Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am just a regular citizen, an active RVer staying at the close by Eagle View RV park while recouping from a recent Scottsdale knee surgery. I saw the "Duthie-Martin dedication on the nearby intersecting Beeline hiway. I have recently begun to take the time to read and reflect upon the officer down memorial pages. I really have the utmost respect for all police officers and of all the tickets I have gotten in several states, I only did not deserve 1 and I was let go on warnings several times I should have gotten tickets. To all the brave men ans women who choose to patrol our streets and hiways, I say thank you. I am embarassed that my residence state of New Mexico has now eliminated the death penalty for never do wells like the 19 year old loser that shot and killed officer Martin. To the brave States of ARIZONA, TEXAS AND FLORIDA, I commend those states for enforcing the death penalty and for eliminating some of the human cockroaches like Ernesto form Globe, Az who took officer Martin's life. I lost my 20 year old son Andrew who was killed by someone else's stupid act so I know how this feels as well as anyone. I will take the time to drive to mile post 196 on the Beeline hiway to pay my respects to officer Martin. Oh yeah, one other thing, I rarely speed anywhere anymore.

Anonymous Hiway Traveler from New Mexico

May 19, 2012

Grandpa,
I didn't get to spend a lot of time with you before you were taken from us, but I do have some wonderful memories with you. The last time I saw you was at Grapevine Canyon. I was only 7 years old. We had a wonderful hike through the pass and a picnic. I still remember, we had sub sandwiches and chips for lunch. You were always such a fun Grandpa. You would bring us little gifts when we would see each other. Other than my own memories of you, I know that you affected many other people's lives. My Mom always had so many stories to tell about her wonderful dad. You will always be remembered. I look forward to seeing you again someday soon. Save a seat for me.

Jacob L. Broderick
Grandson

January 19, 2012

Hi Dad,

It is always so hard to not have you with us, espcecially at the holidays. I think that is because you always decorated and were so excited about any holiday. I remember as a kid we had the largest star you could build on the roof of our home for Christmas. I also remember the talking jack-o-lantern you created with your CB radio. All the kids in the neighborhood came by to talk to that big pumpkin.

I try to share these stories with the grandkids (your great-grandkids). But it makes me so so sad to know that many of them never had the chance to know you. There are 8 of them now. I wish they could know you...I wish you were still here with us...with me. I miss you so much. You were my mountain and life has not been the same since Ernesto thought he had the right to take you from us.

I wonder if there is Christmas in heaven. I wold like to think of you stringing lights and playing Chrsitmas songs on a heavenly organ. It was always amazing how well you played and how you could make me smile with your music. God Bless you Dad. I know that someday I will see you again. Until then, my memories of you keep me going. I love you.

Your Daughter, Bobette

December 23, 2011

Hey Bob, how you doing mothering that heaven sent squad of fine D.P..S. Officers? You have alot of company up there now.
I just wanted to say I miss you my friend. I stayed at Sandy's side from Day 1 all the way to the end of the trial and was given that great bid hug by your daughter Bobbie as the death sentence was announced. I kind of still keep tabs on the family and they are alll doing well. They, like everyone else. they miss you terribly. But, overall they are all doing well.

Martinez is still waiting for justice as he sits on death row and have no doubt, I will be there holding your wife's hand again, when they send him to hell.

I think back to all of the things you taught me and all the coffee breaks we had, where we sat and talked shop. You
were Mother Martin and I was glued to every word. My world changed that day, with life working the beeline never the same, even to this day being ten years retired.

You are good man Robert and I have always been proud to call you my freind. You taught me how to be kind to people and how to be patient and caring. Also to never go running around in a pursuit, stay put they will come to you. Best of all you were my friend who did not judge me and was always there when I needed a hand or didn't know somethiing.

I will see you again in February when we do the clean-up between MP/195 and MP?196 in your honor. Know that I hold you in my heart and prayers as always. You left an incredible footprint in your legacy for young officers to try to achieve. The public still knows your name when the subject comes up, so be assured you are not and will not ever be forgotten. Sleep well my friend.

Officer M. M. Cole #1615
Arizona Department of Public Safety

December 13, 2011

I never met Bob, however a piece of him rides with me everyday I get in my patrol car.

My mother use to work with one of Bob's nieces several years ago. I grew up in Arizona and after a time in the military, I settled in Missouri. I began my career as a Trooper in 1996. Bob's widow, gave the Bob's niece a collar ornament from Bob's uniform to give to me.

I have that Arizona DPS collar ornamet pinned on the visor of my patrol car and I look at it everyday. I hope that Bob's looking out me, along with every other officer on the road.

1208
Missouri State Highway Patrol

November 1, 2011

Officer Martin patrolled the area where I worked back in the late 1980's. I took the Beeline and Bush Highways out to work at the Saguaro Lake Marina as a young man. I first met Officer Martin at the Marina, he would stop in to check on things or just get a cool drink.
Officer Martin had what I'm sure was a difficult beat with all of the drunks traveling to and from the lake and river but one I could tell he enjoyed. It was a beautiful, scenic place to work. Officer Martin was always a very friendly man, one whom people respected and admired. He got to know my face and my truck after a while, I know this because I passed by his favorite speed trap hiding spots daily. Once or twice I was running late for work and breaking the speed limit as I passed him by. He had such a good hiding spot! He would start out after me, I would slow down to the limit and he would let me go by pulling off into another of his spots.
He was just a good man and a good Officer. He didn't need to drop the hammer on everyone, out of respect I quit speeding down the Beeline.
I left that job to finish school and become a Phoenix Police Officer. I was several years on the job when I heard the terrible news about Officer Bob Martin. I think about him to this day, 22 years into my own career. I never speed in Bob's beat to this day and I always reflect on the type of person he was as I pass his memorial.
He was an honorable man and a top notch cop, his family should be very proud of him. I am proud to have known Bob Martin. Rest in peace Sir and thank you.

Bernie D
Phoenix Police Department

October 2, 2011

Dad- another Christmas has passed and we missed you terribly. It has been over 14 years since you were taken from us, yet your absence continues to be felt so strongly. It comforts me to know that you are with us in spirit; however, I resent the fact that you are not able to hold and love your family the way you used to. I am very proud that you are my father and I know you died doing what you wanted most to do with your life. You were and always will be my hero. I miss you so much; however, I know that one day we will meet again.

Anonymous

December 30, 2009

Grandpa,everyday i look to the stars and say prayer for you.It is weird how you have been gone from our lives for alittle over 14yrs. I do believe there is not a day that goes by that we don't think or talk about you. You were such a specialgrandfather,greatgrandfather,father,husband,and DPS Officer.You are surely missed by all of us. We love you, You have done great things for many people out there,and knowing that helps our family!! untill we see each other again..you'll always be our grandpa..

Anonymous

October 27, 2009

Thinking of you and your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

August 15, 2009

Grandpa,

It has been almost 14 years now. Not a day goes by that you are not remembered and missed. The pain of not having you here is just as strong as the day the news came. I find true comfort in knowing that you made such a difference in the lives of those around you. You always were and always will be a hero in my eyes. Until we meet again...

Anonymous

February 20, 2009

Thank you for your dedication and service.

Richard L. Porter
HWY 87 frequent traveler 37 Years

November 8, 2008

Officer Martin,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 15, 2008

Officer Robert K. Martin,

The circumstances of your death are as tragic as can be. You have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of your duty. You have the respect of every good law officer on the face of the planet. Your dedication to duty and your courage to remain active for so many years is admirable. I believe that the legion of law officers, who sacrificed their lives before you in the performance of their duty, will greet you at Heaven's gate. Honor, Dedication and Valor now speak for you, and they proclaim you one of our finest soldiers of the law. Well done, officer...well done.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

July 13, 2008

Thank you for you sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

June 16, 2008

This day has lived in my mind for since I was only a nine year old boy when you where killed on August 15 1995. My grandparents and I were driving home from Payson when we were told to take another highway. Because the beeline near
the Saguaro lake turn off was closed. Not knowing what had taken place we turned on the radio and hear you had been killed. Since that day everytime I take that drive up to Payson or am on my way back to Mesa I think of the sacrafice you made. Rest in Peace, you are the guardian and spirit of the Beeline Highway

FTO J Mellott B0058
Maricopa County Sheriffs Office

May 12, 2008

I knew Bob Martin over the years as an officer doing his duty to slow me down when I was in too big a hurry to reach Payson or Mesa.
I will have to say that he was always VERY FAIR in his treatment of me weather I was speeding (Very bad habit when I was younger) or broken down on the Highway.
There were a few times that he didn't go after me when he had every right to do so as he may have already had someone stopped or somethig else was ha[[ning but the next time he would see me he would stop me and at least read me a RIOT ACT for what I had been doing.
I ewill never forget the day that I was trying to get to Phoenix in a hurry as my father was in the ER and a car was delibritly blocking the "NARROW" 87 at that time so noone could pass him, I saw a spot where I could make it past the line of 12 - 15 cars and this driver tried to block me as I was passing him, I didn't back off and the last I saw of him Bob was pulling him off of the road for a citation. He chewed me out the next time I saew him but also told me I had passed in the safest maner possiable for what was happening at the time.
GOD bless you Office Martin and may GOD keep and protect ypu and ypour family.
Adrian J Flynn

Adrian J Flynn

November 4, 2007

"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

July 25, 2007

I stopped at the memorial while visiting Arizona and came here to find out the background. I thought I'd just say: Thank you, Robert Martin.

Arizona Visitor

April 2, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Martin. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

I never personally met Officer Bob Martin, but I wish to express a story that recalls a great appreciation to the men and women of Arizona's DPS officers. My best friend since third grade (who passed away in June 2006)and I were regular hunting buddies. We were responsible hunters who always took gun handling, Game & Fish laws, forest service rules as paramount. On one trip in the Bradshaw Mountains (I believe we always had a curse there as we where always having vehicle breakdowns near or around Bumblebee) we had a blowout. No problem, I had a spare. A half dozen miles later, we had another tire problem (not the spare). A can of flat fix got us closer to I-17, but still about 4 miles. Well my friend and I flipped quarters on who would roll that flat tire to I-17 and look for help. He lost the toss and I won, but I gave him $100 cash for the services of a good samaritan. Hours went by, the sun was getting low (I had plenty of water, food and supplies...he took H20 as well), I was concerned about my friend. He did have a .357 Magnum on his hip for defense, but I was still concerned. Just as I was attemping to make a campfire in a safe, flat area 50 yards off the main road, a DPS car came rolling up. My friend was in it. The officer did not only give him a ride into Cortez Junction, but brought him back as well. Turns out that my friend disclosed the fact that he was openly carrying and that he willingly wished to surrender his gun to the officer. The officer did just that, and upon bringing my friend back with a good used tire, returned my friend's loaded .357, but would not accept any form of gratuity. We tried, but he would not accept. He did however take a cold 7up. I have always had faith on our law enforcement community in that that they are here to serve and protect. After the cop left (I wish we had remembered his name or badge number) I asked my friend, who never liked cops before, what he thought now. He was a changed man. We were not on the fringe of a survival situation, but the heartfelt caring of this DPS Officer is one that compelled me to make a warm rememberance to the angels of Arizona's highways. I have said prayers at Officer Martin's rest stop shrine on the way to Roosavelt Lake many times since. Though I never met him (thats probably good), I wish to say thanks to all of you who patrol in our wonderful state and do far more than just enforce law. If I ever encountered an officer in need of any help, I will always oblige. Thank you for what you do every day.

Citizen
none

March 11, 2007

If you blink, you'll miss it. There near MP 196 of the southbound lanes of the Beeline is the monument to Officer Martin. He was a fixture on the Beeline and you'll realize his impact when you see the monument.

Arizona citizen

February 14, 2007

Having just come on-line in 2007 I now take the opportunity to offer my personal condolences to the family of Officer Robert Martin.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview witnesses to this crime and complete a composite illustration of the profile view of the suspect. As it happened, this drawing was not an aid in the final identification of the suspect but I was struck with the intensity of personal participation of the witnesses. These people were willing to stay up very late at night and gave a very articulate description of the suspect.
The final drawing had a very close resemblance to the actual suspect.
This case was one of my final endeavors in forensic art before my retirement from the MCSO on Oct 1, 1995. I can recall the circumstances to this day with sorrow.

Don M. Ely
Maricopa County Sheriff's Ofice (ret.)

January 19, 2007

I was on that highway that day, heading home from up north. I have driven the Beline hundreds of times. When I got home, my wife (a police dispatcher) asked, "were you there. did you see it?" She told me what happened. From my calculations, you stopped the suspect seconds after I passed the spot. I only carry my off duty weapon when I'm on the highway, so i can back up those isolated DPS officers. I'm sorry friend I was driving too fast......

Sergeant Duren Robertson
Peoria Police Department

May 21, 2006

05/23/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Martin.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 23, 2004

GOD bless you and your family, sir. Rest in peace and may we meet you in Glory!

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

April 18, 2004