Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

although it has been 33 years since the tragic death of our friend, unit 1510, for me it seems like yesterday. Robet and I grew up in Farmville,VA, played baseball and football together and graduated high school in 1973. After graduation, we went our seperate ways but along parallel roads, we both became police dispatchers (different departments) and later both became police officers, he with the Va State Police and myself with the Richmond ,Va P.D. Unfortunately, his career and life ended on 07-22-78 on I-95 at the hands of a drunk driver. I later became a field training officer and used this tragedy as a training scenario for rookie police officers, many stated that it really helped them remain focused on the exteme danger that traffic posed for them as they stood alongside a roadway. I know Robert would be proud that his ultimate sacrifice would not be in vain and officers were safer because of him.

Robert A. Johnson
high scool classmate and former police officer

July 22, 2011

Robert, you were such a caring and handsome guy who loved and honored your parents. You meant so much to me, and I cherish the times we spent together. Even though so many years have gone by, I still think of you and miss you. "Only the good die young."

Love, Ingrid

Anonymous

August 15, 2010

I enjoyed meeting and talking to your brother today on a call for service. I was saddened to learn that he had lost his brother who was a trooper. Although 30 years have passed since your death I'm sure its like it was yesterday to those who knew and loved you. Thank you for your service and watch over us.

Master Police Officer R. L. Bell III
Henrico County Police, VA

March 18, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

Trooper Lohr, I never knew you personally, but I too probated in Alleghany County, and stayed in the same home up on the hill, and saw these pictures through the house of you and learned you were already gone from this world, all much too quick. I learned the lessons of your falling too, I try to keep them in mind to this day ..... and I thought I'ld say "Thanks Troop".

Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 30, 2007

Trooper Lohr,

Thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth. You are not FORGOTTEN........ May you continue to rest in eternal peace, you are missed!

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
VSUPD

July 22, 2006

On the day you gave your life I was struggling to give life.My own precious son was born that day and has grown into a fine young man who respects Peace Officers.May you Rest in Peace and may Our Heavenly Father continue to support your loved ones.Thank you for your service.

July 7, 2006

Your memory lives on in all that wear the blue and gray.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

July 22, 2005

Robert you are remembered. God Bless those who know & loved you.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

February 9, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Robert, you are not forgotten.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

October 27, 2003

I remember you from when you probated with my dad in Clifton Forge. Even though I was very young I remember feeling a great loss not only for myself and my family but also for yours. I have often thought of you and how you unselfishly died helping someone else that you probably didn't even know. Your memory will always be with me.

Reserve Deputy
Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Greenville , S.C.