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I knew Ernie when he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. I met his wife, Iralene, while we were both in grad school,in different fields, temping in a federal agency to make money to stay afloat. When Iralene called to say her beloved husband and new father to Phoenix had fallen while training for police work, I was so shocked and saddened. I am deeply moved reading the tributes of his family on this site. He deserves to continue to be remembered. I wish he were still here to protect and serve and work the security for the inaugaration of Barack Obama. He would have been so proud. Susan Figueiredo Reaves Hello Officer Ricks, Detective M.A. Ottaviano Thankyou sir for your service and sacrifice. God bless your family as they carry on in your name POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT Brother Ernie, it has been a long time coming but the day is finally here where you can be remembered for all eternity with the best. You died while completing a run to prove yourself worthy to be a part of this agency however you accomplished this by your actions that you demonstrated among your friends and colleges. Although your time was short lived with the Metropolitan Police Department you and the rest of the class stepped up to the plate when this city called upon us to perform our duty during the Christmas, Inauguration and Crime Emergency details. Leading by example and serving as a roll model you helped nurture us and guide us to become better people and for this, we are eternally grateful. In the end, you served your community and the Metropolitan Police Department in ways that can never be captured with simple words. You are still missed and will always be missed. Rest in Peace my Brother. To the family, I pray that this memorial to Ernie and his inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in May 2008 bring some closure to you after all of these years. The class of 88-3 has never forgotten you either. Thank you Michael Smith and Donna Jones for all of your hard work and support. Thank you Chief Lanier for stopping and taking the time to listen and providing your support as well and finally thank you Chris Cosgriff and staff for all that you do for all of us. Lieutenant Byron B. Hope Jr G-d bless.
"The Badge" Investigator David L Bell I remember the day you were born, how ecstatic everyone was to finally have a boy in the family after having three girls. I especially remember how overjoyed Daddy was. I remember how you intentionally lost your eye glasses in elementary school and never wore glasses again, how you took watches apart to "fix" them back, how you mistreated my dolls, how you spent weeks in detention at Archbishop Carroll, how you lived for football. I remember when you started dating Princess... how happy you were, your green eyes sparkling. She wore your letter sweater. How you enjoyed the college botany field trips, higher grades than your brilliant sister, Bev. Gee, was Daddy shocked! You went into the army, enjoyed the helicopter rides, studied Janes manuals at the Library of Congress, thrived on intelligence work. You married Princess, had that beautiful baby and couldn't stop smiling at her. You longed to join the police force more than anything. I remember the day you died.... We attended the police graduation ceremony - the empty chair, the tears of the officers, the speeches, the hand shakes and embraces. They would carry on and you would always be just a breath away... watching over them. I love you and cherish your memory. Your eldest sister, Dennielle Dennielle Ricks Hosang Even though it has been 18 years since the death of my father, I still feel both his absence and his presence everyday. I feel his absence every time a friend of mine mentions doing something with her dad, or whenever father's day rolls around. It hurts to know that one day when I get married, he will not be there to walk me down the aisle. However, I feel my father's presence whenever people reminisce about him, or whenever I look in the mirror and see our resemblance. I thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and consideration. Phoenix Ricks His colleagues in the Department knew him as Big Daddy -- that's what they called him. He was Tiny to his friends at Wilson High School. Phoenix (our daughter, whom we called Miss Boo)called him Papa Bear. I called him Bear. He loved law enforcement -- first in Military Intelligence and then with the DC Police Department. He would tell stories of painting GI Joe's red with his mother's nail polish and having mock battles in the backyard with toy soldiers and his best friend, Jack, when they were just boys. He subscribed to Jane (before the women's magazine took on the same name) and loved to fish. He was an old-fashioned guy who believed in hard work and family. But most of all, he was the sweetest man I've ever known. He called me his Baby Doll and he was -- is-- my Bear. I will always, always love him. Irelene P. Ricks, PhD (civilian) To this day I remember how we oiled my tricycle so I could "go faster" as I rode on our front porch. Before letting me ride, you had neighbors come over to watch. I began to ride faster and faster and eventually, I tried to brake but the oil didn't allow me that option and I went on a solo flight. That was the first of many episodes that kept us from having a relationship of any sort until I was 16yrs. old. It was at this point when "Princess" Irelene said she had seen enough and demanded that our relationship change for the better. Through your love for her, you found a way to make your youngest brother your friend. We began to make time to do any and everything together. When you found out that I was smart, you used laundry as a reason to come over to pick my brain yet, at the end of the night, you would remind me of the delicacy of our friendship by pointing at me and saying "Drew, I'm coming for you!" Now, my brother, I await the day when you fulfill that statement. When you come for me, we will sing and dance before our Lord God for allowing us to meet again and we will laugh a good laugh as we go forward in that life together as brothers and friends Amen. Andy Ernie, you were more than just my older brother but also a friend who gave me encouragement and stretgh which i still draw from you and daddy today.Remebering the days you showed me how to play army, blowing up tanks and the enemy with firecrackers. It was cool till i found out you blew up my G.I. Joe. I know you were my guardian angel, looking over me when i worked the streets enforcing the law. What i'm still at a loss at, remembering our plans to own a business together. So for today and this bowling season, We are a team cause i'm dedicating this year to you! Love Always, your brother Tim Timothy Ricks This is for my dear Uncle Ernie: Charlotte Owens It's hard to believe 18 years have passed. You are truly missed. Your oddball wit and otherworldly wisdom is what I will remember most. I am a better man because of you. You will always be more to me than a cousin. You were truly my friend and more than that: The big brother I never had. Thanks, A.D.--- Al Nichols Jr. See you on the other side. Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten Ofc. J.E. Johnson Of all the people in my life who could teach me, make me believe and prove to me there were things to live, strive and be humble for...it was you!!! The rebellious guy, the trickster, the kid who always bought home bad grades. Even then for some reason I wanted to be just like you and took on some of those rebellious traits. But as you grew I think we all did. I mean we learned from your mistakes, but the smirk you had on your face that came with them always reminded us of how smart and determined you really were to accomplish anything. As much as you were a loner and had your own set of friends it seems somehow you were also there for each of us individually, even your parents...what child has time for all that? You did...and always spreading wisdom beyond your years. You also taught me how to be quiet and listen to the spirit within, pay attention to the stars. Your greatest blessing to me to this day is that I still feel your guiding presence with it's determination beside me, keeping me humble, refusing to fail... Carlyle Raphael Black Mrs. Ricks: Pat VanDen Berghe Ernie, you were my first son, after having three daughters! (Total Bliss). You got your first bike at age 8. Three days later you were "fixing it" by removing the hand brakes. You continued to "pop wheelies" and your right foot was your brakes. Once you were "lost" for several hours after school and we were distraught searching everywhere for you. Of course until one of your friends confessed that you were hiding in the garage because of a "bad report card". No repercussions, just big hugs, joy, and relief. Your military adventures. You could not divulge your whereabouts for months. The only clue, a box of candy with a German postmark. Your marriage to Princess, or as you lovingly called her "P", having your daughter Phoenix whom you adored. When you joined the police force, fulfilling your lifelong dream. I'll always remember your last words to me, "Here is your kiss". It was on Mother's Day. About your dad, he was so devastated when you passed. A few years later, he died of a broken heart. So Ernie, since you continue to be the Wind Beneath Our Wings, you can't be incognito any more. You see, I know where you are! See you soon. Love, Mama (MamaDamps) Marguerite T Ricks To Officer Ricks, but "Earnie" to us, we salute you dearest cousin, who was more of a big brother and friend. You are terribly missed and always thought about. We still laugh at some of your pranks and jokes you played on us, but we will never forget the challenging times when you gave us advice and encouragement. Since you have been gone, it's these great memories that we cherish. In all of your accomplishments you gave your finest and best bringing honor to our country and our family. Earnie, you are our personal hero. Colette Hagans, Mike & Mel Young My Dear Uncle Ernie: Noni Whitner Ernie - Helen Ricks Owens Thank your for your work. Rest easy we got the watch. Officer RM Taylor Officer Ricks, Anonymous Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace my brother in blue. As you walk Heaven's beat. Protect over your family, friends, and co-workers with the Metropolitan Police Department. Sr. Officer D. Johns Just taking a moment to remember you and thank you for giving all you had to give. Pat Van Den Berghe, Civilian
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