Robert-Jan Hartman lost his life eleven years ago in an accident during a team-building activity. Because he was not performing operational duties at the time of the fatal accident, he did not qualify to be added to the Garden of Reflection according to the regulations. A request to include him later was rejected by the then board. For years, this led to division within the corps. And it was also widely discussed outside the police.

Chief of Police Janny Knol asked the new board, led by Pim Miltenburg (former deputy chief of the Eastern Netherlands Unit), to explore whether a supported and sustainable solution could be found for the issue of adding Robert-Jan Hartmans name.

‘The issue has evoked many emotions all this time,’ says Miltenburg. He explains that the board has therefore not acted hastily and has spoken with several stakeholders with differing opinions. External advisors were also included in the decision-making process. ‘Looking at everything, we as a board have unanimously concluded that the name Robert-Jan Hartman belongs in the Garden. And that his name will therefore be added to the monument, alongside the names of 168 colleagues who have died as a direct result of police work since 1945.’ The board has already informed Hartmans relatives about this in a personal conversation.

Collaboration

‘In addition to physical requirements, collaboration and being able to trust each other are also important elements of police work,’ says Miltenburg. ‘This means that this must also be trained, whether or not in a physically challenging environment. Robert-Jan died during an outdoor group training, which focused on the physical and collaboration. The board believes that this team-building activity is important for the execution of police work. Therefore, the exercise meets the criteria of the statutes for inclusion in the Garden, is our conclusion.’

Miltenburg was asked last fall by Chief of Police Janny Knol to take on the chairmanship of the new board. ‘The Garden is a place that gives meaning to the word reflection,’ says Miltenburg. ‘It is a place for police officers to realize what a beautiful, but also risky profession they have. The deeper value of this place stands for the appreciation of the courage of people to work in the police and to strive for society in sometimes difficult circumstances. That courage is primarily honored in the garden. I find it valuable that, for example, many groups from the Police Academy, young people in training, visit there and delve into what the profession entails.’

A profession that, according to the board, has changed in recent years. Miltenburg: ‘A monument like the Garden not only needs physical maintenance but must also continue to meet the needs of the corps and relatives. Therefore, as a board, we will continue to engage with stakeholders about the development of the Garden.’

Chief of Police Janny Knol supports the boards decision: Division has cast a shadow over a place that should be a beacon for relatives and colleagues. I hope that the Garden can now also be a place for the family of Robert-Jan Hartman. And that we can refocus on the future of the Garden and what it is meant for: connection, peace, and reflection.

Deceased motor officer

The name of a deceased motor officer may also be added during the upcoming memorial, depending on the wishes of his family. This officer was working in the Infrastructure Department of the Limburg Unit when he tragically died in an accident while on duty on his motorcycle on Thursday, January 30, 2025.