Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 8, 1992 TAG: 9201080209
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
LOSS HITS HOME FOR OFFICERS
When a police officer dies in the line of duty as Roanoke Patrolman Fred Robinson did early Sunday, other officers can't shut down the police department to grieve.They continue to patrol 24 hours a day, but that doesn't mean Robinson isn't on their mind.
Today, as they gather for Robinson's funeral, other officers will reflect on how fragile life as a cop really is.
"It makes you more aware of your surroundings - how mortal you are," said Officer Scott Altizer. "It makes everyone aware of how little control you have over your own life.
"We are conditioned to let things pass by us. When a police officer dies, it is like taking a piece of you."
Robinson, 48, died early Sunday when his patrol car hit a turning car on Williamson Road and veered into a building. The 20-year department veteran died a short time later.
"Everybody is very stunned by it," Altizer said. "It is not something you think of, an officer dying in an automobile accident."
For Sgt. Guy Hurley, the prospect of death in a patrol car is all too real.
On Dec. 2, 1990, Hurley's patrol car was hit by another car, also on Williamson Road. Rescue workers had to use the Jaws of Life to remove Hurley from the car.
"Every time, I go up Williamson Road, a red light goes off," Hurley said. "I feel lucky to be here. When the man upstairs punches your clock, it's time to go."
Doctors told Hurley that the car's shoulder harness helped save his life. Ironically, when the accident happened he was responding to a call to assist Robinson.
Hurley prefers to reflect on happier times, when he was a young cop and Robinson was helping break him in.
"When I first came here, I was a green as a leaf," he said. "Fred would take me under his wing. Even if you made a mistake, he would make you feel that everything is all right."
Sgt. Bill West said he now thinks of Robinson every time he hears a burglar alarm call go out. Robinson was killed while responding to a burglar alarm call at J.C. Penney at Valley View Mall.
"It's a waste, a big waste," West said. "It is a shame to lose a good officer over a burglar alarm."
Sgt. Ronnie Carlisle said danger is simply part of the job. "You do what you can do to lessen the danger."
Carlisle said he was weary of questions about why Robinson was not wearing a seat belt. State law excludes police officers from wearing seat belts.
"Fred and I were friends. He was a top-notch police officer," Carlisle said. "Those people who are dwelling on his not having a seat belt on should be dwelling on their loss.
"Fred Robinson happened to be responding to a call at J.C. Penney. He could have just as easily been responding to a call to someone's house. He was dedicated to the preservation of life and people's property."
Lt. Doug Allen said Robinson's dedication will be remembered at his funeral today. "It's been a bad three days," he said. "You'll see a lot of wet eyes out there."