May 2013 Cyber Star - Polk County Sheriff`s Office

In this issue...
In Memoriam
Dedicated in Memory of
A Champion of the
Innocent
Many Lives Were
Touched
Chelsea and the Gentle
Giant
Fundraisers
Master Deputy
Shane Robbins
March 6, 1973 - April 26, 2013
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Polk County Sheriff's
Office
Dear Friend,
On Friday, April 26, 2013, I rushed
to Bomber Road when I learned
Shane Robbins had been involved
in a terrible vehicle crash.
My first thought as the sirens wailed
in my ears, was his big smile the
last time I saw him. I thought about
his accomplishment of Master
Deputy Sheriff - the best trained of
the best.
Then I thought they must be wrong. Shane will be alright - and I
prayed for that outcome.
1891 Jim Keene Blvd
Winter Haven, Florida
33880
863.298.6200
As I arrived at the scene, I could only see a legion of first responder
vehicles, an unknown man - a civilian leaving from the crash
screaming at me ----"pray Grady, just pray!"
I cleared through the emergency vehicles parked in the road and
saw paramedics, fire fighters, and deputies covering Deputy
Robbins' car ----- each one working to save Shane like he was their
own brother.
As I watched the fevered pace of the first responders, I thought if
Shane was responding to this crash, he would be right in the middle
of the heroic efforts. I wondered which one he would be; the
paramedic or fire fighters inside the car, or would he be where
Sergeant Ivan Navarro was trying to tear the car apart to get to his
colleague, or would Shane want to be the one with the saws cutting
the green and white into pieces, or maybe the deputies with the
straps and winch with the makeshift pulley trying to pull the
collapsed top from the rest of the car?
Shane, like those I watched that morning, would have been the first
in with heroic actions to save a life - even if it was someone he
didn't know.
Hero is a word thrown around more than it should be. Many people
labeled a hero aren't, but those who really are heroes often are not
recognized for their heroism.
Arthur Ashe said......... "True heroism is remarkably sober, very
undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."
Those who knew Shane best have known for 15 years he served at
whatever cost -----he always ran in while others ran out.
Let me share with you firsthand accounts from his personnel file
which is only a snap shot of the great man and great deputy sheriff
this community knew and loved. Yes, you are about to hear what a
real hero does.
It was May 1999 when he rescued a bed ridden elderly woman from
a house where an armed standoff was occurring in the very next
bedroom. He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic
action. Is anyone surprised?
Because of a field information report written, Shane was given an
accomplishment report by Sergeant Pry for being part of a team
effort which resulted in the arrest of a burglary suspect. However,
Shane wouldn't take the credit he deserved. Instead he wrote on
his accomplishment report - "D/D Jason McPherson initiated the
PROCAP initiative and D/S Robert McPherson completed the FIR."
Sergeant Gordy Scherer referred to Shane as a "go-to" detective
because of his supervisors' unwavering confidence in his
investigative abilities.
Captain Stewart said Shane was the best child victim
interviewer. Children are safer today because of his work.
Another citizen wrote that "Shane had a positive attitude - was very
concerned about our safety - he was kind, considerate, and very
patient. His positive attitude turned an unsettling dilemma into a
memorable experience."
A woman wrote to say her fiancé was arrested by Deputy Walker
and Deputy Robbins. She complimented them for their compassion
and consideration. She wrote, "They treated us with the utmost
respect. It was enormously painful to watch someone whom I love
and care so deeply about to be arrested. However knowing he was
in the hands of Deputy Walker and Deputy Robbins placed my mind
at ease. I'm certain they will go far and I am eternally in their debt."
Minister Ellsworth Ralston wrote.....
"I had an opportunity to meet Deputy Robbins because of a small
problem caused by a traveling minister this afternoon. This officer
certainly exhibited kindness and courtesy that we expect when we
encounter someone in law enforcement. We can all be thankful that
such men put their lives at risk to protect the rest of us."
Maybe the greatest compliment came from Den and Rosemary
Creutz on March 4, 2004, when they wrote, -----"I would like to
commend Deputy Robbins. He was called to our home to
investigate a complaint...... our son is a Miami-Dade police officer,
and we hope he can be half the officer that Deputy Robbins
is. Your department should be proud to have him!"
Then there was the lady who said, ----"two months ago my life fell
apart - my husband died unexpectedly - Deputy Robbins responded
to the call. He took over and stayed with me until the funeral
director came. He was the answer to my prayers!"
We are a better community, a safer community, because Master
Deputy Sheriff Joseph "Shane" Robbins was in our life for a
season. We all lost a true hero!
Alisa, you and your family will always be part of our family. Kayla,
Kara, Jacob, Carlie, & Sophie ----your papa was a true hero and will
always be watching over you.
Shane will forever be in our hearts. A hero remembered never dies.
Sheriff Grady Judd
In Memoriam
MASTER DEPUTY SHERIFF
JOSEPH 'SHANE' ROBBINS
End Of Watch: 04-26-13
LAKELAND - Master Deputy
Shane Robbins, 40, father of five,
was killed in a vehicle crash while
on patrol. Born with a soul that
has courage to wear the badge,
Deputy Robbins had been Saving,
Serving, and Protecting the
People since February 1998. With a personnel
file loaded with awards, citations, and
commendations, where does one even begin to
describe this amazing and Heroic True Blue Warrior?
One of the most caring, courageous, and
compassionate men to ever don the uniform, Shane
not only took his oath to heart, his work ethic was
impeccable. It did not matter if Shane was working
patrol, as a Special Victims Unit Detective, or as a
Homicide Detective, he did it all with Bravery and with
Benevolence. No incident was insignificant to this
Warrior. If it mattered to you, then it mattered to him.
Fellow
Deputies
could
always
count on
this
Brother to
be right
there to
cover
their six
no matter
how
volatile a
situation developed. There was no backing down with
this Brother. In it from start to finish and then when
all was said and done, Brother Shane had a way of
lightening the mood and easing tensions with his quick
wit and fun sense of humor.
Deputy Robbins was a team player no matter who or
what unit he was working with at the time. He never
lost sight that no one person does this work alone.
Brother Shane was a motivator as well. With his
upbeat personality and 'let's go get 'em" attitude, one
couldn't help but be pumped up, even for those little
things Law Enforcement Officers do for the People. His
passion for his peers and for the People was
undeniably felt at all times.
In September
2012, Brother
Shane was
promoted to
the rank of
Master Deputy.
He took great
pride in this
knowing his
hard work was
recognized and
appreciated.
And oh how
much this
Warrior was
appreciated by
all ... Even
those who
found
themselves on
the wrong side
of the law
respected M/D Robbins. For he treated everyone fairly
and with no bias ... and with humanity. His size could
be intimidating at first but his easy going way,
winning smile, and professionalism were quickly felt
and people reacted positively to this, making his work
more efficient and everyone safer. His proactive
approach was also very appreciated by citizens and
business owners, knowing they had the tools given by
M/D Robbins to help keep them, their families, and
their own livelihoods safer. He had a love of teaching
at Polk State College Kenneth Police Institute because
he wanted to make a difference and wanted new law
enforcement officers to be the best by giving them his
best.
This larger than life Warrior had an even bigger heart.
Known throughout the agency and the communities
he worked, Brother Shane would be the first to step
up when someone was in need, especially the
children. Oh how he got such joy out of making sure
the kids were all remembered during holidays and he
went out of his way to visit and follow-up with the
young victims when they were injured. When working
in the SVU and Homicide Units, M/D Robbins
approached and handled victims and families with the
utmost respect and compassion one can muster, and
then he worked tirelessly, and with conviction, to
uncover the truths and help see that justice was
served. Simply wanting to make a difference in his
small corner of the world, M/D Robbins lived for the
People and he did so asking for nothing in return. May
we all take from the legacy our Brother has left and
carry with us as we continue to create our own.
As much as Brother Shane loved his life work, there
was nothing he loved more in life than his wife, Alisa,
and his kids. Such a proud husband and Papa he was.
His heart and soul belonged to his wife and children,
even his step-children he treated as his own and loved
them all with every ounce of his being. As hectic and
busy as law enforcement life can be, Brother Shane
always managed to enjoy real quality time with his
family and his family kept him balanced. More than
anything, he loved watching his girls play softball. May
we vow to ensure his beloved children never forget
how their daddy lived, as Only a Hero could.
Brother Shane also had an artistic side and used this
as his healthy outlet. He even designed a 'super cool'
tattoo and some art work while he was working in the
SVU.
Shane was born in Columbus, GA, and moved to Polk
County in 1998 from Ocala, FL. Shane was a member
of the Kathleen Masonic Lodge. He leaves behind his
loving wife Alisa and five children; daughters, Kayla
Armstrong, Kara Crockett, Carlie Robbins, Sophie
Robbins, son; Jacob Crockett, all of Lakeland; parents,
Charlotte Snellgrove and Joseph Robbins; brother,
Phillip Webster, and sister, Gayle Rivera of Ocala, FL.
Visitation was held on Monday, April 29, 2013, from
4:00 - 8:00 pm at First Baptist Church at The Mall in
Lakeland. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday,
April 30th, 10:00 am at the church.
Shane's ashes were interred on Wednesday, May 15,
2013, at 10:00 am at Serenity Gardens in Lakeland.
Rest in peace, Brother Shane.
A Champion of the Innocent
(and a Master of Coins)
Shane, as a detective in
the Special Victims Unit,
was a "champion of the
innocent." He also
dedicated part of his career
to solving homicides and
putting those suspects in
jail. But he didn't stop
there - Shane personally
designed two challenge
coins for the members of
those units (see the SVU
coin here). These unique coins are just one example of how
creative Shane was, and they are a permanent reminder of
how passionate he was about his role in protecting the
innocent and ensuring that justice is served.
Just this past February, two
months before he died, Shane
proposed that an agency
"Master Deputy" coin be
made. Plans are in the works
to take Shane's design ideas
and have the Master Deputies
consult with each other about
creating a coin. Detective
Doug Speirs has graciously
agreed to take the lead on
this, and he will be reaching
out to the other Master
Deputies for coordination of
this project.
Shane's huge smile, great
sense of humor, and creative skills, will be missed by so
many. Thank you Shane, for taking the time to create such
wonderful mementos of your PCSO career. We will forever
treasure these coins that you designed.
Facebook comments
People from all over who knew Master Deputy Robbins, either
having served with him at the Polk County Sheriff's Office, or
through friends and family relationships, have left comments
on our Facebook page expressing their deep sorrow at his
passing. Below are a few of the comments:
Debby Wood Eulo - About 10 years ago I called the PCSO to
request a favor. My now 13 year old grandson who has autism
was scared to death of any officer. I explained the situation and
the lady on the other end says...... "I have just the man for you.
He is a big teddy bear". He came to our home 3 or 4 times out
of uniform and sat in my living room floor and played matchbox
car (which was the obsession at that time). He then came
several times in uniform. It made a major difference to our little
guy.. RIP
Matt Glaze - I got arrested by him and he was my buddy we got
along so well and just to hear this I'm just really crying right now
I'm going to miss you man R.I.P
Eddie Smith - Our deepest sympathy to the family.. Master
Deputy Sheriff Joseph "Shane" Robbins was stationed in our
neighborhood, he helped us during a difficult time, He was
professional but more than that an understanding and
compassionate man, my Wife and I were grateful for his
guidance and assistance. Our community as well as his family
has suffered a great loss. Rest in Peace..
Hernando County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Al Nienhuis and
the men and women of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office
wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Polk County
Sheriff's Office and to the family of Master Deputy Sheriff
Joseph "Shane" Robbins. Thank you for your service. Rest in
peace, Sir.
David Heptinstall - Thoughts and prayers to Deputy Robbins'
family and all of PCSO from Afghanistan.
Bubba Dutch Harris - RIP Brother. Thanks for your service.
Prayers for your family! Suwannee County Sheriff's Office.
Larry Brennan - Thanks for all you did. You gave the ultimate.
My condolences to family & friends.
From BRENNANS
TOWING
Becky Johns - Deepest Sympathy to the Polk County Sheriff's
Office & The family of this Hero. RIP Deputy Robbins. God
bless ~ Becky Johns ~ Bay County Sheriff's Office.
Chelsea and the Gentle Giant
- Donna C. Wood
mower.
In June 2008, I
had the honor of
accompanying
PCSO deputies
Shane Robbins
and Paul
Fairbanks to a
Tampa hospital
where they would
deliver a very
large teddy bear
to a little girl
named Chelsea
who had been
injured by a riding
Just a couple of weeks before, in May, the child had
darted out behind her grandfather as he was backing
the mower - he didn't see her. One of her legs was
quickly pulled under the mower deck and she was
severely injured. Her recovery was uncertain; the loss
of
her
leg
very
possible.
I met both deputies at their substation and it was
determined I would be riding with Shane in his patrol
car. He quickly opened my door for me; something an
old southern woman is pleased to see from a man, and
made sure I was comfortable before we headed to the
interstate. His good manners were evident as he said
"yes ma'am and no ma'am" to my questions and
throughout
our
conversation.
Riding with Shane from Polk County, we chatted about
family and the frailty of life. He told me how much he
had come to care for the little girl, only 2-years-old,
and how children need protection all the time. It was
obvious to me, this very large young man had a heart
much
larger
than
he
was.
He told me how much he loved his job, but when people
are hurt, he hurt for them and that was the part of his
job he liked least. I decided Shane was just a big teddy
bear
himself.
As we walked into the hospital, I stepped back as the
two deputies walked beside the little girl's grandmother
while she escorted them into the room. Shane towered
above both Paul and the woman - he pretty much
towered
over
everyone
we
walked
by.
As we entered the room, I felt very uneasy. People were
talking in hushed tones as medical staff stepped around
us and the large gift the deputies brought. The crowded
room was filled with IV stands, sterile bags of medical
supplies and beeping monitors. There were over-night
bags and personal items belonging to family who were
staying with the child around the clock. Fatigue and
concern were apparent on every face. The tiny child lay
motionless in the bed, her damaged leg propped in an
awkward angle wrapped amply with gauze. There were
tubes and more bandages lying as close to her as the
bright cheerful toys brought by other visitors.
Shane, while
obviously
respecting the
privacy we just
invaded, was
eager to greet
the injured
child. I was
immediately
moved by
Shane's
strength and
size in contrast
to the tiny life
lying critically injured in the small hospital bed. The
little girl was heavily sedated to ensure she was
comfortable, and also to ensure the intricate surgical
repairs were allowed to heal without the obvious
thrashing there would be had the child been
conscious.
Shane spoke directly to her, asking her if she
remembered "Mr. Shane and Mr. Paul" coming to her
house. There was no response. He asked her if she
knew people loved her and that he wanted her to get
better very quickly so she could talk to him and tell him
what she thought of the giant bear he brought and
which was sent on behalf of his entire unit. "It's just for
you, because we want you to feel better," I heard him
say.
The tiny child began to stir, whimpering and moving
slightly. Medical staff immediately began efforts to
quiet her and keep her still. After a few uneasy
moments, she drifted off to sleep again. Concern was
evident
on
Shane's
face.
Shane was gentle, empathetic, and respectful. Paul,
equally as concerned, talked to the grandmother
mostly. They discussed some of the events which had
taken place when emergency responders arrived; they
compared notes on what happened. And they discussed
the
injured
child.
Shane stood by the toddler's bed the entire time. He
would look at others in the room when they spoke to
him, but his eyes would quickly go back to the child. It
was as if he was giving her as much of his strength as
he could while he was there. We said our goodbyes
shortly after, and both men reminded the worried
grandmother they were "here if you need us."
The ride back to Polk County was more subdued. I was
stunned by the damage I had seen and worried about
the child's leg having to be removed to save her life.
But Shane remained positive and focused on what he
hoped for in the child's recovery. And recover she did.
In August, just a few short months, she and her
grandparents arrived at the substation during a
surprise visit. They came to thank the heroes who cared
so much for their grandchild. The signs of the accident
were hard to look at. But while her injuries were
painfully obvious on her tiny leg, the relieved
grandparents wanted everyone to see her little
personality
was
undeterred.
It occurred to me, after watching her act as a happy,
vibrant and energetic toddler, much like Shane,
Chelsea was thrilled about life and loved everyone she
met.
It is an honor to work with the amazing men and
women of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. And I am
grateful God has allowed me to recognize the incredible
impact each of them have on the lives of Polk County's
citizens, but more so, the unforgettable impact they
have
had
on
my
life.
Rest In Peace Shane "Gentle Giant" Robbins.
Fundraisers
On Saturday, May 11th, the first fundraiser to help Shane
Robbins' family was held at Central Park in downtown Winter
Haven -- "A Hero Remembered Never Dies Bake Sale &
BBQ." Several people came out to help raise money for
Shane's loved ones, selling BBQ, baked goods, ice cream, Tshirts, and many local businesses donated items to be raffled
off.
You'll never guess how much money was raised. Believe it or
not, according to event coordinator Stacey Way, a total of
$4,452 -- does that number ring a bell? 4452 was Shane's
member number.
Thank you to everyone who came out, pitched in, donated,
and prayed for beautiful weather.
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, June
15, 2013 -- The
BTLS
Foundation and
WingHouse of
Lakeland are
hosting a special
"Bikes for
Badges" for
Shane Robbins.
Kickstands up at
10:45 a.m., charity ride begins at 11:00 a.m.
$20.00 per participant, which includes a sandwich and a drink.
More information will be sent out soon - Thank you Bubba the
Love Sponge for always supporting our PCSO family!
If you would like to contribute to the "Memorial Fund for
the Children of Master Deputy Sheriff Shane Robbins"
here is the information:
MidFlorida Credit Union
6040 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33813
(or visit any MidFlorida Credit Union Branch)
Roll Call of Heroes
Master Deputy Joseph "Shane" Robbins was the
14th Polk County Deputy to die in the line of duty.
Deputies who preceded Master Deputy Robbins were:
Oliver Thomas Smith, January 16, 1922
J. Edward Harrelson, December 21, 1926
Leon A. Bernard, April 9, 1963
Paul A. Powell, May 26, 1967
Sollie Waller Rabun, Jr., March 13, 1974
T. A. Burnham, January 9, 1981
Waymon D. Allen, March 15, 1987
David Michael Goddard, February 2, 1989
Larry Willis Rhoden, October 22, 2001
Gene "Brian" Wilkinson, October 22, 2001
Vernon "Matt" Williams & K-9 DiOGi, September 28, 2006
Sgt. Ronnie Brown, September 8, 2009
Sgt. Wesley Whitmore, December 12, 2010
Master Deputy Joseph "Shane" Robbins, April 26, 2013