With deepest regrets

[Z06 Rocket]

My prayers to his family. 20 years is a long time, but 31 is above and beyond the call of duty. RIP

[Hot Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Thanks guys and gals. I was talking to the Cpl. today and told him about the posts on the various websites. Told him that I'm going to print/send him a link to the sites and he can let the family see the responses. I'm sure they will be very pleased

Little update:

Seems the Sheriff's Office Colonel contacted the Major at FHP today regarding the honor guard. Seems the Major knew nothing about the bonehead captains decision to disallow the guard.

The Major the got on the phone with the family adn the Florida Highway Patrol will be honoring thier own on Friday

To the Major.

Don't think I'd want to be that Captain though

Sometimes the people in the departments want to make a name for themselves. Sometimes they want to make the wrong one. They want to be feared instead of respected.


RIP, FHP Sgt Roberson. I did not know him, but it's still family.

[C5STATETROOPER]

Originally Posted by Shadow

...Since there are a few LEO's here and maybe a few other folks who may have had the opportunity to run into him over the years...

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Randy Roberson, 56 passed away the other day of apparently natural causes.

I've known Randy since I was a rookie Deputy. We used to hang out and BS and we've backed each other up on so many calls I can't count 'em.

Randy was a True Trooper. He looked the part, acted the part and knew his job inside out. He was part of thier Emergency Response Team way back in the beginning. I recall talking to him about his deployment to Liberty City during the riots.

Randy was a true humanitartian as well, not just a ticket writer. He did his job, but he had a heart and a sense of humor as well. Man. we lauged at so much **** out here on the street!
He was loved and respected by those he supervised as well. Again, Randy was a Troopers Trooper and not just a supervisor.

He retired about 3 years ago after 31 years on the job. He just went to his doctor a few weeks back and was given a clean bill of health.

The other day, Randy just didn't wake up

His wife called me today and gave me the news. Another close friend of Randy's and a long time friend of mine, Cpl. Dan Peterson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

One thing that really pisses me off though is the FHP Captain in his Troop, refused to allow an honor guard at the funeral The man puts in 31 distinguished years and retires honorably, and you, you worthless POS can't approve an honor guard?

It looks like the Hillsborough County S.O. is going to do the honors though. It's somewhat fitting since a lot of us "old timers" knew him well.

For the LEO's on the board, if you can find a way to make your dept. aware of Randy's passing, I'm sure the family would appreciate it. The notice should be on the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday, 19 July.

The family will recieve friends and fellow LEO's at 3 pm and the service will be at 4pm on Friday, 21 July at Blount and Curry funeral home on Bearss Ave. east of Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

We're gonna miss ya Randy You were one of the best my friend...R.I.P. brother...

I wish I had scene this post earlier . . . .

Not sure who told you that the local Captain would not allow an FHP Honor Guard - but that is total 100% BS. Whoever told you that, have them call me and I will set them straight! I was in the office when the Captain and Major asked to get the Honor Guard ready with the arrangements and we were told that the family (he was not married BTW) did not want an Honor guard, just a prescence at the funeral. We gave them what they asked for.

Randy was a good guy and good friend. Sorry to see him gone.

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by C5STATETROOPER

I wish I had scene this post earlier . . . .

Not sure who told you that the local Captain would not allow an FHP Honor Guard - but that is total 100% BS. Whoever told you that, have them call me and I will set them straight! I was in the office when the Captain and Major asked to get the Honor Guard ready with the arrangements and we were told that the family (he was not married BTW) did not want an Honor guard, just a prescence at the funeral. We gave them what they asked for.

Randy was a good guy and good friend. Sorry to see him gone.

Larry,

I believe you may not have all the facts. Unfortunately, I was involved with this from the day Randy passed away. His fiance' (Simone) and Dan called me that morning.

Once I was informed that the Captain had turned down the request for an honor guard, we got busy.

Here's the part you don't have.

PRIOR to that meeting of the minds, the Captain (You obviously know who I'm referring to) denied the initial request from another trooper who was working on behalf of the family and failed to send the request up the chain stating that they couldn't do it since it wasn't a line of duty death???

I got involved, contacted the HCSO and they were going to provide an honor guard; however, prior to doing so, and obviously as a professional courtesy, the Colonel (IIRC) at the S.O. contacted the Major @ FHP.

Once he was made aware of the matter, he informed the HCSO that FHP would handle the detail and that he would see to it that the arrangements were made and the family was taken care of

After ward, and apparently what you were privy to, was the work on behalf of the Major to accomdate the families request. You're right that the family did not request a full honor guard and ceremony. IT would not have been possible anyway since the service was held entirely inside and there was no graveside service.
All they really wanted was a "head and foot" honor guard. Two (2) troopers to "stand watch" so to speak at Randy's casket.
In retrospect, the Captain may have misunderstood the initial request; however, IMHO, he should have sent it up the chain.

The Major made sure everything was handled and the guys did a fantastic job.

And you're right. I mistakenly referred to Simone as his wife. They were engaged, but not married...my bad. Just that they were so close....

Anyway bro, thats the full story. Hope it clarifies a few things for ya. If you have any questions feel free to call me (same cell number as before) and I'll give you more detail.

No need to rehash it here...all's well that ends well...

Randy was a great guy and a credit to FHP and the law enforcement community adn will be sorely missed

RIP brother