Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Rick,
I can't believed that it has been six years already. Lord knows it seems like it was just yesterday. The family and I think about you all the time. I just wanted too let you know that we miss you. It has truly been a blessing too have had you in our lives. From the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you. We Love You and Miss You.

SGT Steven Leon Kinchen
Ft Belvoir Police Dept, VA

August 19, 2006

To Deputy Ricky Leon Kinchen and his loved ones:

On this the sixth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.


Deputy Kinchen, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Kinchen. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Deputy Kinchen gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 17, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 17, 2006

ricky kinchen you were my mother's brother and my uncle your life will always be remember i will never forget the hug i gave you before you left me and how you told me to obey my mother come now my humble servant the war has been fought now have eternal rest. I love you dearly

tiffany morris
tift county police department

March 14, 2006

The following is a letter sent to Chicago City Councilwoman Madeline Haithcock who has sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers.

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King County, in Seattle Washington just announced today that they will adorn all county seals, flags, papers, patches and badges with the image of Martin Luther King... I personally am proud to wear the image of my childhood "HERO" on my uniform and badge.

I am however shocked and appauled that you sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers. Members of the radical group were responsbible for the murders of 5 law enforcement officers, including 2 Chicago officers during his chairmanship.

I can think of the families of the murdered officers (Frank Rappaport ~ John Gilhooly ~ Glenn Smith ~ Kenneth Patrick ~ Ricky Kinchen), and how horrified they might feel to see this supposed honor. Please think of "all" involved before moving on with this idea.

Glenn McGloughlin

Officer Glenn R. McGloughlin
King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention

February 28, 2006

a councilwoman in Chicago is trying to help get a street named after the chairman of the Black Panthers we who are involved in LE in some form or fashion are going to fight that with everything we got. You are not forgotten and you are missed daily. God Bless You and your family.

S.Bullock

February 28, 2006

Rest easy Brother Ricky we remember you, your courage and your sacrifice. Though your death was tragic your life shines as an example to us all. Rest now faithful brother you have earned it.

February 28, 2006

I can't believe it's been 5 years since Deputy Sheriff Ricky Kinchen was taken from us. Although I never knew him personally, my heart still aches for the Deputy Sheriff's family and friends-but especially his wife and children. I cherish my husband and children so dearly, and wish there was something I could do to help ease the loss, but I know only God can reach the deepest parts of us... so, I just want to let the Kinchen family know--someone loves you and is still praying for you, but God loves you most of all!

Michelle Bishop

September 28, 2005

In 1998, I was involved in a serious car accident on my way home from work. I was still in uniform. Ricky was the first one to come to the emergency room. After he came in and saw me, he went to the waiting area and stayed with my wife and daughter untill the Doctors determined that I was out of harms way. That's the kind of guy Ricky was, always thinking of others.
I never got a chance to tell you how much I appreciated you Ricky but I think that you knew.
God bless you my brother, see you in Heaven!

Sgt. J. Hightower
College Park Police Department

June 17, 2005

On angels ...
"The wings ain't nothing 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

Pretty Ricky ...
It's five years today. You're not forgotten ...
March 17, 2005

March 17, 2005

Ricky you are not forgotten. We will always remember the sacrifice you made. God bless you and your family.

Shelley Bullock
Douglasville, GA 30134

February 27, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Kinchen. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

September 4, 2004

Dear Cousin,
I know that your in a better place now walking Gods heavenly streets. I just wanted to let you know that your fsmily misses you dearly and will never forget you or the deication you gave every day. I also want to thank all the loving family and friends for helping us though our time of grief.

Sergeant Michael Robinson
N.Y.C. Department of Homeless Services Police

July 26, 2004

My prayers to you and your family and Department!
You were commissioned to Protect and Serve and we know that you have been given another assignment by God. Continue Brother to watch over us and know that we appreciate you and forever continue to wish you and your family Godspeed!

PATROL OFFICER -MESHIA THOMAS
UTPD

April 3, 2004

RICHY KINCHEN, WAS NOT ONLY A FAMILY FRIEND BUT HE ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT HE CAME TO OUR FAMILY EVENTS.
ONE THING I CAN SAY ABOUT RICKY, IS HE WILL TRULY BE
MISSED. MY AUNT WHO IS A FORMER DEPUTY FOR FULTON
CO. STILL TALK ABOUT HIM AND HOW HE LOVED HIS JOB.


FAMILY FRIEND,

protective spec. keith d. best
marta

November 15, 2003

It seems like yesterday that pretty has been gone. I think I can speak for all of my co-workers when I say we miss him. I was able to ride with pretty Ricky on severial occacions, and they all were different. There is not a day pass that I don"t think of him. He is always on my arm. We love you and miss you Pretty Ricky. I look foward to seeing you again. Peace and Love Cuevas

Deputy C.B. Cost Sr.
Fulton County Sheriff Office

to the kinchen family,

my heart goes out to you my husband is a sgt. with fulton county sheriff office we both knew ricky very well we will always hold him dear in our hearts.

he is with god now i know but, it still doesnt;t make any easier i know i pray for my husband and all the others out there everyday my god be with you and keep you safe.

sheila thompson

WHEN I READ THIS REFLECTION MY HEART WAS DEEPLY SADDEN AND IT GOES OUT TO THE KINCHEN FAMILY AND THE FULTON CO GA. SHERIFF OFFICE.  IT HURTS TERRIBLY WHENEVER A FELLOW OFFICER IS KILLED. IT TAKES A PART OF ME ALSO.I FEEL LIKE I KNEW DEPUTY KINCHEN AS I READ THE OTHER REFLECTIONS, WITHOUT A DOUBT HE WAS A GOOD OFFICER AND ONE THAT WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.  TO THE FAMILY I WISH I COULD ANSWER THE QUESTION OF WHY PEOPLE COMMIT SUCH IN HUMANE CRIMES, OR WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE SUCH A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE? I CAN'T SO I PUT IT IN GODS HANDS AND I ASK HIM FOR GUIDENCE AND THE ABILITY TO COPE WITH IT.  DEPUTY KINCHEN IS IN GOD'S DEPARTMENT NOW AND NO HARM CAN COME TO HIM AGAIN. ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT HERE PHYSICALLY I KNOW THAT THE THE THOUGHTS OF HIM AND TIME SPENT WITH HIM WILL LAST A LIFETIME. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL.

CPL. ROBERT L. WILLIAMS, JR.
ROCKY MOUNT POLICE DEPT. ROCKY MOUNT, NC

It is so tragic to lose another fine law enforcement officer. I wish to convey my condolences to Deputy Kinchen's family and co-workers. I know what it is like to lose a co-worker in the line of duty. It takes a long, long time for the pain and sorrow to begin to subside, and some of it stays there forever. Take solace in knowing that Richard is in heaven now and is at peace.

To Richard, you've done your duty well. Say a prayer for all of us who continue the fight. Now rest easy, my brave brother. You've earned the right.  

DEA Agent

Dear Mr. Kinchen,

In the years that you served you put forth your best effort to protect people. I am a resident in Lilburn Ga., but, even though I am not in Fulton County I still feel that I should give respect to you. I hope your legacy lives on even after your death. Your family will rest in assurance that you are well lived.

Thank you,

Vanessa Forsythe

I did not know Deputy Kinchen but from the things I heard about him he was a good and caring person.  When I heard what happened to Deputy Kinchen and Deputy English, I could not believe it.  As I sat and watched the memorial service on television, it felt as if I were at a relatives or good friends funeral.  I just want to let the Kinchen family and the Fulton County family know that his life was not given in vein, it was given so that the world can be a safer place for his family and everyone else.  Myself, choosing to go into law enforcement also could be putting my family and myself at the same risk but I really wanted to let you know that his job well done is not gone unnoticed.

ERIC JACKSON

To Kinch I will miss you my friend. I miss your jokes,your caring ways and I will miss telling you to be careful and you would say the same back to me as we got into our patrol cars. I will never forget that night or the next day when your watch ended on March17,2000 I cried for days because there wasn't nothing I could do to help you. I will never forget the foot chase I in the housing projects,and I requested for backup units and of course you were the first unit on scene. I remember you smiling at me because I was dog tired and said "What you got Timmy?" I will remember you as a great friend and deputy. I know you are code 10 and code 8 with god.   

Deputy Tim Shaw
Fulton County Sheriff's Department, GA

To Fulton County,

I didn't personally know Deputy Kinchen, however, I was saddened as though a relative of mine had died when I heard of his death. That's not surprising in that we, in law enforcement, often feel a kinship with one another.  The thing that keeps me going is one particular scripture in the Holy Bible, Romans 13:4, it reads:

"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

That is what Deputy Kinchen was, a minister of God. That is what most law enforcement officers are.

May he Rest In Peace,

SA Darin L. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Although I never met you I was honored to attend your memorial service for such a great deputy.I was also honored to escort you to your final resting place. I was contacted by a felloe deputy while you were enroute to Tifton and he asked for help escorting you.I was glad to!!! I along with two other officers from my department escorted you south of Forsyth until Monroe County stepped in."Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called sons of God."Matthew 5:5:9

God Speed

Mike Cash
Henry County Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.  Although we do not personally know Deputy Kinchen, we are forever bound by the thin blue line and we share in your sorrow for our fallen brother.  I lost a fellow officer and friend on September 24, 1999 due to a vehicle pursuit and I know your pain.

God Bless Deputy Kinchen who's walking the beat on God's heavenly streets.  Keep watch over us all.

Ofc. Amy Rogers
Flint Police Dept., Flint, MI

To Our Law Enforcement Family

As a 14 year veteran of Law Enforcement when I read what had happened it made me want to say that prayers go out to the Kinchen family and to the Fulton County Sheriff's Department. The jobs we have to go often go unnoticed until a comrade has fallen. This officer along with his partner dedicated their lives to protect and to serve and it is only fitting that his family as well as your department know that both are in our prayers.

May God Bless You

Lt. M Ray
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office