One of the most powerful victim survivors active against gun violence, and a true law enforcement hero, died in Chicago, September 2008.
A long serving Chicago Police officer, Michael A Robbins, Sr. was shot at least 11 times when he and his partner were caught in a gang ambush in 1994.
“I realize no matter how fully I recover emotionally and physically, I will never be the same person that I was, nor will I ever be able to forget,” Mike commented later.
But our beloved Mike Robbins did not let his injuries stop him. Though he was forced to retire from police duty, he stepped up for many important causes. He ran a victims’ advocacy group, a group that was devoted to stopping black on black crime, and most of all dedicated himself to preventing gun violence, especially aimed at the children of Chicago. Mike served for years with distinction on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
In 2008, nearly 14 years after he was shot, Mike died in his sleep. He was only 57 years old and had been carrying the bullets in his body all these years. He had been on medical disability from the police department since the shooting. The medical examiner’s office declared Robbins’ death a homicide, clearing the way for his recognition as a fallen officer.
Mike spent the last days of his life working nationally with law enforcement leaders for better public policy about common sense gun laws, and helping to plan anti-violence programs for some of Illinois’ more dangerous communities.
The Gun Violence Prevention Community will not be the same without our Hero Mike Robbins. He was a model of a heroic a police officer.
We welcome those who knew and loved Mike all over the nation, to post messages here, and tell your stories of Mike, that we will pass on to his family and friends.
Thank you for honoring my father. I appreciate this recognition of his service. Although he passed far too soon, my hope is that his legend will live on for many years to come. His service to the Chicago Police Dept is unquestionable, and as his son, representing other members of our family, we deeply value and appreciate all of the recognition for his work in law enforcement.
He was severely injured on duty protecting the same streets he grew up on, the same streets I and my siblings grew up on, and the same streets my children will learn and grow as well. I myself am also a victim of gun violence stemming from a shooting in 2000. My father was one of the first people there other than the emergency response team, and accompanied me all the way to the hospital, and throughout my recovery.
I could never fill his shoes as a police officer. But I dedicated myself to working in the healthcare field, to help save and prevent tragedies like this from happening again to others. It is all I can do in my life to honor my father’s legend, and I hope he is finally proud of me. – Mike Jr.