Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Park Ranger Bob McGhee watched over all of us who were stationed on the Islands, checking in on us as we patrolled, calling out if he hadn't heard from us for a while. He met us at the boat dock, always had a smile and a story to share and knew what was happening all over the Gulf Coast. He was probably killed because he knew his murderers and wasn't suspicious of their being in the Park, where Bob had worked with both of them years ago in conservation programs. Bob - - you were a good friend and a thoughtful partner, and we all miss you still. Through your death, you taught a lot of us Rangers to be vigilant. Wish we could have learned this lesson some other way.

Former NPS Ranger

October 16, 2005

I was shocked back then to hear of Bob's tragic murder in the line of duty. I knew him casually from training together when I was an NPS LE ranger at Gulf Islands in FL (and then transferred.) Here are my belated condolences to his family, friends, adn co-workers. I remember him as a good person and a hero.

MaryPat King
U.S. Forest Service, Forests in Florida

September 17, 2004

Although I did not know Park Ranger Robert Lewis McGhee Jr. I am very sad to hear what happened to him.

God Bless.

July 29, 2004

Rest in peace, you served us well.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

A member of the green n gray family has had their time cut short. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger McGhee. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

Ranger Bob McGhee of the Gulf Islands National Seashore:
a hero who stopped two escaped fugitives, for a traffic offense. A hero who was shot and left to die on the side of the road, by two escaped cons who had no remorse. Ranger Mcghee is and always will be a hero who gave his life for the NPS. The convicts were soon convicts again and got "Life in Prison." But one of them broke out of Parchmen Pennitentiary in the year 2000 and went on a violent multi-state crime spree. More heroes in Indiana had to risk their lives again; these brother law enforcement officers caught up to him and put him away again, but only after shots were fired (again). No heroes were killed this time. This is the best example I know of why the death penalty should be a requirement for the felonious murder of any law enforcement officer. Bob, do you agree? I know you do.

Anonymous

Bob, I can still remember the shock on the day when we were told of your death. I spoke to Todd, my former partner who was first on the scene with you and couldnt help but feel that things were different now. We hadn't lost a brother to gunfire in almost 20 years, and I think we all felt a little less invincible. Your murder changed things in the department for the better, from field agents all the way up, and we continue to make progress for you in our officer safety programs. God bless, US PARK RANGERS: THE LAW OF THE LAND.

US Park Ranger
National Park Service