Bill Armstrong sent along this photo of Westport Police Sergeant Robert Myer, who died this morning.
Bill says:
Westport marine policeman Bob Myer was in his element here.
He was the most gracious, friendly and informative law enforcement officer one could ever hope to meet. He had a special relationship with the shell fishermen in our town and knew almost all of them by name, even as he enforced the regulations.
He will be missed by his many friends and admirers.
Very sad. RIP Bob.
In 1999, as a newer Westport resident, I participated in the WPD’s Citizen Academy. Eye-opening for anyone, it also included going out on Marine One, with my then middle-school aged daughter, with policeman Bob Myer. What an experience for both of us landlubbers, getting to see Westport from a whole new perspective. Safety, compassion and understanding do not say enough about his professionalism.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the wider community.
This is how I will remember Bobby. Bill and I took this picture when we went out on the boat with him to interview him for the shellfishing articles I was writing for the Hour. He served the community with honor and professionalism. His smile and easy demeanor were cherished. One particular admirable trait that I saw as he enforced the shellfishing regulations was his emphasis on educating those who were not following the rules; he wanted people to know the underlying reasons for the regulations. He went beyond enforcement.
I am profoundly saddened by Bobby’s passing and send my deepest sympathies to his family, the police department and to all who knew him. Bobby will be sorely missed.
What a great photo of Bob. This is how I will remember him too, along with his beautiful smile as well.