Maryland State Police, Maryland
End of Watch Friday, July 14, 1950
Add to My HeroesLauren M. Ridge
Trooper First Class Lauren Ridge was shot and killed while attempting to disarm a man who threatened two tax assessors with a rifle at the man's home on Northern Avenue in Hagerstown.
After Trooper Ridge was called to the scene, he scuffled with the suspect and gained control of the rifle. The suspect then produced a handgun and shot Trooper Ridge five times.
The 60-year-old suspect was shot and mortally wounded by posse men who flushed him out of his house. He died five weeks later.
Trooper Ridge was a United States Army WWI veteran who had survived the Pearl Harbor Attack and had served with the Maryland State Police for just over four years. He is survived by his wife and child.
He is buried in Harbaugh Church Cemetery, Rouzerville, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsLauren was my brother. The last words he spoke to his family was to me, a thirteen year old babysitting for his young son. He called and said, "Sis, get my breakfast ready, I'm on my way home, but I have a stop to make first". Now we know what that stop was. That day is just as
clear in my 86 year old mind today, as it was the day it happens. The tears are still just near the surface. I'm the last of the immediate family, and I make sure to let his nieces and nephews know what happened. Make God give to Lauren eternal rest, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Your sister, Gladys Ridge.
Gladys Ridge
Sister
July 14, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024