Holly MatkinLa Vergne, TN – La Vergne Police Department (LPD) Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Hayes died on April 17 after a monthlong battle against pancreatic cancer.
The 53-year-old lieutenant was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in March and his health proceeded to “rapidly decline,” the LPD said in a press release.
Lt. Hayes passed away on April 17 while surrounded by his family and friends.
He served the LPD for 17 years.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for Bob’s family, our police department, and everyone who knows and loves Bob,” LPD Interim Chief Brent Hatcher said in the press release. “He’s our brother. He had a tremendous impact on everyone he met and he will be sorely missed.”
Lt. Hayes joined the department in September of 2005.
He was promoted to the rank of detective and assigned to the criminal investigations division five years later.
He began working as a sergeant in the patrol division in 2013 and was promoted to patrol lieutenant in February.
Lt. Hayes also served the LPD as a Taser instructor and public information officer (PIO).
He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Kimberly, as well as his adult children, Edward, Jeffery, and Madison.
“You hate to see the good guys go,” former LPD Chief Mike Walker told WKRN. “He was a good guy, all the way around. Always smiling and laughing and a very smart man.”
The LPD parked the fallen lieutenant’s patrol vehicle outside La Vergne City Hall to provide community members with a place to bring flowers and cards in his honor.
Lt. Hayes was laid to rest on April 21.
Longtime officer and recently promoted Lieutenant Robert Hayes has passed away after losing a short but valiant fight against cancer. Hayes is a 17-year veteran of the La Vergne Police Department.https://t.co/JP7RGcUsrD pic.twitter.com/TQQPRrehqm
— La Vergne, TN Police Department (@LaVergneTNPD) April 17, 2023
Today we lay to rest Lt Bob Hayes of the La Vergne Police Dept. Please keep his family, our officers and staff in your prayers as it will be an emotional day. #BackTheBlue
— Mayor Jason Cole (@JasonBCole) April 21, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of La Vergne Police Department Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Hayes, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
