Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew you as a partner to my father. Someone who would always look over me at the movies on your off-duty job. I always looked up to you and Randy as uncles. May you rest-in-peace.

Deputy Rick Burton Jr.
HCSO and Friend

November 1, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

That was a horrible day, I will never forget it. I was was one of the Motor Officers at the service for you & Randy.
And I'm not ashamed to admit we all made that escort in tears.
The things your freinds said about you guys said it all.
I was a police officer for 10 years at the time and think of that day often.
God bless you & your familys.

Sgt. Phil DeNiro
Sarasota Police Dept.

October 1, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family and friends.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

September 20, 2007

It is customary that the probationary employees are in the Roll Call Room before the veteranos. Today, as they waited, In Your Memory, I showed them the videotape regarding that tragic day back in 1998. Not a single officer had ever seen/heard of the videotape.

Every cop (especially detention/jail personnel), should be required to see how an arrestee had a handcuff key hidden around his neck...

Your Memory lives on. May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 24, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Detective Childers on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 19, 2007

I was in the academy when this happened and remember this incident quite well unfortunately. As is the case with any tragic loss in our law enforcement family, we used it as a training source to help us stay alive out there always. This was a devastating loss, as is every "In the line of duty death," and these three officers will never be forgotten for being the true heroes they are. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 19, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

August 1, 2006

I can't believe it's been 8 years since you and Randy were taken. I don't think a day goes by I don't think of the impact you had on my career. My first Homicide on the Courtney Campbell, I only had a few months on and I was extremely nervous and alittle scared to be honest. I just kept thinking, "don't make any mistakes." You came on scene and put me at ease with your soft voice and vast knowledge. You walked me through the whole scene making sure I knew what to do and how to do it. You made me a better Police Officer and I am very proud to have known you. I cried today as I did that day because your memory will always be with me, and my life changed forever on this day in 98. Rest in peace brother, you will never be forgotten.

MPO P. Madsen
Tampa Police

May 19, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

March 7, 2006

In the mid-1990s I was a prosecutor in the Bronx, New York. Detective Childers spent two days visiting with me while investigating a case of someone we arrested. He was investigating that person for a shooting in Tampa. I often think of the professionalism and charm that Det. Childers displayed. He was a great investigator and a great person to spend time with. His character and deeds live on with me and the many others who got to know him.

Mark Schein

February 14, 2006

I started my career on 02-23-98. I am sorry to say that three months later I was attending my first LEO funeral. I wish I could say that it was my last. Unfortunately I can't remember all the names of the fallen that I've seen since then. Mind you, I've only been doing this for seven years. Sad, isn't it?
I do, however, remember ya'lls funeral service. It has forever been burned in my brain. We miss you. The bagpipes sing our song. I will meet you in Heaven (if I'm judged worthy). God Bless you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff Luke Rehwoldt
Osceola County Sheriff's Office, Florida

May 14, 2005

It's been many years my friend but I occasionally look back on my years at TPD. I never got a chance to tell you how much better I felt when I would call for a back up and I'd see you climb out of the car. Make no doubt about it, you were a cop's cop. You're missed brother...................t

TPD
Former Tampa PD

March 4, 2005

Your 'case' is now on television in the netherlands, at national geographic. I'm touched by the thing that happened to you, so i really needed to say you are a true hero. Rest in peace!

Paul van den Assum
The Netherlands

February 6, 2005

Chili, you and Randy will never be forgotten. May you rest at the end of your shift on the streets of heaven forever.

Sergeant James Preston
Tampa Police (Retired)

January 2, 2005

I met Ricky Childers and Randy Bell in 1995 as a local cop preparing to testify in my first homicide grand jury. I was so nervous, not knowing what to expect, what would be asked of me and if I would be prepared. Ricky and Randy sat me down and went thru their cases with me and showed me so much. They were strangers and veteran cops but they took me under their wings as if I was a long time friend. They treated me as an equal and I will always remember the cool calmness that they displayed. They were true professionals and the world is a lesser place without them.

Rest in Peace

December 7, 2004

On angels ...
"The wings ain't anything but a uniform, that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them." - Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Ricky,
You're not forgotten ...
May 19, 2004

May 19, 2004

THANK YOU...........................

carl
public

December 19, 2003

NOT GONE, JUST GONE ON... REST IN PEACE BROTHER!

Anonymous

It has now been three years but seems like it was only yesterday. We have not forgotten you and still continue to make sure that your name will always be remembered.

Renee' Lee Greco

It's been two years now, my friend, since you were taken away. You left behind so much and helped so many people.

Your Department continues to embrace the legacy you left behind. You may not be here but we will always continue your good work and be with us in spirit.

We miss you and have not forgotten. There are so many tears..

John 15:13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

renee' lee greco
Friend

plant city lost a good friend the day hank earl carr took him and 2 others from us. you will always be remembered and remembered for all the good you have done. i remember growing up in plant city where we all use to hang out at the mall you and randy were always there. you will be missed for your smile and your corkey attitude.although i have not seen you in years i never forgot you as noone else whose ever been around you would. thanks for all your hard work and thanks for being a friend to many.

Anonymous

1998 was a year that 3 beautiful people were taken from us. det. childers, det. bell, & the trooper who all cared about helping people died doing the thing that they like to do best.

we have 3 angels in heaven now, along with the other countless number of officers who have died in the line of duty.

make sure that we all thank the ones who are still with us.

Renee Lee-Greco
Saint Petersburg, Florida

Three officers down

put your knee to the ground.

Three officers down

while we worked safe and sound.

Three officers down

no one makes a sound.

Three officers down

three families tears soak the ground.

Three officers down

put your knee down

In a final salute to the heros'.

Three officers down

may they sleep safe and sound

as their bodies are given now

to this hallowed ground.

Their spirits comfort now

the youngest victim of a grieving town.

Kevin McGregor
Hudson, FL

You will not be forgotten. Heros are always remembered and you are one. Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department