Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dan,

I enjoyed working with you in Bosnia. I remember the time we were up in the Village of Jusici and you pulled out a block of Sharp Cheddar Cheeses that you received in a care package from some school kids in Wisconsin. We bought a loaf of local bread and made cheese sandiches, simplicity never tased so good. You were a great guy and you are missed.

Det. Thomas Hickox
Hot Springs Village PD

May 31, 2012

Danny,

This weekend my 13 year old son was asked to write about someone who passed away on that day. For those of us in 83-27 we are well aware of the impact you had on us. I told him the story about what you did in the gym that day, those of us who were there know it and enough said. Needless to say, his project was written about you. Miss you buddy.

retired Sgt. Don Flynn
NYPD

September 11, 2011

Just recently my 23 year old son went to New York. In the mail, he sent me the Memorial bracelet with Det. Claude Richards. I am so honored to have this bracelet and I will never forget his heroism and bravery. Thank you to his family and you are in my prayers.

Jerry Ann Bracken
Honor bracelet

September 11, 2011

It was an honor to serve with you and I am proud to call you my friend. On this fateful day ten years you died as you lived...serving others. ktf, gary

Sgt. Gary H. Vaughan
Hot Springs Village Police Department

September 11, 2011

Danny,
It feels like just yesterday that we graduated from the police academy together. I told stories about you for years. You made a lasting empression on me that will never be lost. Now 10 years after 9/11 I still tell the stories...
Rest in peace.

POLICE OFFICER MIKE COLELLO
NYPD CLASS 83-27

September 11, 2011

Rest in peace my friend, the gutless villian that caused your death is now roasting in hell. ktf.

Gary
Friend

May 2, 2011

I will never forget the morning of 9-11. I graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy on 9-11-09 but, this day was not about me it was about you and the others that gave the ultimate sacrifice. May god bless you, your family and our Country

Police Officer - Logan
LAPD

October 8, 2010

It has often been said that a man never dies if he lives in the memory of his family and friends. Dan, this is especially true in your in your case as you will always be there in my thoughts and prayers. ktf, gary

Gary
Friend

September 11, 2010

Your legacy of bravery lives on at your alma mater, Island Trees High School. The scholarship we established in your name and Firefighter Kevin Smith, also lost on that fateful day still goes strong. You are mentioned every year on 9/11 and the plaques in the lobby tell the present day students of the heroic paths you both chose after leaving our doors. Rightly named ~ Island Trees Alumni Heroes Scholarship Fund, has provided fifty students in ten years with assistance for higher learning. We hope we've done you proud because, we are indeed proud of you.

Donna
Island Trees High School

June 9, 2010

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you and God bless America.

Miranda

September 11, 2009

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Det. Richards,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs who were also killed 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

Det. Richards

Eight years since you made the ultimate sacrifice. Your heroic actions are not forgotten.

DETECTIVE PATRICK J. DONOHUE
NYPD

September 11, 2009

Dan
We went to Washington D.C. this summer, one of the main reasons was to see your name engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Rest in Peace knowing that you are in fine and fitting company with many other American Heros that were there when the enemy was at the gates. ktf. Gary

Gary H. Vaughan
Friend

September 11, 2009

The anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in a few days as you well know. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

September 8, 2009

I'm currently watching a show on the Crime and Investigation Network titled "Uncovered: EMS Street Saviors". It's about NYC EMS and it looks to be (since EMS was pre-merge and the NYPD guys are carrying semi-autos) to be from the mid or early 90's.

Anyway, there's a short scene about a bomb scare in the subway. Turns out to be a false alarm, and the Bomb Squad guy comes out of the hole, takes the helmet off the suit, and sure enough, it's Det. Richards. It was one of those "oh, wow" moments, and a small reminder of the everyday heroism guys like this exhibited before they made the ultimate sacrifice.

RIP.

- A former NYPD MOS

Anonymous

June 17, 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

I said a little prayer today for Detective Richards and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009

Danny,

We miss you. We will never forget your shining professionalism and selfless dedication. You shall be remembered not just for what those murderers did on 9-11-01, but for all those acts of bravery and sacrifice that you made each and every day of your career. You ARE a great American! Thank-you.

George R.
In-law

October 13, 2008

To Dan Richards, an American hero, a fine friend, a solid man, and a not so good driver. It was an honor to serve with you and a pleasure to know you. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family on this day of remembrance. ktf, gary and tom

Anonymous

September 11, 2008

It was late one Tuesday evening,
Before a mother could sit down,
To tell her only child about
The terror that hit downtown.

She looked into the eyes of her son
God, she loved him so,
She felt her heart begin to break
And the hurt begin to show.

She gathered all her strength and courage,
as her story she began to tell.
"Baby don't cry, but I'm afraid daddy
Might be under a building that fell."

The boy looked back at his mother,
His eyes made not one blink.
And the mother's tears began to fall.
What would her baby think?

You see, his dad is a Policeman,
And his hero from the day of his birth.
He loved his dad more than anything else
That could ever inherit this earth.

The mother's head began to drop,
Her forehead resting on palm.
She thought her son would be upset.
Instead, he was very calm.

The boy leaned over towards his mom,
And put his hand upon her head.
In her ear he began to whisper,
And this is what he said:

"Mommy please don't cry,
I knew daddy wasn't coming home.
I talked to him just a while ago,
But it wasn't on the phone.

He told me that he loved me,
And he promised we'd meet again.
He told of his new home,
And the job he was to begin."

"God is building an army,
And there are many angels needed.
That, is where daddy and the others went.
They weren't all defeated."

It was then, the mother lifted her head.
The tears streamed down her face.
And she could feel her husband's presence,
As it filled her heart with grace.

It was then she knew her son was right.
He was in God's great army now.
She also knew her son was safe,
That he'd be kept from harm somehow.

So, evildoers of the world beware.
An army is on the way.
Bolstered by new angels,
Who left the towers that day..

Their commander has never been beaten.
His power has never been matched,
And if evil thinks He was almighty before......
Well, the surface has just been scratched!

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

July 30, 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 2, 2008

Thank you, Det.Claude Richards, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Det. Richards.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 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

Thank you for your sacrifice and all the lives that you saved that day. It takes a brave officer to go into a burning building. Rest in peace.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 11, 2007