Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings

Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings

Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, June 19, 2010

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Dean Ridings

Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings was killed in a boating accident while conducting marine patrol on Lake Anna with another deputy.

The boat encountered a large wake, causing it to turn sideways. Deputy Riding struck his head on the boat, and his partner was thrown overboard.

Other boaters assisted his partner out of the water and back onto the patrol boat, which he immediately returned to shore. Both deputies were transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where Deputy Ridings succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Ridings was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office for six years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. Both of his sons also serve as deputies with the agency.

Bio

  • Age 52
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 390
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Boating accident

marine patrol

Most Recent Reflection

View all 249 Reflections

Dean, Pops, The man who I inspire to be.

I only knew you for a short bit of time, and those short moments of my one-cell baby mine thought those were the best moments of my life. I remember saying to my Dad, when was the last time that you held me. He said along the lines of that we were on the steps of the front porch a couple days before this tragedy happened. one year old me was in your arms, you were bouncing me around your arms and lap, I was laughing like a baby would.
Whenever we go to Robert’s house to go swim, always rain or shine we come and see you. Every time that I come by your grave next to the little tree and the mountains, forests and the name that says “Dean Ridings” on your grave, I start to tear up and get emotional in my head. I think about all the moments that you could have been with me, but sadly your life was cut unexpectedly to short.

Thank you for all the good memories that you have gave to us, love you!

G.C.R
Grandson of Dean

December 31, 2023

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