Robert D. Targosz

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Northern Arizona University

Robert Targosz Obituary

Robert D. Targosz Robert D. Targosz, 37, beloved husband, son and brother, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006 as a result of injuries sustained from being hit by a drunk driver in Tempe, AZ. Rob was a 12-year veteran of the Gilbert police department. He had numerous accomplishments throughout his tragically shortened life: Honorable service in the US Army, BS degree, Grand Canyon University, Masters Degree (magna cum laude) NAU. As a member of the Gilbert Police department, he was also trained as a Drug Recognition Expert and instructor. Rob was a Defense Tactics Instructor. He also contributed many things to the department itself as he authored the GOHS grant proposal for a state of the art DUI van, introduced the Taser program to Gilbert PD, proposed municipal law 42-179 (interfering with a police officer). Rob proposed the carrying of ballistic shields in patrol vehicles. Rob instructed new officers on a monthly basis in numerous disciplines (Defensive Tactics, Restraint Chair, Taser, and Tactical Building Clearing). Rob was a certified phlebotomist, and certified in HGN and an HGN instructor, and a Certified Field Training officer. He assisted with the formation of the Juvenile Diversion program for underage alcohol and tobacco offenders. Rob graduated DPS motorcycle officer school, SWAT school, and Police Mountain Bike School. He was a Chemical Munitions instructor and a Mobile Field Force instructor. He participated in three Presidential security details (Bush, Cheney, Bush/Kerry Debates). Rob was especially proud to be named the 2002 Uniformed Officer of the year, and to receive the 2005 distinguished service award. His mission was to eliminate all impaired drivers from the roads. Rob was loved and admired by many friends and co-workers as well. He is survived by his wife Brigitte; mother Sue Cassidy, father Eugene, Sisters Shawn and Shana, Brother Andrew (Anita), His loving in-laws, Jim, Diane, Todd (Judy) and Jamie (Tricia) Cremeans, maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother. He was an exceptional uncle and role model to four nieces, Alexandra, Danielle, Chelsea, Ashley, and great-niece Eiley and four nephews, Zachary, Aaron, Jamison, Carter, and Shaw. Many close and special friends on the Gilbert police force also survived him. Rob was a man of great strength, integrity, loyalty and honor. Rob comes from a very large extended family, which includes 15 aunts and uncles and 88 cousins, which recognized all of his exceptional talents and loved him dearly. Our hearts are broken by this loss. Visitation to be held Thursday, May 4 from 5-9 at Scottsdale Bible Chapel, 7901 E. Shea Blvd. Services will be held Friday, May 5 at 11 am at Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Blvd. Interment will be at Paradise Memorial Gardens. In addition, a separate memorial will be held by the town of Gilbert on Monday, May 8 at 10 am. A processional will begin at East Valley Bible Church at 1820 W. Elliot Rd. and end at the Gilbert Police Department, 75 E. Civic Center Dr. where the service will be held. As a dedicated member of the Gilbert police Department, Rob had a mission to eliminate all impaired drivers from the roads, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gilbert DUI task force equipment fund, 75 E. Civic Center Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296, and the ArchAngel Foundation, P.O. Box 24625, Tempe, AZ 85285. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on May 3, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Targosz

9 Entries

Bob DePalma

May 8, 2006

All who knew Rob knew that he lived his life in a truly superlative manner. To call him an exemplary police officer would be accepted by all who knew him in that role in his life. This, however was but a part of his life being. However significant his police career was, it was only a part of the definition of Rob's existence. My heartfelt condolences to the Targosz family.

Tom Bradley

May 4, 2006

Rob I know you are with our brothers and sisters who have gone before you in God's home for police officers. You have served your community and nation above and beyond the average person and are revered by all who know your great works. Until we meet in His home in heaven, farewell my brother, you have done your job well. Rest easy my brother, rest easy.

Tom Bradley, AZ State Chaplain , FOP

Teri

May 4, 2006

My heart goes out to Robert's family. Shawn, I am so sorry for your loss. We were blessed in Gilbert to have such a remarkable man helping to make our streets safer. I , too, was an E-Rab! God Bless -

Debi

May 3, 2006

To the Targosz Family

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Chuck Heeman

May 3, 2006

All volunteers and staff of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Arizona, and the victims we serve, join in expressing our sorrow at the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to solving the epidemic of drunk driving.

N Dunn

May 3, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Targosz family and the Gilbert Police Department. You'll never forget, it just becomes easier to remember. God Bless and Rest In Peace.

Sylvia

May 3, 2006

God Bless You all and know that your loved one is definately watching over you, just as he would of been doing as if he were here on earth. Turn to Our Lord for strength and guidance.

Christina Hite wife of Peoria Police Officer

May 3, 2006

My deapest condolences. My prayers are with you.

Det. Steve Barnes MCAO

May 3, 2006

Targosz Family, My wife Teri and I want to let you know that we are praying and thinking of you at this very difficult time. Words don't seem to express our thoughts or your loss. God Bless Robert.

Gilbert PD (Tim Dorn) I could see the emotion of how this has touched you on TV. Gilbert PD and the Targosz' couldn't have a better person to help them through this.

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