South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, August 19, 1969
Reflections for Corporal Richard Varn Woods
Rest easy brother
Judge /Magistrate/SCTeooper Sheridan Lyn
Judicial
August 19, 2022
I'm grateful for Corporal Woods' service. I was a Marine at Parris Island and later was a police officer. The bridge which is named after him is one of my favorite landmarks in Beaufort. I only recently learned who it was named after and why.
Ken Haney, Patrolman P-4 (Retired), Jackson Police Dept, TN
June 12, 2022
Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your heroic actions and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 19, 2020
Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
August 15, 2019
I have not been in Beaufort in almost half a century, but I will never forget the hero Richard Woods and his sacrifice in the line of duty.
I am glad I found this place to express my respect and enduring gratitude.
I extend my heartfelt sympathy again to the family for the loss suffered that day in 1969.
Beverly Seaton
March 9, 2019
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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.
I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 21, 2013
Today my wife and I walked across the Woods Memorial Bridge in Bueaford, SC. A strong structure to remember a strong SC Trooper and all the fallen SC peace officers.
Rest in Peace, Trooper Woods.
Jim Deckert, son of a fallen officer
September 5, 2012
August 15, 1969...40 years ago today. We will never forget.
R.I.P Trooper Woods
Sgt Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP-Service, Traffic Unit
August 16, 2009
On the 40th anniversary of Trooper Woods' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Trooper Woods is not forgotten.
Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
August 15, 2009
Knew him as a cofee drinking friend in Beaufort. VERY fine officer, who loved a cigar. A great loss to law enforcement but his son has followed in his Dad's shoes. Remember this very well.. A sad day for family and friends......
Haskell Scott
Friend
December 4, 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.
July 11, 2007
"No person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave."
--Calvin Coolidge
Debbie Brewer
caring citizen & COPS member
June 25, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss and for your family's pain. I think it is right that your killers were denied parole and I hope that they never get out. There is no punishment that our legal system can dole out that would ever begin to compensate for your death. However, Jesus the Righteous will Judge. Rest in Peace. I pray God's peace be with your family.
Debbie Brewer
citizen and COPS member
May 8, 2007
Rest in peace my brother. You are not forgotten.
State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
August 15, 2006
08-15-03, MY BROTHER, IT HAS BEEN 34 YEARS SINCE SOUTH CAROLINA LOST ONE OF ITS HEROS. YOU ARE GONE, BUT SURELY NOT OR EVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. HOPE TO SEE YOU UP ABOVE SOME GLAD DAY.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
All great men leave a legacy to be followed. We can only hope the Man whos following in his fathers footsteps can be half the officer his father was.
Anonymous
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