Bob Van Etten's Legacy
A Legacy of Honor:
In Remembrance of Robert “Bob” E. Van Etten the F.L.E.O. Foundation lost a legend. In fact, the United States lost a legend: Robert “Bob” E. Van Etten. In 1977, Bob and eleven other Special Agents realized the need for legal representation for federal officers and formed FLEOA, with Bob as National President. FLEOA added 1,200 members during its first year and grew to 8,000 members at the end of 1990, Bob's last year as National President. Bob and his fellow Board officers laid the foundation for our honorable Association to ultimately grow to 30,000+ members and become a nationally recognized voice for federal law enforcement.
Robert “Bob” E. Van Etten
After concluding his service as the first FLEOA National President, Bob was elected as a Member Emeritus. On September 14th, 1993, the F.L.E.O. Foundation was formed and Bob was selected as its first president. He served honorably in this leadership role for 21 years until his passing.
Bob's remarkable 31 year career in federal law enforcement concluded with his honorable service as Special Agent in Charge of the New York and New Jersey field offices with the U.S. Customs Service. In 1996, Bob was appointed Inspector General of the New York/New Jersey Port Authority, a position he held until the good Lord pulled him up on June 30th, 2014.
During Bob’s stewardship, the F.LE.O. Foundation awarded $2 Million in aid to law enforcement officers and their families impacted by tragic circumstances. In remembrance and appreciation for Bob's 37 years of leadership and lifetime dedication to FLEOA and the Foundation, the Board of Directors created the "Bob Van Etten Legacy of Honor Award." This distinguished award is presented at FLEOA's biannual awards banquet.
May Bob rest in eternal honor and loving peace.
