Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just read a newspaper article about this incident. The author of the famous "Norco 80" book has written a book after researching the shooting, trial and subsequent outcome. I was a LEO in Los Angeles County at the time but this was not on my radar back them. Happens that I am visiting San Diego in a few weeks and have set up a visit at the San Diego PD museum and in contact with the museum director. I am mindful of the impact LODD have on families, departments and communities. Hero's remembered never die.

Virgil Weber, Sergeant (ret)
Glendora PD

July 28, 2024

I went to high school with Tom and worked at the Black Angus in Chula Vista while we were taking criminal justice classes at Southwestern College. Tom went to SDPD while I went to the LAPD. I was working morning watch when I learned of Tom's death. I was heart broken and still am. Tom and his family is continually on my mind. I was later devastated learning the suspect was acquitted of all charges wondering how a jury could come to such a decision to acquit. Tom was taken way to early in his life. He was a wonderful person and he is missed. Love and prayers go out to Tom and his entire family.

Former police officer. Dana Hansen
LAPD. Friend

July 16, 2021

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 33rd anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 31, 2018

I was on Tom's squad as a young officer, I had just graduated the academy in November of 1984 and was assigned to Southeast after my field training. I was on duty the night he died. That day, from our briefing to the time we all gathered at the substation, and dealing with the press, and taking time off from work as we mourned his death to the funeral where it was blur! I think of him and what a great police officer and man he was. I think about how he was taken too soon. God bless him always! I too was a police explorer with SDPD and became the captain of the post, then an officer with SD before moving onto CPD and eventually left law enforcement & got into defense contracting, but my time in Southeast is forever imprinted in my soul!

Stephanie Cash, SDPD officer 1984/85
SDPD squad member

February 2, 2018

I somehow had the honor of meeting Agent Riggs very briefly. I posted a special tribute on my face book page tonight, a bit early, in honor of Agent Riggs. I was in the SDPD police explorers (made Captain), but left in about 1976 or 77, so I don't remember how I met Agent Riggs. I do remember other officers I knew who did know Agent Riggs, and I know he was a good man and police officer.
I have never forgotten Agent Riggs.

To Agent Riggs:

I'm glad I had the honor of meeting you, although briefly. We still connected, I'm sure. I'm sorry your life was cut short, and I will always honor you.

Thank your for your service and sacrifice, Sir.
You are not forgotten.

Veronica Forston (Morgan)
SDPD Explorers Post 250, former Captain

March 8, 2017

I did not know Tom personally.. but I grew up knowing his, sister Nancy... I was working with NCPD when the news broke about his murder. I always keep the Riggs family in my prayers and heart... God Bless ya Tommy, you were taken way too soon... but I think God had a plan for you to be on PATROL in heaven, watching over your family and friends...

Sharon (Ross) Erwin
Former NCPD and CVPD

January 4, 2014

Well another year has passed since your death. It has been 27 years. I still think of you often. and especially every March 31st. I hope that your family is doing well. I can't help but to wonder how life would be for your family and friends if you were still here. You are missed.

Cassie Kramer, Detective
San Diego Police Department

April 1, 2012

RIP Officer, Thank you for your service

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Agent Riggs. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Wow, another officer shot in the line of duty today. As I was reflecting on Tom and Tim's murders I thought I would look up his name on the internet. My heart still weeps for the loss of my brother and brother in law.
Mike Egan, you also will never be forgotten as one of Tom's dearest friends.
Cassie- thanks for all you did for the dept.
Thank each and everyone of you for not forgetting my big brothers.
God Bless each of you,
Nancy Riggs Matthews

Nancy Riggs Matthews
sister of Tom and sister-in-law of Tim Ruopp

August 21, 2011

I was seventeen growing up in San Diego and I remember when you were killed in the line of duty. I was sickened to see your killer set free by a self serving jury that gave you no Justice. You are one of the reasons that I became a Police Officer. I pray that you have found peace in Heaven and that your family is doing well. You will always be a hero to me. God Bless you Brother and thank you for your service.

Officer Kevin C. Matthews
Huntsville PD, AL

August 16, 2011

Though I have never met Mr. Riggs I have heard stories of him my entire life. My father who was also a San Diego Police Officer was very good friends with Tommy. My dad never got over the death of his friend. My mother was pregnant with me at the time of his death and I would of been named Tommy after him if I was a boy. He is a hero and still thought of to this day, even by those who did not know him only heard stories of him.

Jessica Charlebois-Bradford

August 15, 2011

Like some others here, I just googled Tom's name and ended up here. My memories are a bit different however. You see, I knew Tom as man and boy for 21 years. We grew-up two streets over from one another. I was a member of his wedding party, and a party as well to some silly things that young men often do, with Tom, Ross, and Little Al. Regardless, I remember that day as if it were yesterday, and as well, the miscarriage of justice that allowed his killer to walk.

As law enforcement officers, or military officers in my case, we are sworn to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." In my opinion, the Constitution had mud flung upon it when that miscreant whose name I shall not use lest it sully this place of honor, went free. If ever a "domestic" enemy existed, it was he.

Rest easy Tom. There are a lot of us still here, and still fighting the good fight. R/Mike

Captain Michael M. Eagen
USN(Ret)

August 5, 2011

For whatever reason today I googled my brothers name... what an amazing tribute to my big brother! Thank you for all your kind words about Tom and to my family....

May Gods blessing be upon you, and especially upon all those who protect and serve!

Patricia M. Greenblat
Sister of Agent Riggs

May 9, 2011

You will never be forgotten my friend. You truly are a hero.

Rest in Peace

Officer James C. Mathews Jr.
SDPD 1977-1987/ Retired Vallejo PD

March 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary year 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your sister has had to endure such a heavy burden, losing both you and her husband in the line of duty. When I read about the trial(s) and the verdicts, I almost became physically ill. Even your killer knew he didn't belong on this earth as he killed himself years later, but I am amazed that multiple juries further ravaged your family and department by their blind eyes and deaf ears to evidence before them.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 9, 2010

What is wrong with the American justice system when they let that dirtbag who killed Tom back on the streets??? To Tom and his family may God bless you and watch over you.

Anonymous

May 19, 2010

Agent Riggs - 25 years feels like last week. I remember the day you were killed and the day we laid you to rest. I've always wondered how your sister made it through all of this, losing her husband in September (Tim Ruopp/LODD-SDPD) then you 6 months later. Incredible.

I still think of you and that horrible day and I swear to fight, to be vigilant, and sure. Rest easy, my friend; we've got it from here.

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska DJJ

April 12, 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

March 31, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 who was murdered in the 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. Rest In Peace.

I am sorry and angry that the legal justice system let you and your family down.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 31, 2009

The anniversary of your murder rolls around once again and once again I feel the pain of the loss and the frustration of the aftermath. But rest well, Tom. After nearly a quarter of a century, many of your colleagues are still protecting and serving.

Lt. Jerry Mills
SDPD

March 23, 2009

I spend many of my weekends "hiding-out," in San Diego - a city that is so beautiful, yet rife with many problems. It amazes me how the Men and Women of the San Diego Police Department(SDPD)continue to provide such quality service to the community, and I have never encountered anything less than a professional demeanor from the personnel. They do so much, with so little.

In 1984, I was taking my Physical-Agility Test for LAPD, the day of the infamous McDonald's shooting. That fall, a few weeks before I entered the Academy, the infamous "Grape Street Shootings (two SDPD murdered) took place. Six months later, while I was still in the Academy, Corporal Riggs was murdered. I did not believe that I could be more angry after "Grape Street," until the outcome regarding the suspect who murdered Corporal Riggs.

From 1977 (the year that I entered Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego), to 1988, eleven San Diego police officers were killed in the line of duty. Eleven police deaths in eleven years gave the SDPD the grim distinction during the 1980s of having the highest mortality rate of any big-city police department in the United States.

To the SDPD Family You have my utmost respect.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

"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

September 20, 2007

Over two decades of passed since your EOW and you have not been forgotten for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 7, 2007