Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe
It has taken many years to come here and write! I was 17 yrs old when you were killed and have never forgot that horrible night when 2 officers came to us and said you had been shot and things were bad. I was not prepared for the days that followed. Our lives together were cut short and that has been so tough to deal with over the years. I constantly wonder to myself how life would have been different had you not been taken from us! You changed my life in ways that I never had the chance to tell you.......

When you married my mom (Nancy S. Rich) it was tough for me and my brother Tommy since we had grown up without a father. You tried so hard to make us realize that you were not trying to take our mom from us but was only trying to give us a father that we never had. I will never forget all the work you put into getting the bedrooms ready for Tommy and I when we were getting ready to move in with you and Randy. I remember the talks we had, you always told me that I could do anything that I put my mind to and how special I was! You don't know how special I felt to finally tell people that I had a father and he was a police officer. When I was younger I would always ask God to send me and Tommy a dad. When you married my mom, God answered my prayers! My mom has told me how you felt so bad for me and Tommy having to grow up without a father and how you were so happy to be able to provide a nice home for us and a different way of life.

When I was getting ready to turn 16 you and my mom were trying to figure out what kind of car to get me and you had indicated that a friend had some sort of older car to which I cannot remember at this time what it was, but back then when I figured out what kind of car it was I thought oh noo, that car is too big and of course not very "cool looking". Just before taking my driving test you told me that I could have the black Camaro that you had bought for yourself some time before. I nearly freaked out, I loved that car! You told me I would have to pay you payments for the car but that was just fine with me. My only fear was that the car required shifting gears and that was a huge issue in my mind. On your day off you loaded the car with orange cones and off to the fairgrounds we went. You told me so many stories that day, those that you had encountered as a police officer and having to come up on a car accident scene with a young person and how it ripped your heart out that they did not listen and pay attention while driving. By the end of the day I knew how to shift the gears in that car, not to drive with the radio cranking to that horrible rock music that you did not know how in the world I listened to since all they ever did is repeat themselves over and over and to always be aware of the other person. To this day I have never forgotten all that you taught me, I will never forget that day. You created a contract just as if I had gone to a dealership to purchase a car, you wanted me to learn the process of building credit. You had me setup a bank acct and have $500 in the bank before I drove the car. I did everything that you had required back then, I did not realize at that time that you were preparing me for the big world and that it did!

I will never forget our first Christmas together you were soo happy. I never knew what it was like to have a complete family but you changed all that. We had some great times as a family, something that was new to me and my brother. I have to laugh when I think of the night we were all watching a scary movie in the family room and you disappeared, we just thought you went to the bathroom. As we were sitting there looking at the TV we were all scared out of our minds by someone banging on the sliding glass door in a mask, it was you laughing so hard you were almost in tears. To this day we talk about that night you scared us soo bad, you had so much fun and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. I am so thankful for all the great memories that I have about you and the family!

A year after you were taken from us I met Jeff, you would have loved him. He became so important to me, we dated for 2 yrs and on Oct. 21, 1989 we got married. We have now been married for 22 yrs, so many things have happened in my life but I have never forgotten about you! The day I got married I thought about you all day long, and how I had wished that it was you that was walking me down the aisle and not a family friend! It took some time for me to realize Jeff was alot like you. If you had not married my mom I often wonder If I would have picked the right guy to marry. He treats me like a queen, which is what you did for my mom. You changed her life and made her the happiest she had ever been. I remember her cooking dinner so that it was hot when you got home from working all day. I could not have had a better example for the kind of guy that I should marry.

On April 14th, 1991 I had my first son Ryan, and then Scott on July 17, 1994...I know that you had a hand in helping God pick them out for me! Those 2 boys have changed me life, I could not wait till they grew up and I could tell them about my step-dad Joe, and how he would have loved them soo much. I remember you talking about your daughter Kathy, son Randy, and me and Tommy giving you grand kids some day. How I wish you could have been here to enjoy all the grand kids you have been blessed with!

Every year on the anniversary of your passing I always ask God to tell you I said hello and tell you that we miss you! Life changed the day you left us but the mark you created on my life will never be erased! You touched soo many lives, and changed our lives for the better. I am soo grateful for all the things that you did for me and my brother. Thank you for showing me what it was like to have a father and thank you for allowing my mom to know what it was like to be loved. You made me a better person and taught me so much during the time that we were in each others lives. To this day I am soo proud to say that Joe Rich was my step dad and a great one at that!!

I miss you soo much it hurts at times
but know that one day we will all be
together in Heaven. What a day that
will be. Love you!

Jody Aberegg Lane
Your Step-Daughter

November 22, 2011

My father Raymond Norwood served with him and I had the great pleasure of knowing and Loving this man. He visited the hospital when I was born and bought me my first gold locket. I remember going for a ride on his harley with my mother and his son. All great memories. The loss I feel every april remains raw and fresh. I visited his burial site in 1994. He will remain in my heart forever! I look forward to seeing him in Heaven..He is a beautiful soul!

Rev. Amy Norwood-Mohr
He was an Uncle to me

April 29, 2011

I think of you often at the holidays, maybe because the last time I saw you was in December 1984 before I left for boot camp. It seems like yesterday. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your service. And to your family my heart heart prayers.

Beth Houser
Friend

December 14, 2010

Hero,
I was just graduating high school when you were taken. I now have 20 years on and fighting the good fight nightly. You have a wonderful family based on the posts. Watch over us.....

Anonymous

June 9, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 5, 2010

I sit here and still think of you.You will never be forgotten.I love you so much and will always be so thankful that i got to share your life with you and your children and mine.You were such a wonderful man. It's been
23 years and sometimes i can close my eyes and see you and Dinky on the motor cycle.You had such compassion for people.I remember a homeless person coming into the restaurant where i worked,you stopped and listened to him and gave him a ride to a shelter.You treated him with dignity and compassion. It's a shame that you didn't get to meet all of your grandchildren.Who knows,maybe you picked them out and sent them here with us.I believe we will all be together again in God's Great Kingdom.
Loving You Always
Nancy

Nancy S Rich
Wife

September 1, 2009

You will never be forgotten by the ones who love and knew you.The memories they have of you will be forever cherished in their minds and hearts and will continue on in future generations.

Anonymous

October 20, 2008

Dear Grandpa Joe,

Joey is turning 15 today. Your going to miss his party today,
he's gonna miss you. we haven't met but my dad met you and he still loves you. he misses you very much. I love you so much, you are a cute grandpa.
Love Emily

Emily Rich
granddaughter

August 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 2008

We reflect back today on your career and the ultimate price you paid for the citizens of Columbus. Your not forgotten...

Sgt. Jim Gilbert
FOP President, Capital City Lodge #9

April 5, 2008

Just wanted to leave a note saying I am thinking of you and your family on this very sad day. They are now and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Atty, Franklin County

April 5, 2008

Your daughter-in-law, Nancy, left a beautiful note on my husband Marc's ODMP, page. You and Marc share the same end of watch (nine years apart) and it appears that your little granddaughter shares his birthday. It always amazes me how lives are truly intertwined, making us one big family.

Nancy, thank-you for the kind words you left on Marc's page. I think of your family often as well and hope that you are all doing well. Continue to watch over and protect them.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Atty, Franklin County

January 27, 2008

Grandpa,

I love you so much. You haven't met me yet. I am 5 soon
six in 3 days. I wish you could come to my birthday party.
Tell Jesus I said "hi" dad misses you. I wish you would come back to earth. next time you can work with daddy.
Love, Emily

Emmie Rich
granddaughter

December 31, 2007

"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 31, 2007

Rest In Peace

We continue the fight for you brother and you are not forgotten by your department we honor you daily by wearing the uniform proudly and remembering the fallen brothers and sisters that came before us

detective scott alexander
columbus division of police

July 22, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

I just wanted to let your family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers on this anniversary of the day you were tragically killed. Of all the things I could share with another person, the anniversary of the death of a loved one is not one I would choose. Unfortunately, however, my husband died on the same day as you, only 9 years later. Please continue to watch over your family and all of those wonderful men and women who continue to work for the Columbus Division of Police.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecutor, Franklin County, Juvenile Division

April 5, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you today, we will never forget Gordon's sacrifice… GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY TODAY!

Jim Gilbert
FOP President
Capital City Lodge #9

Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

April 5, 2007

Joe, You were my dads (Rosie Reichgott) best friend, and were like an uncle to me. I used to love going for rides in your Cadillacs. I was only 16 when you were so horribly taken from us. You meant so much to my family, especially Dad. He misses you, We miss you so much. But "you are walking the streets of Heaven because you did your time in Hell"

President Max Reichgott
Fraternal Order Of Police Capital City Lodge #5 / Friend

February 19, 2007

"Uncle Joe"
You were there everyday. You mean so very much to my life. I was 11 when you were so brutally taken away. I did not understand. I still do not understand. I know that you are not physically here anymore but I know that with everyday that I wake up, you are watching over me and protecting me. I am 32 now and I wish that I could erase the past and have you here today to share each new day. I sit at your grave and look at your picture and have our nice "conversations" with you. I know that you are making Heaven a happy place! I love you and will never forget you!

Diana Lee Obert
family

February 7, 2007

God bless Officer Gordon Joseph Rich, his family & friends, and the Columbus Division of Police.

Corporal P.R. OLIVER
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

June 28, 2006

thank you for the many years of freindship.May you rest in peace.
GIACOMO

Officer Jack Mignosi
retired Columbus Ohio Police

April 9, 2006

Dear Joe,
I was in my 2nd coaching period when you were so brutally cut down by that sinister monster. Shortly thereafter, and when I was out on the streets, in a one-man car, I would get chills up my back...just thinking of that night. The fierce struggle between you and that muscle-bound sociopath, your pleas for help over the radio...haunts me to this day. Your horrible death made me a much better policeman. Afterward, I took nobody for granted. The watchword at all times was "Officer Safety". And Joe, thanks so much for being my Guardian Angel. I know that you were always there, in many situations that could have gotten ugly, tapping me on the shoulder, and saying, "Heads up, young policeman."
Sleep well my friend

Retired P.O. Dan Cockerham
Columbus Div. of Police

November 18, 2005

Thank you. Rest in peace brother.

Officer J. Ashenhurst #1204
Columbus (Ohio) Police

May 31, 2005

Joe,
I remember having a great time with you and Keith Evans whitewater rafting in West Virgina! And then riding around with Keith and you catching speeders!!I miss you Joe and Keith does too. I often visited you gravesite out in New Albany, Ohio. I would ride my bicycle there from my parents' house and sit and talk to you (gravesite that is). I just hoped and prayed that you were enjoying yourself in HEAVEN.

Miss you JOE!!

Shauna

Sgt Shauna Lambert
Cincinnati

January 12, 2005