Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember you as a carefree little boy with a devoted Mother and Sister who had big dreams for you. You surpassed everyone’s expectations when you became a police officer at such a young age. Thank you, Ricky, for your service. You were a great kid and even better man.

Cathy Martindale
Friend

December 6, 2023

Cpl. Barreda,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 14, 2022

Although the day that you took your last breath is approaching this month, I am fully aware that that day has been every day for the past 23 years. And I also have accepted that it will be that way until I see you again. I will be able to hug you and never let you go again. That is a promise that because of my faith in the Lord above, I can find comfort and peace Ricky.
I'm thankful for the family's continued remembrance of you and your life son. My friends have been there every step of the way and often surprise me with a gift that has your picture or something like that. It fills my soul with so much love...
Can't say enough for DFW Airport DPS family. They stay faithful and are such good friends to your mama. :) They come to my Christmas party even though I know they could be celebrating the holidays somewhere else, as our parties are boring ha ha. But they still come regardless of the weather, or any other plans they might have planned... They bring so much joy to my heart...
The department has changed by way of new faces, and so many retirements, but their brother is not forgotten. Jackie is still there and so is Lonnie and Shipp, oh and Potter...he is working K9 now. But you know that...I am grateful to Cinquimani for his total respect and kindness.
We will have your EOW brief ceremony at the bridge, and then we will go to Arlington cemetery. They have held their promise to honor and remember, they have not failed you.
Although this month brings so much emotional strain, so much of the sadness that goes along with it, I find comfort in the faces of the department's respect to our family. I have always loved that. I know some family survivors do not have that after their officer has died in the line of duty. I cherish it always.
Thank you for the little signs you still make known when it's hard to go on sometimes, I keep alert to that and it brings a smile when tears are flowing. I know you know, and I know you love me.
Preston is so much a part of our world now and he reminds me of you in very special ways. I always give him an extra hug and hold him close for you.
Love you Ricky.

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mom

February 1, 2020

Hi mijo. Been thinking of the Dallas motor officer that was just killed. I was asked yesterday how I can get through it all. I don't answer. I just continue to pray. I pray for that family, for that department and I also pray for those other families that like me, are without a son or daughter today.
The waves still come crashing in without warning. Days when my spirit is extra low, it's like a message travels just far enough for my phone to signal that someone on the other end wants to face time his Mimi. I hear your grandson, Preston's tiny voice saying "Hi "Mimi" and the smiles are present.
I've been reading some of these reflections. I hope they realize how much they warm my heart with their beautiful words for you.
I will always cherish what stories they relay, what memories they recall, the scriptures, their commitment to never forget you once walked here, laughed, and you were their friend. My deviation, my solace has been starting POAF and devoting all my time and effort to this organization founded in your memory. I'm proud that folks recognize the need to help these men and women that are still here with us and they need us to help them get back to the profession and to provide for their precious families.
The airport once again had a very memorable day this year on the anniversary. I love all of them and they are ever so kind and respectful Ricky. Jackie, always steadfast. Bless her. . So thankful for so many and so much. Dadgummit though, still having trouble with that license plate message...hint would be good...

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mom

July 25, 2018

RICK,
I KNOW AT TIMES YOU PROBABLY HAVE HAD OF HEARD THE SONG AND SEEN THE MOVIE "THE LOVE STORY". IT START; " WHERE DO I BEGIN TO TELL A STORY" OF...YOUR LOVE STORY IS LOVE , IT'S YOU RICKY , ITS WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS MADE AND NOW HAS. I KNEW YOU WHEN YOU WERE JUST A YOUNG BOY , YOUR SISTER AND MOTHER , &ALL YOUR FAMILY. WE GREW UP , DID THE HOLY SPIRITS WORK IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS ; WE WENT OUR DIFFERENT WAYS AND SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED. I WAS SADDEN BY YOUR TRAGIC LOSS WHILE I WAS SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY DEPLOYING TO MIDDLE EAST ; TO THIS DATE I WANTED TO PAY MY RESPECTS; WHAT AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN OF YOU; WE WERE SO CLOSE BUT SO FAR APART.NOW I KNOW WHERE YOUR AT. I ALSO WORKED AT DFW AIRPORT AND NOW ALL IS COMING TOGETHER.RICKY; THANK YOU FOR SACRAFICE , LOVE ;I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. MISSED YOU! YOUR A LOVE STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE TOLD. WHAT AN HONOR!

FIRST SERGEANT NOE MALDONADO ; U.S.ARMY
FAMILY

February 17, 2018

Ricky, the year is about to come to a end again. Tonight I was thinking about you. Wanted to let you know. You still in my heart. I miss you bud. Hopefully I get to see you again in about 40 years. Take care. We'll talk later.
steven

Steven
Friend

December 11, 2017

Me and my wife live south of the DFW airport and drive every weekday morning through the south entrance. We have noticed the plaque and wreath that has been set out this past year or so. We have always wondered what it had been set out for. Today, we decided to find out and stopped by this weekend. Braving the oncoming traffic we parked as far to the left side of the service road as possible and I rushed out to read the plaque. I then looked up this memorial online.

Thank you Richard, godspeed and only the best in your next life.

Front Line Manager Paul Cotti
Federal Aviation Administration

March 18, 2017

Always remembered.

Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department

February 14, 2017

February 14th - What are my thoughts? Today is a gift from the one above that has held us together since you left that day. I am no longer bitter, mad, or stuck in grieving. Instead I chose peace and remembrance. I embrace the energy and love that your family in blue do for us and I smile.
The 20 year anniversary is coming up. SMH Can't quite grasp that right now. But you know what, they are coming, they are planning, they are calling, and they are remembering and Ricky, I feel so grateful for what they do for you on this day, February 14th. For 20 years those motor officers make that trip to not just the bridge, but all the way to Moore Funeral Home in Arlington. My emotions run so deep and although the pain remains there, I know that you are proud of them and I thank them for you son.
Your grandson, Preston is such a life of love. He is bringing so much JOY to our family.
Hope you like the special coin and shirt for this 20th Anniversary! Love you mijo. Mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mother

February 3, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 8, 2016

Thank you for your service Corporal Barreda! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and department!

PO Cindy Miller

February 15, 2016

Rick,

David McCurdy and I were the paramedics who cared for you at the motorcycle accident. I think of you often but especially on Valentine's Day. I will tell you that you were prayed for right there at the scene. We mkiss you so much. I knows I will see you again someday soon.

Corporal (retired) Richard Adams
DFW DPS

February 15, 2016

Probably the saddest and most difficult day of my career but his love of the job and his infectious smile helped me through the tragedy and reminded me that Rick was doing exactly what he wanted to do. My prayer is that the Barreda family has found peace.

Director Alvy Dodson (Ret)
DFW Airport DPS

May 21, 2014

There will never be enough words to express my sorrow over leaving this earth. You are missed.

Annonymous Friend
Friend

October 9, 2013

Corporal Barreda,

I am a brand new rookie here at the department. Stories of you intrigue me. I read everything Ms Jackie and your Mom send out. I enjoyed the pictures very much. I looked at each one and tried to write a story for it - full of family, smiles and joy.

You are very loved here. I am sorry I never met you. Every time I drive by your memorial on the service road, I place my hand over my heart and say a prayer for you. It's a great family here, one I'm honored to join, and I want you to know that a big part of that is the fondness with which you are spoken of. Your memory lives on.

Rest, Corporal.

With much respect.

Anon
DFW DPS

May 9, 2013

Your daughter is getting married soon! I'm always amazed at her Ricky. She is so beautiful and has such a great outlook on everything. The wedding plans have brought Cheyenne, Cissy, Kami, and so many of us closer together as we plan and prepare for her special day. I have no doubt that you will be there. Your spirit is something that I feel and know you are always there for all of us. The peace that has been felt this time is really a comfort to me and I know you would want it be just the way we are continuing. Love never dies. I thank the Lord this peace and I give Him thanks for all the gifts He gives us daily. Love you, Mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mom

April 22, 2013

My prayers are always with you Maria, Ricky and your family. May Ricky continue to rest in peace.

I miss you and would love to hear from you.

Irma Gonzalez

Irma L Gonzalez
Friend of the family

April 12, 2013

Hey there mijo~
There are so many changes and things going on with DFW now. I feel bad that I did not reach out before and maybe could have had some extra good memories prior to now, but at least I found my way back to your family at DFW.

Your May 9th Memorial was so much more than I anticipated Ricky. My heart burst at the great job they did with the program. I surprised myself when the tears sprang from my eyes when Jackie handed it to me.

So many people there at the reception prior to the presentations. I knew David, Angie, Corey, and Pat would make it! Your old friends from junior high school and high school have not forgotten you. Sweet.

I know it’s very difficult for Kyle. I wish Larry could have made it, but I understand.

Floyd did a good job with the song, didn't he? So many special moments that day for me and your brother and sister and of course your Brittnee and Kami. The butterfly release was just beyond words. Thanks for pausing that butterfly on Kami's foot. Believe it or not, I was cognizant of the meaning to that small gift from you. You paused to say hello to your good friend Dusty too. He welcomed that.

Dusty was so sad when he saw your truck. Fil and I had not thought about it, but Dusty loved you so much, like a son...
Tyler Bond is still there, and Lonnie, they come through for me as always, and of course Jackie.
Don't know what I'm going to do when they retire. I guess the beauty of it is the fact that those like Nathan Dera, Michael Schreacke, Cody Harris, and others will not allow you to be forgotten.

Like they say, to be forgotten is like you died twice.

It’s tough to say all this, but feel I must have some positive light also. They all work so hard at it.

Jay recognized Nicole over the holidays and it made her feel so good that he ran over and said hello. :) So proud of her.

So what do you think of your little Punkle Boy getting engaged? I could write a book on that topic. Ha! Love Tim and how he takes care of her.


See you in my dreams tonight!

Mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mom

February 5, 2013

I will never be able to walk into a DPS Station or look at a motorjock without thinking about Rick. Not only that he was a great swat cop!

TH
DFW/DPS

December 17, 2012

Just thinking of you and your family today. See you on the other side bro.

MP

December 12, 2012

Valentine's Day has a meaning for me of true love - when a person like Ricky will give his life for others - TRUE LOVE. Seldom does a day pass that I don't think of Rick. He blessed me in his passing with the truest of friendships with his Mom and family. God bless you my friend.

Jackie
DFW DPS

February 14, 2012

Hard to believe it's been 15 years since we lost you, Rick. You are still sorely missed by those who worked with you. I still miss him as well. He was dedicated to his work and to his family, and a great work partner too. On this day, we honor you.

Randal Rhodes, Capt
DFW Airport Dept of Public Safety

February 14, 2012

Remembering Rick today with honor and reverence on this fifteenth anniversary day. Thanks to your family and friends for leaving such loving reflections as it allows others to learn what an amazing man you were. I am sure you would be proud of all the hard work your family does on behalf of COPS. I share your parents' anguish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 14, 2012

Thank you, Ricky, for all you did to make the world's citizens feel safe as you patrolled the DFW International Airport each day. There is no way I would have ever met you but, through our unfortunate circumstances, I've met your mom and we have bonded as moms who know the pain and heartache of losing a child in the line of duty. She is an awesome lady and is giving so much back to other survivors who are walking in our footsteps. Neither of us had ever heard of C.O.P.S. until we lost you and Barry but God knew that we would need a focus in life when He took you both home so He led us in the right direction. Rest in peace, Ricky. Your bravery, your commitment and your dedication to the great State of Texas will never be forgotten.

Jean Hill
Surviving Mom
Harris County (TX) Deputy Sheriff Barry Hill
EOW 12/4/2000

February 14, 2012

Ricky, as you fly with the angels we are remembering you!

I can still see you running down the football field at Carter as you mom was running the side lines. You have been her shining star for as long as I have known her. I know you are very proud of her and all she is doing in your memory. COPS have been a blessing to her and the friendships she has formed helps her through some tough days. I know you are watching over her and giving her strength. While you are at it, watch over Robert and Greg. I am proud to say I knew you,
and thank you for your bravery and dedication. God has a very special corporal in his Kingdom of Heaven.

Mary
friend

February 10, 2012