Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Ryckman,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 28, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Ryckman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 20, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 28, 2020

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 5, 2012

As a pilot for my agency, I am honored to leave a reflection in your memory. I have flown with DPD Officers on DPD aircraft in the past and had them respond to an aircraft accident I was involved in in 1987. Rest In Peace.

SA DE-14604
FBI Detroit

March 22, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Ryckman.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 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

November 13, 2007

God bless your memory officer Ryckman. Today I met your family members on the metro in Washington. Chance would have it that we began to chat and we both ended up discovering that we both had family members who's names are on the memorial. What a small world it is. My Dad officer Waverly Brown is missed and so are you. God bless you.

Coordinator G. Brown
Family Aquaintance

April 21, 2007

Jon, it seems like only yesterday I took you for your first light aircraft ride. We had a lot of fun together, you and Sam and I. We were so proud of you when you got your license, and you flew us to the bowling tournaments and the Air Force Museum. Those were fun days. Pam and I was so proud of you when you became a Police Officer, and prouder yet when you were accepted into the aviation dept. I can still hear and see you hovering above the door at Active, waiting for me to come out and shake my fist at you. The night you forever folded your earthly wings will always be with us. I cry for you to this day buddy, your leaving left a tremendous empty spot in my life. Thanks so much for the fun we had, the Saturday nights when you were patrolling the streets and I joined you and your partner after work. It's hard to believe 34 years has passed. I can still hear your voice. I miss you Jon. Ken

Ken Howitt

November 19, 2005

To a great brother and a dedicated officer. I miss you everyday. One day will be together in God.

Timothy Ryckman

October 11, 2005

No officer who lost their life in the line of duty should be without a reflection. As a former Detroit resident, it is my honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. God's peace be with you, officer.

Up North Michigan

September 10, 2004