garbled mess. The last broadcast he made to me, which was also barely discernible, he said something about what “garbage” the equipment was that our Department issued. Not too long after that, the Taraval Sgt. (I believe his name was Sgt. Kazarian) called a 406, two Officers had been shot and requested an ambulance code 3. Officer Hooper didn’t make it, the second Officer recovered from his wounds. To this day, I feel responsible for Officer Hooper’s death. If only I could’ve copied what he was saying, maybe it would’ve changed the course of action he took. I’m retired now but during the next 28 years when I would go to work, every time I passed the wall listing the names of all the SFPD Officers who were killed in the line of duty, I could not look at the spot where Officer Hooper’s name was memorialized. I am sorry Officer Hooper. Rest In Peace HERO.
Chryse Grecousis Hawes
SFPD
April 3, 2019
Rest in peace.
Lt. Jim Russo
February 12, 2018
Never forgotten.
Isaiah 6:8.
Lt. Tim LeGarde
UMDPD
February 9, 2018
Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are not forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
February 9, 2018
Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.
Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.
July 23, 2014
Rest in Peace, Officer Hooper. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
January 22, 2012
this man was a great person, bob used to come home from work an check are house for burgalars.an carrie me across the street an tuck me in to bed at night.there where times he was more of a dadd to me than my step dadd was. connie & kids i miss your dadd im a better person for knowing him he tought me a lot when i was young,like to treat people whith respect an i love an miss him allways,a freind richard barnes.
Anonymous
August 22, 2010
My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today. I know you will be in their thoughts today as you have been every day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You are a true hero and heroes never die.
Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 5, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.
I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.
To Robert's family: I don't know that I have ever met you at any COPS event. Hopefully, I can meet you at one of our Northern California chapter meetings.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
Pittsburg Police Department
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 9, 2009
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.
Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
February 7, 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
September 20, 2007
Rest in peace. To the Hooper family, God bless all of you.
future officer SFPD
April 7, 2007
We honor your memory and sacrifice as well as that of your family today. May god bless you and them. A hero is never forgotten nor is your impact on the lives of others.
citizen
February 10, 2007
My beloved Bob and dearest friend: There are no words that could ever express mine and my family's great loss-husband, best friend, father, grandfather . such a tragedy. The one thought, to never bring shame to your name, has been our goal, and to make you proud of us. A day never passes that we don't think of you and pray for you. You were such a joy,wonderful father, and friend, full of joie-de-vivre. You will always be missed by all your family, even those wonderful children you never were able to see born and raised:. Robert, Branden, Dominic, Katelyn Rose. All lifes special moments:Confirmation, Weddings, grandchildren's births and birthdays.. We miss you so much and will always love you. Til we meet again. Love forever, Your Connie, children:Scott, Janice and Suzi and all your wonderful grandchildren
Mrs. Robert E. Hooper
widow
November 22, 2006
I have had the Honor and Privledge to know this family. Words can not describe the loss this family has suffered nor the love and passion that this family continues to have for Officer Robert Hooper. It is truly inspiring to see first hand how the family has always continued to keep Officer Hooper's memory alive in there hearts and dreams but, exspecially for his Grandchildren. They are a very proud family to have been apart of his life, he will never be forgotten.
God Bless
Family Friend
November 20, 2006
I wish i could have met you, I'm really proud of you for serving your country the way you did. You look just like Dad.
Katelyn Rose
Grandaughter
November 15, 2006
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the San Francisco Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Hooper deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Hooper is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC
June 8, 2006
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.
Police Officer
June 1, 2006
My boys called you Uncle Bob, your were like a brother to Richard. You meant so much to our family, as Richard's partner and our friend. We miss you and your wit so much.
Patricia Anderson
Friend, family & partner
September 12, 2004
Officer Hooper,
You died a hero. You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.
Retired Detective
Baltimore county Police Department
February 9, 2004
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