Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Ruggerio, it has been 51 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 3 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

July 23, 2024

Officer Ruggerio, it has been 50 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

July 23, 2023

Officer Ruggiero,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 23, 2023

Rest easy Officer Ruggiero. I was only 13 when he was killed. His parents were on my paper route. It was so sad and shocking. At the time Fall River was not known to be violent and it had been over 70 years since the last officer was killed in the line of duty. Fair winds and following sails.

CDR Mike Leary USN (ret.)
United States Navy

June 6, 2022

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 23, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Ruggiero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2019

Brother, it's now been 45 years since your brutal and senseless murder. I do not know the fate of your murderers but can only hope they are NOT free nor ever will be.

For those who were left behind, I hope and pray and KNOW in my heart that they have kept your memory alive and that you watch over them still.

God Bless and may your continued rest remain peaceful, Officer Ruggiero.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

July 23, 2018

IN HONORE CASORUM
The Promise: Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 23, 2015

RIP

Court Officer
MA Courts

July 23, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 16, 2013

Officer Ruggiero, your sacrifice makes you a martyr but your efforts on behalf of the City of Fall River and the Commonwealth as a whole make you a hero. You have not been forgotten.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 16, 2010

"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

November 7, 2007

Officer Ruggiero,
On today the 34th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fall River. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 23, 2007

You are missed but you would be very proud to know that your son has become one of the best that Fall River has seen.(Det Ruggiero). I had the chance to see him perform. You would be very proud.

Once was a
Dragon Slayer...

Anonymous

October 10, 2003

You are missed but you would be very proud to know that your son has become one of the best that Fall River has seen.(Det Ruggiero). I had the chance to see him perform. You would be very proud.

Once was a
Dragon Slayer...

Anonymous

October 10, 2003

may you rest in peace my brother in blue!

Officer
New Bedford, Ma. P.D.