Incident
Sergeant Robert Skelton was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver at the intersection of Clover Street and Tobey Road. On the rainy evening of June 21, 1972, Sergeant Robert Skelton, Jr., was on patrol in the Town of Pittsford. At about 8:30 p.m., Sergeant Skelton was southbound on Clover Street when an intoxicated northbound driver crossed into Sergeant Skelton's lane. Although Sergeant Skelton pulled to the right, he could not avoid the oncoming car. He was taken to the hospital, where he died 30 hours later. The other driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition but did survive his injuries. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Sergeant Skelton was a United States Army veteran who served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for ten years and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 1971.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and 3-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-B61F72A6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Skelton gave the Monroe County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rochester community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert M. Skelton Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Sergeant Robert M. Skelton Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert M. Skelton Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Robert M. Skelton Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert M. Skelton Jr. is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert M. Skelton Jr. was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Military Service
Robert M. Skelton Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert M. Skelton Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.







