Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Vigneault, 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 that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

April 11, 2023

Officer Vigneault,
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 Springfield. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 11, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Vigneault.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 26, 2019

Officer Vigneault, today marks the 43rd anniversary of your tragic passing. It is not said on this site what became of the vermin who killed you, but we can only hope she did or will face true justice, if not in this world, then in the next.

God Bless you and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful, Brother.

As for Officer Skowski's post from two years ago, it's moving and obviously heartfelt. It also reminds us all that, it's not just those who die in the line of duty that we must always keep in mind, but also those who become disabled in the line of duty. When we lose a Brother or Sister due to death, it's hard, sad, maddening and often times confusing. But those fallen family members get memorialized on plaques, walls and sites like this.

When we lose a Brother or Sister becomes disabled, they quietly leave the job, rarely to return, sometimes to later pass from their injuries.

We must also keep them in mind as well. They too have sacrificed. They sacrifice the job, they sacrifice at times their lives as they once know it and occasionally their families. We must never forget them, either.

God Bless you Officer Robert P. Sakowski for YOUR sacrifice as well. You too are a true hero.

Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 11, 2016

30 April 1973 at the curve near the top of Worthington St
Officer Richard D. Vigneault's cruiser was struck head on by a 5 TIME CONVICTED DRUNK DRIVER. This woman crossed double yellow solid lines slaming Richard's and his partner, Officer Richard Hanfield's cruiser head on with such force that Vigneault's chest hit the steering wheel, tearing the Aeorta from his heart. Officer Vigneault Died instantly and this partner, Officer Handfield was Permanently Disabled. Sadly this exact location on Worthington St. just 6 months later would take another Life, that of Motorcycle Officer Paul F. Mawaka, Victim of a
Double Hit and Run. Both Drivers were never found. When ever an Officer's Life is Sacrificed,
My Thoughts and Prayers goes to the Servers and The Children, I often think and hope their doing well, They,
for a better word are, Collateral Damage, for these young Children to pickup the pieces, along useally with their Mother try to cope. To me, it take so much Courage and
Resolve. We as Brother Members to the "Fallen Brothers" must Always Remember the Price of Freedom and the Cost
of the Sacrifice, to the Children.
More Info. "Concerens of Police Servevers N.E."
"C.O.P.S. Kids"
and also Support this invaluable org.
"Officer Down," without this org.We wouldn't know the
Shear Breath of Numbers, of "Fallen Brothers."
"We Will Never Forget the Sacrifice Payed by All."
"FOR WE,WE ALL IN ONE,
WE GREAT BAND OF BROTHERS
FOR HE, WHO SHEADS HIS BLOOD WITH ME,
SHALL FOREVER BE MY BROTHER
I met Richards Wife and Daughters at the Memorial Service outside Springfield Police Headquarters 13 May 2015 I had a large group of Serviver Family Members around my wheelchair as I was giving out Memorial CD's. A woman poked in and
said "HEY THAT'S MY HUSBAND" Yes that was her husband.
Fallen Officer Richard D. Vigneault's portairt on the CD
Even though his life was taken some 43 years ago, when
she saw his picture on the CD it could only have been,
"My Husband." The purpose of these CD's are to give
Comfort to the Servers and Officers. They also receive
a sticker to be placed in lower left bottom of the license
plate and is known as"The Eternal Shield of Fallen Brothers"
Since 1971 SIX of my Fellow Officers Lost Their Lives "While in the Performance of Their Duty." and sadly
another 11 were taken between 1675 and 1969
"Forever Remembered and Revered as Serving with
Extreme Valor."
and "Always Remember the Family's, for They are
the Ones that Gave the Most."

Officer Robert P. Sakowski
Sprindfield Police Dept.Disabled 3/3/78

June 11, 2015

I want to remeber his daughter Debbie. We dated for a short time and seemed very nice.

N/A
N/A

August 20, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 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

April 11, 2012

Officer Vigneault,
On today, the 38th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 12, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

Officer Vigneault, today marks the 35th anniversary of your untimely death at the hands of a drunk driver. At 35 you went much too young and with only 5 years on the job you had too much left to contribute to be taken away. I have no idea what happened to the driver who caused your death, but I believe he faced true justice, if not in this life then in the next. True justice can mean the agonizing guilt that he took a husband, father and brother officer away from the people who loved and needed him most. I know your family never truly lost you and that you were there for them whenever they needed you.

You have not been forgotten and you are a hero. God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

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

April 11, 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

February 18, 2008

You are not forgotten. May God keep you and your family in his arms always.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

June 1, 2005

may you rest in peace my brother. god bless

p.o. birkenstock
village of monticello p.d.

August 5, 2004