Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Riches your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 9, 2008

Brad,
I miss you and have not forgotten you, you were my partner for alot of years and a friend to me and my family. I remember the good times we had and I will always honor your memory.

Deputy Albert Macias
Orange County Sheriff and best friend

January 15, 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

September 20, 2007

I GREW UP IN MISSION VIEJO AND I REMEMBER YOUR STORY, I NOW WORK IN ARIZONA AND I ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, WHEN I PULL IN TO GET COFFEE OR JUST GET COUGHT UP ON REPORTS. I HAVE LOST SOME FRIENDS SO I VISIT THIS SITE OFTEN EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER MET I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
DEPUTY R. BRADY LPCSO ARIZONA

DEPUTY R. BRADY
LA PAZ COUNTY S.O.

June 23, 2007

God knows - I have been to far more than my share of cop funerals and I have investigated/researched some tear - jerking cop murders for the State of California.

Folks at work as well as at my favorite Orange County(OC) watering holes, stay clear of me when a Southern California cop is murdered. They all piss me off, but Your murder really stood out for me, because of all "The OC Dawgs" who I hang out with.

May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 12, 2007

On your anniversary I just wanted to say you will never be forgotten. Thanks for making the world a safer place.

J. Lambert
Security

June 12, 2007

G-d Bless, may you rest in peace.

June 12, 2007

God bless you and your family, friends and co-workers.

March 5, 2007

Brad, I worked with you in the jail for many years. Today 1-14-07, I sat at home watching my children play outside. I got a lump in my throat thinking about that day. I miss you and thanks for all the great times.

Deputy, Tom
OCSD, Friend

January 15, 2007

i typed in Bradley J Riches into google, as it is my husbands name, and this is what it found. We are from Australia and we are very sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to all Bradleys family and friends.

August 16, 2006

Brad,

Today I stood in formation with my current agency to pay tribute to those officer's who lost their lives in the line of duty. But as I raised my right hand up for a "hand salute", I wanted you to know that I thought about you and the rest of my OCSD family. I know you are looking down and watching over the rest of us.

Officer Eric Starna
OCSD Academy Class #145

Eric Starna
Oxnard Police Department

May 17, 2006

I grew up just a few blocks away from that 7-11 store. I never knew you, but each time I pass by, I pray for your family and co-workers. Your service, dedication, and bravery will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. I thank you and the rest of the OCSD for keeping Orange County safe.

Sergeant J. Quinones
Los Angeles Police Department

September 20, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Brad Riches, I just wanted all of you to know that Brad will never be forgotten. I was an Orange County Deputy at the time Brad was killed. Although I had not known Brad personally, I think of him as Brother, a brother I will never forget. God Bless you. I know Brad is watching over us.

Officer Corvoisier
Montgomery County PD

August 18, 2005

06/06/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Deputy Riches.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 6, 2004

All of us that knew Brad, felt comfortable around him. He had always had so much love and patients. I knew him at El Modena High School in the marching band. We played baritone together. It was no surprise to me that he became a Protector for us. That role fit Brad perfectly.

If the person that took Brad, knew Brad, Brad would still be with us in body. His presence and gift of keeping us safe, will always be.

Citizen Dave McMurray

March 30, 2004

Rest easy blue angel, you are not forgotten.

Anonymous

October 17, 2003

Brad,

It has almost been a year since you left us.  We still think about you and all the good you did.  We know you are praying for us and we will always remember your kindness.

Your brothers and sisters at OCSD

Anonymous

Brad,

You are truly a hero, not only in the eyes of your peers but in the eye's of your community. Driving in your precession it brought tears to my eyes to see the children lined along the road with flags in their hands and snapping a sharp salute as you and your brothers passes.
You are missed beyond words, however your legacy lives on in the people's hearts you have touched in Lake Forest and Orange County. Guard those Pearly Gates for we are en route to join you , our brother.

10-7

Anonymous

You served us well. Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

To Officer Riches and his family,
I just read that his killer was found guilty and may face the death penalty. I believe justice has been served and the rest will be in the hands of God.
To the widow of Officer Riches and his little boy,
Please know that words cannot express how truly sorry I am.
My thoughts and prayer are with you always. Please continue to be strong for your son. Your husband will ALWAYS be by your side and will continue to live through the life of your son.
May God Bless Officer Riches and may he rest in peace.

WIFE OF LAPD DETECTIVE
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPT.