Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Sheriff Richards.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 21, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives as 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 18, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives as 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 18, 2011

"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

March 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is pleased that justice was quickly served on your behalf

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

November 29, 2007

The final inspection”

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 judgement 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"


From Jeff and Maria Smith
Calhoun Co., WV

Chief Deputy Jeff Smith
Roane County Sheriff's Dept.

November 26, 2006

Thanks, Park, for being my friend and allowing me to be yours. I will never forget your warm smile and laid back attitude.

Gerald L. Ball
Friend

November 10, 2006

In memory of you, Park:

Heroes, sometimes don't go to battle,
Sometimes they have to conquer their within,
Sometimes their actions speak louder than words,
Others, through fate, never get the chance to win.

But you are indeed our hero,
You gave it your all and then a little more
and we just wanted you to know that we are very proud of you and that's really what these words are for.

Brenda L. Richards/Walker
Grandaughter

November 9, 2006

I am sure that you are well aware that your legacy as a police officer lives on within your family. Your grandson has carried on your "take charge" attitude and represents both the profession and legacy that your created. I salute you in prayer and consider it an honor to not only know your grandson, but to be able to call him my friend. Rest in Peace.

Bill Minear, Chief (ret)
Williamstown Police Department

July 19, 2006

You are not forgotten Brother Richards

Virginia of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Bureau of Law Enforcement

January 11, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

November 18, 2004

HERO

November 9, 2004