Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

During the summer of 1985, I was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club to attend the Indiana State Police Career Camp at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. I received the Robert J. Lather II Scholarship and was subsequently placed with a duty to honor his name by becoming a police officer... a 'good' police officer. If someone knows the family or friends of Trooper Lather, let them know his memory made a lasting, positive impression on a 'kid' that never knew him.

SWAT Officer (retired) Dennis Prestel
Columbus Police Department (Ohio)

September 5, 2023

Trooper Lather,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Indiana. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 6, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 6, 2020

Trooper Lather,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Indiana. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 6, 2018

Bob, I was a Trooper assigned to the Seymour Post when You assisted me in booking a drunk driver into the Howard County jail. Thank You for that Sir. I also attended your funeral a few years later, so this posting has a close connection to You. I think of You and other Fallon Officers I have known through the years, especially on this day, Memorial Day.
My law enforcement career is different than most, as I ended my career as a Fresno California Police Officer & Ive had the Honor of working with Fantastic Officers like You in two very different locations.
Thank You for Your service my Brother, and God continue to Bless Your Family.

Officer Robert Gann
Fresno Police Department retired/ & former Indiana State Trooper

May 28, 2018

Trooper Lather, I am sorry that you had to give the greatest sacrifice of all, your life. Watching your children grow up, and experiencing young adulthood. I pray that God gives your family peace and solace from losing you, I pray that God has wrapped you in his loving arms & you have the joys of heaven to comfort you. You deserve the only best and I can promise you will never be forgotten.

Cheryl Roe
Mom of Deptuy

July 8, 2017

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

July 8, 2017

RIP trooper, you will never be forgotten.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police Dept.

January 26, 2017

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

July 15, 2015

I went to grade school to Robbie--I do visit this reflection page periodically to remember him but have never posted to it. I remember Rob as a friend and a good guy. My husband and son are in law enforcement--I feel in some way that my connection with Robbie continues because of this. I miss his not being in the world. However, he will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Diane Clodfeler VanCleaeve
Grade School Friend

February 12, 2014

Rest in Peace, Trooper Lather. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 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 30th 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 30, 2012

Hi Robbie....still miss you every day.

Jo Ellen Kerr
Sister

October 3, 2012

"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 9, 2008

Bob, 25 years ago we lost you and just yesterday we lost another one from our Post. It's been a long time since you left us, but we still think about you often. Please take care of my friend M/Trooper Dave Rich who joins you and all the other fallen heroes in heaven. Ginny

Ginny/ISP Dispatcher
Indiana State Police/Peru Post

July 6, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 12, 2007

Bob,

Today I had the honor of assisting two of your friends, Ken Roland and Jeff Stinson, move you closer to fellow public safety people and their families. It was a solemn occasion. We had lunch with Teresa afterwards. I got to know more about you, her, and the kids.

I am glad that I could be a part of your legacy. We at the Peru Post will keep you in our memory forever. I hope we do you proud.

Mike

Mike Nichols

March 29, 2007

Bob, I found this memorial site recently and thought of you immediately. The day you were killed is fovever in my memory. We were suppose to work that last evening shift together but I requested to work the day shift instead. On my way home I saw you standing along the highway issuing someone a ticket. I didn't honk or wave because I didn't want to distract. Little did I know that would be the last time I would ever see you alive. This year you will have been gone 25 years. I still think of you and your family. We see your Mom and Dad at our Memorial service each year. Bob keep watch over us at Peru Post. Forever gone but never forgotten.

Ginny/Dispatcher
Indiana State Police

March 26, 2007

Bob, how I miss you my dear friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I remember our summers at Westlake and my trips to Bloomington. You were supportive when times were tough for me and your friendship never waivered. You and Teresa are very special to me. I will never forget you. I know you are watching over all of us. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Lt Col (Retired USAF) Bruce McFarland
high school friend

January 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

July 6, 2006

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13

December 19, 2005

Brother Lather II,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

December 16, 2005

Trooper Lather,

For almost two months I have wanted to write something on your reflection page but I never knew what I wanted to say. Tonight I went to the Blue Light Ceremony at the academy. The entire time I thought about you. As I was approaching the academy I noticed that the main entrance was lined with police cars with their lights flashing. It gave me the chills. Then as I listened to the bagpipes and looked up at the American Flag I felt a tear almost run down my cheek. Three months ago I never even thought twice about officers who lost their life in the line of duty. Now there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about fallen officers.

Your daughter is one of my very good friends from college. She is married now to a great guy. We like to call him Farmer even though he is far from ever being a farmer! I went to visit them in Seattle during October. We talked about you and about the State Police. I never knew that you were a Trooper before that trip. When I found out I was in shock. I was in shock because it made me so angry that my friend did not get to know her dad because of someone’s actions. I know you already know this but I still want to tell you…your daughter is such a beautiful person. You would be proud of her. She has a good head on her shoulders and she cares about people. I’m proud to call her my friend.

At the same time I was feeling angry towards that person who took your life, I also felt a sense of peace wash over me. During these past three months I have quickly entered into the life of the state police family and I know it is just the beginning. It was scary at first but I now realize it was just the fear of the unknown. When your daughter told me your story I knew that I would be able to handle everything. It was like you were telling me that I had the strength and I would be able to handle whatever happened along the path of life. I know that this is where God wants me to be and you helped me to confirm that. Thank you for watching over me and for giving me strength to support my loved one at recruit school. He is going to be an excellent Trooper, I promise. Thank you for watching over him too.

Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice to make our country a better place. I admire your courage and bravery.

You will always hold a place close to my heart.

December 6, 2005

"The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path."

Thank you for helping us stay on the path. You shall not be forgotten.

65th Indiana State Police Recruit
Indiana State Police

December 3, 2005

My brother, a NYS Trooper, also made the ultimate sacrifice on July 6. As I was reading the today in history portion of the ODMP I felt I needed to honor your courage in the performance of duty as you served and protected your community. May God's eternal peace be yours and blessings upon your family.

Anita L Culosi
sister of Tpr. Salvatore J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61

July 6, 2005