Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Ritchey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 23, 2019

R I P Brother.

Trf Ofc. (ret) G V Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Office

February 23, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Thanks for your 18 years of services, Jeff.

David

February 23, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir, Officer Ritchey, are a hero. My prayers are with your family today and always. Continue to rest in peace.

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

February 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Ritchey. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

Miss you grandpa even tho i never met you every one says i look like you wish you were still here today well hope to see you one day in heaven we all miss you and i bet you having a good time up there watching me put my dad through all the hell he put you through love your grand child you never met jeffrey

Jeffrey
grand child

May 18, 2011

Miss you grandpa even tho i never met you every one says i look like you wish you were still here today well hope to see you one day in heaven we all miss you and i bet you having a good time up there watching me put my dad through all the hell he put you through love your grand child you never met jeffrey

Jeffrey
grand child

May 18, 2011

R I P BROTHER YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED.

TRF OFC G V DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

February 23, 2011

Time has not healed the pain in the hearts of those left behind, but it does make it easier to get up each day and go forward. May you know that we have not forgotten those who gave their all for us. HEROES do live forever...

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

Anonymous

February 23, 2011

SIR, YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE DOING ONE OF THE KINDEST THINGS A DEPARTMENT CAN DO FOR A GRIEVING FAMILY. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THINGS YOU COULD DO. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON THIS THE ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR EOW. MAY THEY HAVE COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT THEY WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. REST IN PEACE WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT YOUR LIFE AND DEATH WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

February 23, 2009

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"

Rest in peace my brother in blue.

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

August 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 14, 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

December 13, 2007

Dad, I just want you to know that I miss you so much. It is hard to beleive that it has been 20 years since I loss you!!! love,
karen

karen
daughter

October 14, 2007

Jeff, Your little sister was my wife's dearest friend, and we kep you in our minds and heart.....Officer R. Cain and Robin

Deputy R. Cain
Orange County

June 26, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Jeffrey Ritchey and most especially to Officer Ritchey himself:

On this the nineteenth anniversay of your untimely death, please know you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication to your job will always be remembered.

To his son Phil, I am sure that your father is extremely proud of you having followed in his footsteps. It is heartwarming to know of his impact and influence on your life since he died when you were only one-year-old. My son was murdered during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. His wife was expecting their first child and my grandson Cody was born almost three months after my son was killed. Thus, I felt a special connection when I read your reflection to him. I will pray for your continued safety and happiness.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for Officer Ritchey's service to his community and the citizens of Florida, and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on February 23, 1987.

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

February 23, 2006

I wish I could remember you but I was only 1 when you died. I wish you were here today to see me do what I have heard you did best. I do know that you are always riding with me everyday I put on that uniform. Please watch over me and when its time I'll see you on the other side.... Phil

Officer Phil Ritchey
Cordele, Ga

December 22, 2005

I was working at the JSO and actually took several calls in the Communications Center concerning this accident. Then the word came that the motorcycle was registered to - MY UNCLE. While this fact was true it was not my uncle on the m/c, but his dear friend and wonderful officer, Jeff Ritchey.

My heart broke twice that day - once when the announcement was made in the Comm Center that the "accident victim" might be my uncle (the announcement was made before the announcer recalled that the name being stated was my uncle) ... and then a second time when it turned out to be Jeff.

This world lost a wonderful person and law enforcement officer that day. My thoughts never go far from that fateful event, especially anytime I see a funeral procession and the brave men and women who escort them.

Jeff Ritchey - I'm sure your family misses you drastically despite the time that has passed, but know that there are others out here who miss you also!

B Brown

August 6, 2005

We love you and miss you Father's Day and always.

Mom, Dad, Kids, & Family

June 19, 2005

Uncle Jeff, you are missed, guide me every day that I am on patrol.

NA
NA

January 23, 2005

After All this time,I stll miss you!

Jimmy Williamson
Just a friend

June 4, 2004

Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004