Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Hillard,
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 Rowan County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 17, 2024

I work at the jail where you once did I'm not a deputy or a c/o I work in the kitchen...I love hearing stories about you from the capain and the lieutenants that knew you and worked along side you and I smile everyday because growing up you were an influential part of my life, you weren't only my uncle but a second father to me and a hero. I miss you everyday but I know you are looking down on us and watching over us, love you uncle rick...it's been 16 years now...not a day goes by I don't think about ya and our family hasn't been same....

neice
detention cook at rowan county sheriff's department

March 21, 2015

My dear friend and brother Rick Hilliard.
On 10-17-99 I lost a great friend and fellow brother when he wrecked his squad while chasing a motorcycle. Rick was the kind of friend that everybody hopes and prays they find in life. We shared many laughs at Rowan County Sheriff's Office. Rick was the kind of Deputy that could calm even the most hard headed and stubborn arrestee's. Once Rick arrived, he would start talking and joking with the person and before you knew it they would be laughing while Rick was putting him in the back seat of the squad cuffed up. While you are gone physically my brother, you will never be gone from my mind and spirit. You will never be forgotten. I have made my profile picture on Facebook you an placed a memorial to you on it as well. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

Patrolman, Joe Berry.
Friend, Co-worker

October 17, 2013

It's been 13 years ago today since you had to leave us. We still love and miss you so

Michele
wife

October 17, 2012

We miss and love you dearly uncle Rick . we think about you daily and remember what a wonder fun and loving person u were.

jenn
neice

July 26, 2012

Today would have been our 30th wedding anniversary. Oh what might have been...Still love and miss you so much, even after all this time.

Anonymous

April 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while servinge a as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 17, 2009

Rick,
You were a character and I always enjoyed working with you in the jail. I was glad to hear you was parolled from there, but sad your ending was this. I pray for your family as I know you were a great man and are in a great place. I will never forget you. Rest in peace..your watch is over.

Officer J.D. Berry
Grantfork PD, Grantfork IL

June 24, 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

December 27, 2007

DEPUTY HILLARD, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 17, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

Rick, it's been 7 years now since you left. No one has forgotten you. Thank you for your dedication and service.

PO2 R. J. Johnson
Salisbury Police Department

October 22, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

February 26, 2006

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept...Clarksville, Tennessee

February 21, 2006

Our brother and brother-in-law was killed chasing a stolen motorcycle earlier several months ago. God bless you and your family. These heroes should never be forgotten.

Shawn and Michelle Rogers
Sgt. Jonathan Dragus EOW 10/20/05

Shawn Rogers

January 15, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Richard Hillard and his fellow officers with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, and most especially to Deputy Hillard:

Today it has been six years since your tragic death in the line of duty. Deputy Hillard, your valor and dedication are not forgotten.

I hope that his family is still embraced by the care and comfort of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Hillard gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 17, 1999.

October 17, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

Teddy Bear ...

You're not forgotten ...

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
-Jean Paul Richter

October 17, 2003

Anonymous

October 17, 2003

Rick,

As the 4th anniversary of your death approaches, I couldn't help remembering the 8 years we worked together on the Salisbury Police Department. Rick, I have so many good memories of you, and the way you really cared for the down & out. You had a gruff exterior, but your heart was of gold, & one of the biggest I've ever known. I also admired your devotion to your family. I've prayed that the Lord would take care of them for you while you're gone.

Thank you, Rick, for your sacrifice. We won't ever forget.

Deputy J.M. Valencourt
St. Louis Co. Sheriff's Dept., MN

September 20, 2003

Rick,

As the 4th anniversary of your death approaches, I couldn't help remembering the 8 years we worked together on the Salisbury Police Department. Rick, I have so many good memories of you, and the way you really cared for the down & out. You had a gruff exterior, but your heart was of gold, & one of the biggest I've ever known. I also admired your devotion to your family. I've prayed that the Lord would take care of them for you while you're gone.

Thank you, Rick, for your sacrifice. We won't ever forget.

Deputy J.M. Valencourt
St. Louis Co. Sheriff's Dept., MN

September 20, 2003

To my big bro',

You were always there when things got rough. Always there with the right word of advice to a young supervisor trying to run a jail and a motley crew of associates. We usually left together at the end of a shift, and you were the last person to talk to me and wish me well when I left the agency. Above all, you could make anyone laugh, especially when they needed it. You are sorely missed.

Patrolman J.L. Baucom
Concord Police Department

September 6, 2003

Our hearts go out to the family and coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Richard Hillard. You can be very proud od him for his service to his community and his fellow man. May God bless you and guide you through this most difficult of times. May the memory of your service and sacrifice remain forever.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

Rick was one of the finest men you could meet. He was devoted to his family and friends. When I first joined The Salisbury Police Department Rick took me under his wing and taught me much about law enforcement. Now Rick is under the best wings of all, the wings of Angels.

"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called childred of God"


Chuck Howard

Chuck Howard
Rowan County & Salisbury City