Prev
Incident
Patrolman Bob Stefanov and Patrolman Michael Brown were killed when their patrol car struck a utility pole during a pursuit. The officers had noticed a vehicle sitting outside of a closed business, and as they approached it, the vehicle sped off. The suspects entered an intersection against a red light at approximately 75 mph, with the officers close behind. When another vehicle entered the intersection of Lee and Harvard, the officers attempted to avoid a collision, but the patrol car struck the car, overturned, and struck a utility pole. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to ten years for involuntary manslaughter. Officer Stefanov had served with the Garfield Heights Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his son and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqfm9sbm5enmg94zkf92- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Stefanov gave the Garfield Heights Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Garfield Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Stefanov.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Garfield Heights Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1994, 4 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1994, 81 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 26th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1994, 105 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 30. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 30. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 30. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.8% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Thursdays: 14.4%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Garfield Heights Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Garfield Heights Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Garfield Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
