When he was shot about a dozen times by a gang member in 1994, Chicago Police Officer Michael A. Robbins turned to his partner, who had also been wounded, and said goodbye.
“In my mind, I’m screaming, ‘Why are you doing this to me,’ thinking about dying and trying to survive at the same time,” he testified years later at a trial of his attacker, according to published reports. A bulletproof vest had saved his life.
The injuries forced him onto medical disability for the remainder of his career. But they also gave him the inspiration to become a community activist, fighting for children in difficult neighborhoods and against the proliferation of handguns in Chicago. In a highlight, he spoke before the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, Mr. Robbins, 57, was found dead in his Chicago apartment of undetermined causes.
Mr. Robbins grew up on the South Side, one of two children born to a mother whom he idolized, said his daughter, Michelle Robbins Miles. He enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War, his daughter said. He then served in the Navy Reserve and joined the Chicago Police Department in 1986. He was a good cop, colleagues said.
“Mike was dedicated,” said Carl Kirk, a friend and former police partner.
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Robbins is survived by his sons, Michael Anthony Robbins Jr. and Michael Christopher Keith Threlkeld; a stepson, Lawrence A. Willis; a brother, Robert Bradley; his former wife, Pamela Fox; and two grandchildren.
Services were held.
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arozas@tribune.com
