Fair Lawn officer makes his last stand
By the grace of Bob
Fair Lawn officer makes his last stand
Any NJ State PBA member who has ever attended the Candlelight Vigil probably knows Fair Lawn Bob.
That’ s Captain Bob Kneer, a longtime Fair Lawn Local 67 member, who has been patrolling the Vigil every year since it began in 1988. In his bright blue uniform, leather strap running from left shoulder down to his right hip, military posture and welcoming smile, Kneer stands a post in the survivor seating area as a traffic cop to make sure all family members, friends and colleagues find their place to honor their fallen officer.
He has helped tens of thousands of survivors, showing up hours early, just like he did serving with Fair Lawn for 44½ years.
“ It’ s my duty. I’ m married to the job,” Kneer confirmed.“ All the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice never questioned their duty. They made the ultimate sacrifice, so I am here to make sure their families are taken care of.”
The 2017 Candlelight Vigil was Fair Lawn Bob’ s farewell. He is retiring this year, and during the honor guard camp he holds every summer, Kneer has tried to train his Police Week replacement.
In that voice that is the best parts of a football coach and drill instructor, he offers words to inspire all officers to be part of the Police Week honor guard as Kneer has for 29 years.
“ I preach the gospel to all of them, saying you got to make it down here for Police Week once,” Bob bequeathed.“ You see what it’ s all about here. You see the camaraderie, you see the loss and you see the survivors crying. You see everything that you want to see, and it gives you a little more gratitude about fighting for your country’ s freedom.”
The 2017 Candlelight Vigil ended with little fanfare, just the way the previous 28 have transpired. And though he is retiring, Kneer is not saying goodbye.
“ I’ m married to the job,” he reminded.“ I will find something else to serve.” d
www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ JUNE 2017 57