Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

I want to thank you for all your years of honorable service. You rose up to the occasion when it mattered the most and helped save lives. I can’t even imagine what it felt like getting to that scene as the second plane hit. You truly are a hero and an inspiration. I hope to be as strong as you when I graduate. Thank you again for everything.

PPO Anonymous
PAPD

February 14, 2023

Richie...
I will always remember that time you, Davis & I were hanging out and you were scratching my old ep. Funny part is that it sounded better that way. One of many memories we had off duty .

Bro.. You lived the idic. "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few... Or the one... As for me and my house, we will never forget your sacrifice...

Go easy my friend, family, & brother...RIP

Ricardo Bruckman EMT-I retired
Friend / Family

September 11, 2022

Officer Rodriguez,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Rich,
I still think of the fun times we had and still remember our celebration drink at the Flat Iron together before we started our careers on October 2, 1993. I always looked forward to that retirement drink, but God had different plans for you, my friend. So, until we meet again, "Cheers, Richie," you will always live in my mind and always be my hero...

I miss you my brother.

Major M.C. - Ret

January 29, 2019

I still think about you Rich. Miss you brother.

Moog
EMT retired/Dispatcher

September 11, 2018

Brother Rich, 17 years have gone by, however, it really feels like it all happened yesterday. I know, that statement sounds so cliche, but it’s spot on.

There’s not a day that goes by that your not thought of and remembered, you, your service to community, your devotion to family and the sacrifice that you made.

The events that day have drastically altered the way we live, work and play. How we look at, evaluate and perceive things. It’s has changed our lives, our country and our world.

Rest assured my brother, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! It will not be allowed, it will not happen, that I guarantee. You and countless others have made the ultimate sacrifice and for that you have the unwaivering gratitude of your brothers and sisters in law and your country.

You my friend, unlike any athlete, actor or talk show personality are a HERO, and will always be remembered as such! Miss you Rich! Rest In Peace my brother, we’ve got the watch now....

BLS

September 11, 2018

Dear Richard Rodriguez,

Thank you for your service! There are no words that can explain how brave and courageous of a peace officer that you are. There are not that many persons in the world that can sacrifice their own life for the safety of others. I know I can never ease the pain for your family and loved ones, but your hard work , dedication and honor will never be forgotten. Thank you for serving the New York and New Jersey police department and saving those lives of others on that day and before . Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family, and thank you for aspiring me and giving me that motivation to help others.

Recruit Hernandez, L , Class #425
Los Angeles Sheriff Department

September 15, 2017

Dear Rich:

Many years ago, a group of men put together an idea that a nation could live free, buy or leave, and answer to no one but our Creator. They formed a government of the people, that has stood the test of time, civil war, tyranny, depression, terrorism. But all these years later, that government still stands. A mighty force defended it all over the world. But an equally daunting task of protecting the Homeland on it's own soil was needed.

Needed, were people of courage, honor, sacrifice and dedication to preserve that way of life. Many who would give their lives to ensure that the streets of that nation would be safe and the communities fit to live.

I'm speaking about the United States of America, and our forefathers; and of our beloved police officers, such as yourself. Officers who gave without asking; who gave without regard for personal safety, so that others would survive; officers who stood up and said, "Here I am Lord, send me".

Our nation and it's people can never repay the debt we owe to our beloved police officers who gave their lives that day, or to the many officers who given their lives everyday. We can't bring you and all the rest of our heroes in blue, back But we can, and we WILL, keep your memory and sacrifice alive.

Honor is something that can't be bought, or acquired. It's something that you were born with. "Protect and serve". Nope, not a cliché or old saying. It's a code we live by in law enforcement. Regrettably, there are too many Americans who have come to accept the slaughter and sacrifice that we and our families in law enforcement, make everyday.

There are no words or sayings I can make or offer that will ever ease the pain your family must now endure. But, because of you and your sacrifice and that of the other heroes that day, many thousands of people are alive today.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God". Rest in peace my brother, we have the watch. God bless you, your family, our police officers, and God bless the United States of America.

Sgt. Ron Tomassi, (Retired)
Lake Mary Police; Palm Beach Sheriff's office

August 16, 2017

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER (RETIRED)
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 9, 2017

I met Rich Rodriguez at Newark Airport...he gave me a courtesy ride to my car during a Funeral Escort. During the 15 minutes that we spoke, he left a strong impression on me. I have thought about him many times since that evening in 2000, and consider that our paths crossed for some unknown, yet important, reason. I hope that his family has peace that he died helping others, and that his memory will forever be that of a hero.

Chief Brent Newbury
South Nyack-Grand View PD

December 21, 2015

Officer Richard RODRIGUEZ, ... the passage of time will never diminish our sincere appreciation for your dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice for us. God Bless You, your Family and your Fallen and Serving comrades of the Police Depts of the State of New York.

civilian supporter

September 15, 2015

You as always are remembered

Pat Van Den Berghe
Civilian, Manchester, NH

September 11, 2012

rich, may the lord have you in his arms, we fought fires together while volunteers of the perth amboy fire dept.you will never be forgotten and will always be remembered, we miss u brother.

david cancel
friend

September 18, 2011

I wanted to honor you on this the 10th anniversary of that infamous day. Only you know how things finally played out on 9/11/01. We got separated that day but I'm sure all things happen for a reason. You are my hero. You saved my life in more ways than you'll ever know.

Your partner
Your friend
Your brother-in-arms
Andy

P.O. Andrew Rodriguez (retired)
Port Authority Police

September 11, 2011

Officer Rodriguez,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs that died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

February 28, 2009

Richard,
You will be greatly missed. Your craziness and humor were what made you special. Dude, you are with us no matter what.

Roberto Rodriguez

September 11, 2008

Mate, I'm lost for words. So here are some from someone else.



A Soldier's Prayer

God our Father, who by land and sea has ever led us on to victory, please continue Your inspiring guidance in this greatest of our conflicts.

Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me to do my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers.

Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valour and mutual confidence which ensures success in war.

Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived.

If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honour in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh, Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind.

Give us the victory, Lord.

General George S. Patton, 1 January 1944

Anon
Western Australia Police

March 30, 2008

I am so very sorry Richie. I really enjoyed the crab fest every year on Barnegat Bay and the shindig afterwards wow!!!!. I can still see you bringing that case of Coronas on board. Ha! I remember when we worked out up in the loft on our DL gym at newark, ha, when the trucks would go out, we'd get a mouthful of diesel dust! you kept doing shoulders and your motto was BFS, BFS..big f'n shoulders, ha! I remember the radio playing one time, "bye bye american pie" by Don McClean, every time the chorus went "this will be the day I die" you interjected "BullSh-T!" well I never forget that Richie...When ever I hear that song today, I say "Bulls--t" too now!The gym is gone, the building is gone, most everybody is retired.....or gone.... but I try to look forward and kept moving...I know you would want everyone to enjoy and live to the fullest! God bless you Rich

P.O. Artie Rossi 983(ret)
NYNJ PAPD

December 20, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Officer Richard Rodriquez and his fellow officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department and most especially to Richard:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary week of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Richard gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 14, 2006

you are a true HERO, you made the ultimate sacrafice and saved many lives....a hero lives forever

September 13, 2006