Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

'Dick' was good friends with my grandparents and family. He would come in the back door of their bar to bring my brother and I candy once in awhile when we were kids. Just to be a cool guy. My family was devastated by his murder. My grandpa will certainly never forget him and neither will I.

Civilian Gage Ackley-DeChant
Bayfield County Resident

January 7, 2024

Today was the longest/worst day for me. You’ll always be in my heart.

MPO Aagerup (retired)
King County Sheriff’s Office

September 10, 2023

Cpl. Parquette,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bayfield County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 10, 2021

I worked with Dick Parquette when he was a police officer in Menomonee Falls, WI. He was a good hearted man ...and I felt so sad when I heard of his tragic death. Rest in peace dear one.

Charlene Baumann

December 10, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 10, 2020

I’ll never forget THAT call. I miss you sooo much! Looks like it’ll be a Harley ride today ❤️

MPO Aagerup-Evans (retired)
King County Sheriff’s Office (retired)

September 10, 2020

You will never be forgotten. I remember the day it happened. It will never leave me. My daughter who would grow up to dispatch for Bayfield County remembers. She's been there now 15 yrs and walks by your picture on the wall where they honor you. The entire county remembers and will never forget. You sir are a hero.

Former EMT Carrie Nelson

September 16, 2018

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 10, 2018

After 20 years....never forgotten.

Master Police Officer Susanne Aagerup
King County Sheriff's Office

September 10, 2016

Thank you for having the courage to wear the badge and walk the line. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Detective
Wauwatosa PD, WI

March 30, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 5, 2013

There isn't a single moment that I don't think about and miss my husband. I will be forever grateful to Sgt. Danny O'Toole of the Menomonee Falls Poilice Dept. for being the best escort officier in the world in Washington DC in 1997. I am also very grateful to the Menomonee Falls Police Dept. for remembering Richard each and every year at their Police Memorial Service. Without their help and support, along with the thoughts ands prayers of people I haven't even met, I would have never made it through this very difficult time. Thank You!!

Mrs. R L Parquette

December 31, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 9, 2012

That day, those stairs will be with me forever. Rest in peace Brother.

Officer Craig Faulstich
City of Hayward Police Department

December 2, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 22, 2009

RIP Brother. Thanks for your many years of service and thoughts and prayers for your family. I had just started my career with Ashland County when yours ended. Everyone who knew you had nothing but good to say. You are not forgotten.

Officer Richter
Park Falls PD

August 29, 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 22, 2008

Dick was my dad's best friend. My father Dan Clark and Dick were both Deputy's for Bayfield County Sheriffs Department for a long time and during that time became amazing friends. Dick was so close to my family, he was basically just like an uncle to me. I was only 8 years old and in the 3rd grade when he was killed, but i can still to this day remember exactly when i found out. He made such an impact on my life and i have to many memories with him. He was such an amazing person! I remember the day of his and RL's wedding, i was the flower girl, i remember feeling so important to be asked and to be a part of something so important in his life. I am now a freshman in college and the other night i was talking to my roommate telling her about my dad's line of work and i told her about the story of Dick's death and sat there and cried. The next day i talked to my dad and he told me he just went to a memorial service for Dick that day. The day after i told my roommate the story was the 10 year annv. of his death, i got the chills when my dad told me that. It was like i was meant to tell his story at that time. He is always on my mind and i know me and my mom and dad miss him so much!I just wish that i would have been able to be older and gotten to know Dick more and learn more from him.

Dick, just know that you are missed terribly and we all can't wait for the day that we can be up there in heaven with you once again! We all love you tons and are so proud of the way you served the Sheriffs Department! LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!

Ashley Clark
Family's friend and a BCSD Deputy's Daughter

September 12, 2006

Dick was one of my training officers when I first started in my career. He left a great impression on me and many others in the department.

Dick, you were a straight forward guy that would let you know if you did something wrong. You would sit down and have a beer and be a guy's best friend. In my mind you were the perfect cop. You could get along with the good guys and the bad guys. Too bad some asshole just wanted to kill a cop.

All I can say is, "Ride on Dick, Ride on."

Deputy Craig Sauld
Bayfield Co. Sheriff's Dept.

March 23, 2006

May God bless you and your family. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten by your entire police family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

September 10, 2005

Richard, You were a great Police officer I did not know you that well we had met and your personality was great. Many members of my family knew you very well. You will never be forgoten When the BCSD lost you they lost a lot. Rest easy>>>

Dawayne M Lampson
Fox Valley Technical College Criminal Justice student

April 13, 2004

Dick, we enjoyed ourselves for years on the Menomonee Falls P.D.. You were missed when you left. Myself and a Bayfield County Deputy escorted your wife to the National Police Memorial in Wash. D.C. when your name was enshrined on the wall. Rest easy my friend, your laughter is missed.

Sgt. Danny O'Toole (ret)
Menomonee Falls Police

April 9, 2004

Rest good my friend, others are now watching your back. May God be with you and you're loved ones, now and forever.

Training Officer
Hennepin County Security

March 26, 2004

I started my career with Bayfield County, I knew Richard, he was a tough soul who enjoyed his life and his job. I returned to Bayfield County for Richard's memorial service and stood silent with his brothers and sisters in uniform as a true hero continued his journey. " Less We Forget ".

Deputy Wm Mertig
Forest County Sheriff's Dept.

December 8, 2003