Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gary was the best man, husband, and father I have ever known. He loved being a police officer and worked his way up the ranks, with hopes to be chief of police one day. I truly believe he would happen. His life was taken way too soon and it’s truly missed.
I miss him everyday.
Cheryll Pricher

Cheryll Pricher
Wife

October 20, 2023

Never forgotten!

Debbie Hower

November 4, 2020

Gary was my brother. I miss him every day. He was kind and an exemplary officer. He was a leader and role modle for others.
I recall as children he was always the peacemaker. He was 1 of 3 brothers and I was the sister. Rest in peace

Ina Wilson - family
Sister

September 19, 2020

I knew Gary when I worked at Tampa PD, he was a very kind man, a wonderful police officer and a fantastic leader. I often think of him. May he rest peace.

Mike Elliott
Ex TPD

August 8, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Pricher.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2019

A Really Good Guy, a consummate Professional. I heard the news hours after it happened from an Officer who was present at the scene. It was hard to believe how such a great person could be taken from us so senselessly. Rest in Peace.

Ex-Officer Mitchell Henderson
Tampa Police Department

March 30, 2017

His brother Dale taught me, TPD Class #104. He spoke of Gary, and his untimely death. Gary and Dale are still in my prayers.

Retired Master Detective Mark Leonard
Hillsborough County SO

May 15, 2016

Several days before his death, I was at the Tampa Police Pistol Range (which no longer exist) with Sgt. Gary Pricher. He was conducting firearms training. All I remember was how professional and sharp he portrayed himself. After the class, several of us stuck around and talked with Gary. He mentioned the upcoming TRT event, and he was extremely excited to be going. When I learned of his death, I along with so many other fellow officers were devastated. I always knew the Tampa Police Department had lost a future LEADER. I will always remember his great smile and warm friendship.

Retire Sgt. Joe Raulerson
Tampa Police Department

November 5, 2015

Gary, I think of you and your family often. My son was named for you and we have visited your name at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

D/Sgt. Dave Patterson
Isabella Co Sheriff Deparment, Gary was my Sergeant in Tampa.

May 15, 2014

RIP Sergeant Pricher. 30 years ago today you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Florida and the United States. Thank you for your service.

Anonymous

November 4, 2013

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Pricher. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Heroes love forever, and you sir are a hero. We will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for us.
Continue to rest in peace Sgt. Pricher.


Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler FL

Deb

November 4, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasarter

November 4, 2010

To the Pricher family we have not forgotten your hero...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

November 4, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 16, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 2, 2007

G-d Bless.

November 4, 2006

Sergeant Pricher,
I rode with the Police Unity Tour (250 miles on bicycles) again this year to remember great police officers like yourself who have died in the line of duty. Although I never met you, I can say that you must have been a great man like your brother who I have worked with. Your name will never be forgotten--especially here at Tampa P.D.

Officer Danny Rhodes
Tampa Police Department

May 23, 2005

Sergeant Pricher,
Although I never had the opportunity to meet you, I have had the privilege of working for your younger brother Dale. Thank you for your years of service with the Tampa Police Department. You will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Carlos Rodriguez
Tampa Police Department

Police Officer
Tampa Police Department

May 14, 2005

God bless you and your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you for your service.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

March 8, 2005

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 23, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 29, 2004

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

October 31, 2003