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Incident
Patrolman Robert Hoelzel was shot and killed while responding to a hold up alarm at 7246 Natural Bridge (Horstmeyer Jewelers). When Patrolman Hoelzel entered the store the suspect began firing his revolver at Officer Hoelzel from behind a basement door. Officer Hoelzel immediately took cover behind a merchandise rack. While waiting to engage the suspect, the suspect ran toward Officer Hoelzel's position firing one more shot, killing him. As the suspect exited the store Officer Hoelzel's partner engaged the suspect in gunfire wounding the suspect in the chest. The suspect was able to run for several blocks and break into the home of an elderly woman, where he was eventually taken into custody. The suspect, an ex-convict, was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Hoelzel had served with the agency for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hoelzel gave the Normandy Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Normandy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hoelzel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Normandy Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 4 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 29. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 29. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.8% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Normandy Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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