The body of Sergeant Robert Ramsey, a 12-year veteran of the University Park Police Department was recovered from Lake Tawakoni about 11:20 a.m. this morning. Robert was reported missing 24 hours earlier after he was late arriving home after duck hunting. It appears that Robert had been launching his boat at the lake’s public boat ramp. The circumstances regarding how he ended up in the water is unknown, but his boat was found drifting later in the day. Search and recovery efforts that began yesterday afternoon were conducted by the Texas State Game Wardens with assistance from the West Tawakoni Police Department.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Chief Greg Spradlin said, “Since joining us in 2008, Sergeant Ramsey was a highly valued member of the University Park Police Department. He was a credit to our profession and a true community servant. A former School Resource Officer at Highland Park High School and skilled in firearms, he was the department’s firearms and defensive tactics instructor. Nominated by his colleagues, in 2018 Robert was named City Employee of the Year.” He continued, “I have known and worked with Robert since the 1990’s when we worked together on joint assignments in the twin cities of Texarkana. An avid hunter, Robert loved the outdoors. I would ask you to keep Robert and his family, his friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers. UPPD has already received condolences from partner law enforcement agencies. The support shown is very much appreciated by me and the men and women of UPPD.”
In the days to come, because Robert was such an integral part of the Park Cities community, the City will provide information about services for him. The City is also providing counseling for all those employees inside the department and across the City’s workforce.
