The Ultimate Sacrifice

Service Record

• Age:34
• Agency:Mobile County Sheriff's Office
• Tour:2 Years
• Military:US Navy (USS Kitty Hawk)

Robert David Stolz was more than a Deputy Sheriff; he was a husband, a father, and a veteran who dedicated his life to the protection of others. Before joining the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Robert served with distinction in the United States Navy, where he was proud to be one of the original crewmen of the USS Kitty Hawk.

His transition to law enforcement was a natural extension of his commitment to service. Though his time with the Sheriff's Office was cut short, the impact he made on his colleagues and his community was profound.

November 17, 1975

On a Monday that would forever change the lives of his family and the Mobile County law enforcement community, Deputy Stolz and his partner, Deputy David Beck, responded to a call for assistance. A fellow deputy had been fired upon while pursuing two suspects in rural Western Mobile County near the Mississippi state line.

Robert and David were among the first to arrive at the scene to provide backup. As they entered the wooded area to search for the suspects, they were met with an ambush. The suspects opened fire from the brush before Robert could draw his weapon.

Both Deputy Stolz and Deputy Beck were fatally wounded in the exchange. Their sacrifice remains a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those who wear the badge and the courage required to answer the call.

A Lasting Legacy

The offenders were eventually brought to justice, but the void left by the loss of Robert and David could never be filled. Robert is survived by his wife and his son, who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that his sacrifice serves a greater purpose.

The Robert D. Stolz Memorial Foundation was born from this tragedy—not just to mourn, but to support the families of other fallen heroes and to provide opportunities for the next generation through scholarships.