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Incident
Officer Bob Butler was shot and killed with his own service revolver after being attacked by two drunk brothers. Officer Butler was talking with a store owner when he observed the two men walking up the street. When he stopped the two brothers he was attacked and knocked to the ground several times before one of the brothers grabbed his gun. As he and the store owner fled into the store they were both shot and killed. One of the subject was immediately arrested and the second was apprehended a short time later after being shot and wounded. The shooter was sentenced to two life terms, but was murdered by another inmate six months after arriving at the prison. The other brother was acquitted. Officer Butler had served with the Hobbs Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters.
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.
Officer Butler gave the Hobbs Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hobbs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Butler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Hobbs Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 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 1951, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1951, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1951, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 68. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 68. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 68. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Saturdays: 17.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hobbs Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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