Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey cousin, It's been 25 years. I apologize for not saying anything until now. Although you and Lori were older than me, it seemed that we always had a connection. I'll never forget the stories you told me. ( true or not true). Knowing some of the people that I know now, I tend to lean more toward the true part. Growing up Lori always told me that I got the s***ty end of the lollipop. You would always agree with her. Lol, how true that was. I always tell stories about you and being an officer who became a sergeant. I even tell the story of your departure. How heroic you were. I am proud to call you my cousin. Thank you for all the great conversations and always being there for your family. The fair grounds aren't there anymore, but your name is. R.I.P Cousin. For all you officers out there, thank you all for your sacrifice each and every day to keep us safe. Myself as well as just about everyone I know, we all have your 6. #backtheblue. Sincerely, Your cousin.

Shawn McDowell
Cousin

July 21, 2023

Sgt. Asten,
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 Kansas City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 11, 2023

Rest in peace Sergeant Asten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2020

Rick was known as Rich or Rick in college. I was drafted and afterwards was working in Catskill New York and we talked on the phone he invited me to Westerly Rhode Island. It took forever to get there but he was very welcoming and we talked about sailing and growing up there. I came back to Emporia Kansas to finish college and Rick and I hung around the same group of friends again. He was friendly sincere and liked to laugh. His probably closest friend I believe saved my life one time when Rich and I were going to get into a fight. I had no idea how dangerous a situation I was in. I went to his wedding and saw him infrequently over the ensuing years. When he was going through his divorce and when he had traumatic experiences on the job, he would come to Emporia and we would drink and listen to music and talk. I gave him a Van Morrison CD that he liked. One time we went target shooting and he gave me a pistol to shoot that had a weird trigger set up on it. An accident was barely avoided. He came with his daughters to see me a time or two when they were passing through Emporia, they were very nice and you could tell they all loved each other. I remember when he made sergeant he was very happy about it. I met his second wife briefly and you could tell they made each other happy. I was always struck by how strong Astin was emotionally. He was a good influence on me and I was proud to introduce him to my children. He was very strong physically too. We used to kid around physically and he would pull some police moves and they really worked...the next day I would have many bruises. He wasn't malicious just very strong. He had a literary sense about him and I think he may have enjoyed the dramatic part of being a policeman. I always trusted him and was proud to know him and will never forget him. One of his old friends and I went to his funeral and we were happy to see so many people thought so much of him too. I pray for him and all those who are diminished by his passing especially his daughters and family.

Tim Crosby
Friend

March 16, 2019

I still remember you, Rick! You are NEVER forgotten. I will do my best to live up to what we talked about, your advice is well remembered. I would love to meet your family and let them know I am REAL. I met your wife in 1996 at the Evergreen restaurant. I had the long hair back then!!! I'll do my best to live up to the promise this page is about. I still remember "Rainbow Bright" sir! Love you so much, J...

None John Miles
Personal

April 1, 2018

Hey, Richard! I used to work at the Seven Eleven at 2500 Central Avenue. You are - and I mean ARE! - A ROCK STAR FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS EVERYWHERE! I had long hair, looked like a pot-headed hippie (NEVER did illegal drugs) and YOU showed me RESPECT. Just a guy into hair bands in those days, and YOU made a difference in my life. I kept my nose clean, never DID DRUGS AND always RESPECTED OTHER PEOPLE. You SHOWED ME, BY YOUR ACTIONS that law enforcement officers are outstanding, just-minded and are human. ALWAYS a perfect officer! I know you loved my S&W model 686, with the laser site and I deeply wish I could give it to you now, but you are playing WAY better than me! Love you bunches, my brother. I'll see you again, soon.

John Miles
Friend

September 20, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Asten. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

In a few days it will be 15 years since you were taken from us. So many times I pray that I make you proud of me. You now have a wonderful little grandson who carries your middle name in your honor. I feel you with me everyday but it is not the same. I wish my kids would have gotten to know you and be spoiled rotten which you have done with your whole heart. I love you daddy and that will never change.

Stacy Asten-McGee
daughter

June 6, 2013

Still think about you and of coarse miss you. I often laugh when I remember the night just before the 4th of July back in 1991 when you shot Roman candles at my police car. I know someday we will see you again. God bless.

Detective Shane Carpenter
Kansas City Kansas Police Department

April 12, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

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

June 11, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 11, 2012

Sgt Asten, you are remembered by the men and women of the Boston Police department for your dedication to the people of Kansas City. RIP

Detective Michael Kane
Boston Police Department

May 12, 2012

It has been over 12 years now and the pain of your passing has yet to ease. Although I feel you with me in everything I do. You would be so proud of Alli she has a big heart just like you did. She always asks about her Pappy Asten. You will never be far from our thoughts and prayers. I love you daddy.

Stacy Asten-Ross
Daughter

December 26, 2010

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 18, 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

January 17, 2008

Rick, I remember you as a good humored, friendly, guy who was always ready to be fair with people we came into contact with on the streets. I remember, also, how upset you were when Jeff Young died. Little did we know then, brother, that someday it would be you.
I will always remember you, Rick, and will miss you.
Until we meet in Paradise earth, rest in peace...

Steve Brandon
Ex-policeman/coworker

July 6, 2007

I thank you for your service to your community. Though I did not know you, I went to school with your girls. Stace and Elizabeth were pretty decent kids back then, and I'm sure they are great women today.

First Sergeant Chris Ross
Kansas Department of Corrections

September 5, 2006

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

June 11, 2006

Recently looked at the memorial. The local COPS Chapter is having a 5K Run in August and survivors of Sgt. Asten reside in Delaware. We are putting his name on our commemorative shirts. Have not had the occasion to meet the family survivors but I do peridically send mail their way. Best wishes.

Captain Rick Pulling

June 17, 2005

I rode in a midnights patrol district adjoining Rick's when we were rookies. He was a good and courageous partner. The bad, sad and dangerous calls seem to run together but I can't help remembering this good time. Rick made a burglar alarm call on a grocery store and called for backup after seeing burglars inside the store. I hurried to the call and found him there laughing. He had just discovered he had seen his own reflection in the store windows and mistook the movement for someone inside the store. We called everyone else off, promised to keep it quiet, and could hardly drive our cars off because we were laughing so hard. I don't think he minds letting the story out after all these years.

The night before he died, I happened to be working late, and Rick, who I hadn't seen for months, walked by the office. I almost avoided a conversation because of a deadline, but knew his conversation would be a nice break. We didn't talk of work, but talked of music and books, two of his great loves. As always, he passed to me great ideas and knowledge. Driving to work the next morning, I heard that Rick had been killed. Then, and every time I drive on the street in our city named in his honor, I think how lucky I am to be able to have had one more conversation with Rick. (If the angels didn't sing any Van Morrison tunes before, they will now.)

CPT Michael Webb
KCKPD

January 29, 2005

Rick, you could be counted on in the clutch and you were a genuinely friendly man. I enjoyed your good company. I sincerely hope we never have cause to revisit such sadness as we had that day when we lost you.

CPT Randy Eskina
Kansas City, KS. P.D.

December 9, 2004

During Rick's funeral his mom flew in from the east coast.  She saw a local newspaper article about his death.  In the title were the words that he "Was a cop's cop".  She asked me what this meant.  I told her this.  A cop's cop is one of the highest compliments that officer could ever get.  It indicates that this officer will be there for you, fight with you and support you.  He was well liked and respected by his peers.  He has earned that title of "A cop's cop".

Chris Hopkins
KCKPD

Everyone says my dad was a HERO but in my eyes he was doing what he loved to do.  On June 11, 1998 I was actually driving to work when he was killed.  I found out at work that the man who I called daddy had been killed.  I will never get to see his smiling face, or see him try to play the tough cop even though you see the tears ready to fall.  My dad loved my sister and I more than anything.  He was always one to support us no matter what we did.  He may be gone but his legacy lives on in the people he touched.  My daughter will never get to know him, but I hope I can follow in his foot steps with raising my daughter and be a credit to a man who was lost in his prime.  thank you daddy for always believing in me.  God Rest Your Soul.  I LOVE YOU.  -stacy, charles, baby alli

Stacy Asten-Ross

Dad,

I love you very much. You Will always be in my heart. I miss you more and more everyday. Everyone called you a hero, but I was lucky enough to call you dad. I will never forget you and the moments we shared. I love you dad!

Elizabeth Asten
Sgt. Asten's Daughter