The court room doors opened and people began to fill in the wooden pews. This was not the trial of the century but could easily be the celebration of a generation. Family began to file in, hugging each other like a pre-thanksgiving gathering. Friends and coworkers from early and present began giving their congratulations to a man that has been a staple to not only the Springdale Police Department but to the city of Springdale.
After 35 years, Sergeant Robert Sanchez has taken the belt off for the last time and put the boots away. The weight of the bulletproof vest that he carried many of days in different types, forms, and fashions has been relieved. Sgt. Sanchez has accomplished what many in this field have not been able to do and with the spirit many that start with begin to way from throughout their tenure.
Chief Frank Gamble brought Sgt. Sanchez up and with that confident swag he made his way up to the front of the court room and stood stoic as his long successful career was read by Assistant Chief Derek Hudson. Sgt. Sanchez has been a resident of Springdale Arkansas since he was 6 years old. Sgt. Sanchez graduated with the class of 1983 that produced several Springdale Police Officers. Sgt. Sanchez joined the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. After the Army, Sgt. Sanchez did what he does best and continued to serve this great nation through the Army Reserve then the Army National Guard retiring as a first Sergeant after 26 years of service.
In June of 1988 Sgt Sanchez after being bugged by fellow classmate and friend (retired) Captain Richard Farris; he joined the Springdale Police Department as a dispatcher. After a brief stint on that side of the radio, Sgt. Sanchez leaped over the airwaves and became a patrol officer. Sgt. Sanchez recalls seeing (retired) Officer Mike Schriver with his K-9 Aldo and he was set on being a K-9 handler. Sgt. Sanchez took that time to learn and train obtaining his goal of getting his K-9 partner Pele in 1992. They had a very successful 9-year career together in countless felony arrests, successful tracks of fugitives; one that stole over a million dollars in forged checks. There are two incidents that this dynamic duo was involved in that stood out to Sgt Sanchez. One was when he and Pele was able to track down an Alzheimer’s patient that was lost in the woods during a cold night. The team also located an 8-month-old infant that had been kidnapped and left abandoned in a field. The baby was reunited with his mother thanks full part of Sgt Sanchez and Pele never giving up.
In 1997 Sgt. Sanchez was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to patrol for 12 years. In 1999 Sgt Sanchez became one of the founding members of what we now know as the SWAT team. Through Sgt Sanchez, the team has grown from a handful of guys to a well-established and equipped team that is one of the premier teams in the region and State. In 2012 Sgt Sanchez became the SWAT Commander and with his leadership was able to secure grants and begin a regional SWAT team with Fayetteville allowing both departments to work together on major events. After over 20 years and over 300 successful missions either participating or leading; Sgt Sanchez retired from the SWAT team handing over the reins which still carry much of him to this day and beyond.
In 2009 Sgt Sanchez went to training and was instrumental on training Officers on building clearing and active shooter incidents in the school. With his work with (retired) Corporal Mike Hignite they did extensive training in the community and schools on active assailant threats which continues to be presented to the community.
Since Sgt. Sanchez wanted one more thing to do, in 2019 he became a drone pilot and has been successful in deployments and training others on what is a vital tool in a variety of missions and calls. The last 7 years of Sgt Sanchez career he has led day shift officers making sure that not only they but others that cross his path are taken care of and the knowledge to be safe and successful.
Sgt. Sanchez was handed a shadow box of rank and insignia along with his duty weapon as tradition would make. A standing ovation proceeded for a while to a great leader, friend, and Officer.
A video from Chief of Staff Colby Fulfer was played due to a scheduling conflict and Mr. Fulfer gave great words and thanked Sgt Sanchez for being there for his family during a difficult time. A gift from the city was presented.
Although Sgt. Sanchez, not one for the lime light when it comes to his career; was ready to sit down, Chief Gamble and Chief Hudson were not finished. Chief Gamble handed Sgt. Sanchez a wooden box and certificate announcing that Sgt. Sanchez was the recipient of the Medal of Valor. Chief Hudson read about an incident in 1992 where [Then Officer] Sgt. Sanchez and others responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex and the suspect, whom was wanted for Aggravated Robbery out of Benton County was inside with a handgun stating that he would use it on anybody that got in his way. Sgt Sanchez and others tried talking to the suspect to come out but he barricaded himself in. The officers were placed in peril as there was no place to take cover. After tear gas was introduced into the apartment, the suspect came out with his handgun and fired in the direction of the officers, giving Sgt. Sanchez no choice but to return fire ultimately killing the suspect but saving the lives of the Officers and others in the area.
Sgt. Sanchez accepted his medal of valor but in true Sanchez fashion speaking to the gallery of loved ones; blood and blue, that he wasn’t the only one deserving of the award. Sgt. Sanchez took time individually thanking those that have served by his side in his personal and professional life with some speaking about their time together through childhood, military, and at the Police Department.
It was an honor to serve alongside of you Sgt. Sanchez and what an accomplished career that hopefully many can get close to achieving. May God Bless the next chapter and the footprint you have left will forever be imprinted as we continue BAU!!