Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim’s story was mentioned today in a Firearms Instructor training by a good friend of his. I hope his family, both blood and blue, know his sacrifice is still to this day not in vain. His story carries on and is used to teach the next generation of officers and leaders. May God bless his family with peace, strength, and comfort.

Sgt. McElfresh
O’Fallon, Missouri Police Department

October 25, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Richardson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2020

I never had the chance to meet you, but, I feel like I get to see pieces of you every day. Hearing your name, you were cherished by so many. You’ll always be remembered in my home and in my hart. REst Easy.

J- Civilian
Family

December 6, 2019

My Father told me many many times how he was Jim's partner and how he felt soley responsible for Jim's death. He always said he should have gotten to the call earlier. He never forgave himself. Jim and his family suffered the ultimate sacrifice. I pray for our service members and their families in Jim's memory. I pray Jim and my dad can make up for old times now that he's gone as well.

Late confessions of Calvin Harry
Son of Cal

September 27, 2018

To the family of Officer Richardson, and particularly those family members who left "reflections" on this site, I apologize for not leaving a "reflection" sooner. I came across Officer Richardson while reviewing the "This Day in History" files for April 22nd. While I am ashamed it took me 40 years, I hope you can take some solace that 40 years later, "James" is still remembered by members of the profession for which he gave his all. I thank him for his service...and I thank all of his family members for sharing him with all of us.

NC Officer

April 22, 2017

Rest in peace Jim Richardson. I'm sure my father (Ex-Officer C.Harry) talked up a storm with you in heaven.
That night weighed heavily on my dad. He always said, "I should have been there for him." My mother always said, "he was such a nice man."
My condolences go out to Jim's family, is fellow Officers. Thanks to all Law Enforcement out there risking there lives for the safety of others.

Scott

March 9, 2014

Jimmy Richardson was a classmate of mine all through k-12 in Stratton, Nebraska. He loved history. He could be a class clown at times. I lived in Columbus, NE at the time and went to his funeral in York. He was so young. At the time I had a cousin and another acquantance also from Stratton on the York polic force. That was a tough time for a small municipal police force.

Marlin Vrbas
Classmate

December 23, 2012

I am a fourth grade teacher and on May 10th it was Peace Officer's Day here in Kansas. I wanted to find a picture of my brother, James Richardson, to show my students so they could identify a face with the words, 'fallen officer'. I googled my brother's name and got to this site. Boy was I taken aback! You see, Jimmy has always been my brother, not just a name on a list. He had a wonderful personality and was adored by his siblings. So to see his bio and picture up on a website, it made my heart sing. I could say, "Look, here is a man, my brother, who gave his life for justice and truth." My classroom was very quiet, then the questions started to come. "Why was he killed?" "How old was he?" "Do you hate his killer?" "What did you do that day?" I answered all these questions as best I could. I feel that now my students have a better understanding of the words, 'fallen officer' because they had a chance to meet my beloved brother and see his amazing spirit through me. I miss Jimmy, not only on his birthday, but on special days with my own children. Which one reminds me of him? Jacob, my second, with his sense of humor and wit. Robyn, my first born, with her stubbornness and sense of right and wrong. Susie, my last, with her need to protect all creatures. I see Jimmy in all of them, but he never got a chance to be a part of their lives. Does Jimmy's killer have a family? Does he get to celebrate those special days? Does he have any remorse whatsoever? Yes, we are still bitter, but it's because of our deep love for Jimmy and the fact he was taken away so senselessly. Words of advice: make time for your family, share moments whenever possible, write things down, take pictures--lots of pictures, and just love them while they're here. Jimmy was 16 when I was born, so he could've acted like a parent to me, but he didn't. He was always my big brother.

Janet Messinger
school teacher

May 21, 2012

Jimmy as he is called around our house was my husbands
older brother to this day he is remembered and loved by
his whole family. The bitterness his siblings feel toward the
teenager who shot him senselessly still haunts them today
he paid the ultimate sacrifice and this kid only served 9 yrs.
we have served a lifetime. Rest in peace Jimmy your memory
lives on and we take comfort in knowing you are with your
mom and dad and they are taking care of you again.
We love you always

Shelly Richardson
Sister Inlaw

May 15, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. I also thank you for your service to our country as a Vietnam vet. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 23, 2012

Thank you!

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

April 6, 2011

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 22, 2010

Thirty two years ago you paid the ultimate sacrifice, and it cost that teenage nine years in prison. And you family is still pay for your loss.

May you rest in peace my brother as we shall all walk that beat when we all meet in God Kingdom

Vince Iello
NYPD Retired

May 21, 2009

OFFICER RICHARDSON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

March 1, 2009

"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 11, 2007

May you Rest safe with Our Lord.

April 22, 2006

Jim's Badge number was #008, he was working the 1500-2300 shift, and was at the end of his shft when he responded to the call. The weapon was a .22 cal rifle. A permanent memorial stand out side out department, memorializing him, and any future officers of our department who may make the ultimate sacrifice. We of course pray that no other name is ever added to the memorial. Jim's badge number was retired. His photo is in the foyer of our department. From the officers who served with him, he was a new Christian who was developing his faith, which had a great impact on his service. He was also a veteran of Vietnam!

Officer JR Wolfe
York Police Department

March 6, 2004