Tribute to retired Fall River Police Officer Robert Hyde

The Fall River Police Department is mourning the loss of Retired Officer Robert Hyde. Bobby passed away on Friday March 9, 2018. Bobby earned the nick name “gunslinger” due to the throwback style hip holster he wore during his entire career.

Here is a tribute written by  Captain Wayne E. Furtado in 2016.

This week the FRPD remembers one of our past sworn officers, Robert “Gunslinger” Hyde. Bob, as he was known to his co-workers, was appointed a permanent police officer effective October 31, 1971. He was assigned to the Uniform Division A-Watch Nights. He received an assignment to patrol sector 11 in 1975 and then sector 7 in 1976. On March 20, 1977 he was transferred to the Detectives Squad, where he worked investigating Major Crimes until his return to Uniform Division B-Watch Nights on April 24, 1978. Officer Hyde “The pride of Herkimer, New York” then put in for a transfer to the Uniform Day Watch and was assigned there on April 24, 1979. He remained on the Uniform Division Day Watch until his retirement from the FRPD on February 12, 1999.

Early on in his career Bob earned the nickname “Gunslinger”. He would like you to think it was because he was a crack shot. But we must admit, it was because of the style of holster he used and the manner that it sat upon his hip. I smile just thinking about seeing him walking from his cruiser into the station. He was one of a kind!!

Officer Hyde was commended many times during his career for “outstanding performance of duty’. He was loved and respected by his peers and was always known as a guy who would help all in need. Bob always, and I mean always, had a smile on his face at work. He was a friendly face for anyone who was having a bad day and always had the ability to listen and comfort the victims of crime he encountered.

Bob’s house was always a place his co-workers would enjoy to swing by, not because of Bob…. but because his wonderful wife made the best burgers in the south end. The Hyde family always had their doors open to all. We thank his family for allowing us into their life.

Bob and his wife have made a great impact on numerous children and young adults over the years. They have opened their home to numerous foster children and have helped many families throughout the years.

Officer Robert E. Hyde….. FRPD remembers you and we will never forget you. We thank you and your family for your many years of service.

Captain Wayne E. Furtado
Uniform Division Commander
FRPD Historical Committee Member