Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Clutch old friend, I miss you. Your sly smile and cryptic question... I know it's some kind of raunchy joke but I've never heard it and I've no idea. Also I'm standing at attention in formation during inspection. I try to answer with a straight face and you give this hilarious answer right as you move on and the CO or 1SG moves up in front of me and me trying not to laugh in their face. You loved to pick on my future wife in formations because her face would just glow with embarassment! But you took care of your platoon. Stood up to the 1SG, turn red in the face if they were treating us wrong...but follow those orders. Do what you have to do, no matter how difficult the task or how displeased you may be with it. This is what it means to be a soldier.

And what it means to be an Officer of the Law. You had one career as a soldier and excelled. You trained many to be almost as good as you. You started another career as a Peace Officer. It sounds like you made quite an impression with the people there in your community as well. You worked hard. You deserved better. My wife and I both miss you and love you. Rest easy on this anniversary old friend.

Royce and Lynn Bashaw SGT (Ret)
Prior co-worker & friend

June 22, 2011

I knew him as SFC Herzog when he served his country in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks,Hawaii.He was a good leader who took care of his troops.He will be missed.Thank you for your service.

Bob Geary

November 14, 2010

A salute to you Rich. I am glad to have found this memorial page for you. You deserve a great one. I knew you from the SeaTac swap meet, speaking to you often on weekends at my booth. While years have passed, your devotion to duty is remembered. You are an outstanding example, emblematic of the long traditions of police officers who serve the community and keep the peace. I visit your picture every time I stop by precinct #43 just to say hello. I knew only a few officers and knowing you was a pleasure. Thank you for your service and great sacrifice. God bless you, your friends and your family.

Robert P Brosa
Acquaintance

October 31, 2010

Yours was the first death of a police officer that affected me so deeply, one of the first I experienced as an adult. Not a day goes by that I don't pass the intersection where you were murdered and think of you, and what you must have experienced that day, and how you must have fought to protect the community at that crowded intersection. I am so sorry for the loss your friends and family experienced, and I hope that all these years later, time has healed some of the pain. You were very brave during circumstances which must have been unfathomable and incomprehensible. I have wished many times that the bystanders had been able to do something to help you, to distract the shooter, anything to not let him take your life. Your murder gave me a whole new respect and appreciation for the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement personnel, and for that, I thank you.

The last several months, the Seattle area has experienced so much loss in our law enforcement communities, and I think of the fallen officers and their families, as well as you and yours. Thank you for your service.

Julie High
Bellevue, WA

December 29, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

In reading the loving reflections, I see that you are missed and loved by many and that you had a profound impact on the lives of others. I hold your family and friends in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

I missed witnessing this by mere moments. To this day, I cannot pass that intersection of Coal Creek Pkwy and 60th and not remember this tragic event. Thanks to all who serve and risk everything for the rest of us.

Anonymous
nearly a witness

May 15, 2009

It has almost been 7 years and a day does not go by when I do not think about this hero.

I was one of the people that raised money for his family and I am ever so proud to have done so.

Law Enforcement are unique individuals and they are ALWAYS under the gun and would take a bullet for any of us.

That takes someone special.

Be safe Richard, please keep him safe lord.

Eric Joy
No relationship

February 22, 2009

Deputy Herzog - though I never met or knew you, I think about you frequently when I walk into the Precinct. I've heard stories over the years from those who did know and work with you, and I get a sense that I really missed out on knowing a great guy, and having a great partner to work alongside.

You will never be forgotten brother.

Deputy
King County Sheriff's Office

September 4, 2008

Deputy Herzog,
Your service and sacrifice has not been forgotten. It's hard to believe this
happened 6 years ago and that your name now appears on 2 memorials,
state and national. Thanks for caring for your fellow citizens and being
willing to give everything for the safety of others. I admire your courage.
Your name is held in the highest regard.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 23, 2008

Six years ago today, seems like yesterday. I think of you often, wish I had said more, done more, wish that there was more I could have done. I hope you're in a good, peaceful place, with your brothers around you. Your memory, the lessons you taught us, will always be here. 26

Dispatcher

June 22, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 28, 2008

Hey Rich. I'm sitting here....on duty, rainy, icey day between accidents. I am training a new hire and could not help talking about fallen Officers. I told him about the that sad day over 5 years ago. When I retired and left 1st Group at Ft. Lewis, I did not even know that you went into Law Enforcement.
I was at work when my wife called and asked if I knew you. She just saw a news story about you and your military affiliation. This was a bad day.

I know you were no stranger to dangerous situations and knew the risk. This does not soften the blow when a brother falls.

I left my last worn green beret at your memorial site and stood guard there as well.

I want everyone to know, the world lost a life long warrior on that day. Thanks for your leadership !

I'll see you soon. Rest in peace brother.

Former Warrior / TCSO Deputy Sheriff

Deputy Tony Adams
Thurston County SO / 1st SFG(A) Retired

December 27, 2007

Thinking of you today and always...

CITIZEN
WASHINGTON

June 22, 2007

You were always and will continue to be a hero to me.

June 13, 2007

I knew Rich. He knew what was right. He left us doing what was right - to Protect & Serve. I still grieve his loss to our community, our county, our state, and our world.

Steve Tivel, SEO 4
DSHS/DCS/Seattle

February 23, 2007

May God bless you Deputy Herzog.

Patrol Officer
El Paso, TX Police Department

December 4, 2006

Hero's and the sacrifice they make are never forgotten. Deputy Herzog, you are a true hero. Continue your beat on Heaven's streets.

SPO
Salem, Va

November 29, 2006

Rich,

Your not forgotten! I still recall when you were working relief at Renton District Court a few days before your passing, I talked with you for a few minutes and your last words to me as I was leaving the courthouse .......... "be safe out there." Those words are remembered every time I go 10-8.

Thanks Top!

A fellow deputy

November 5, 2006

My room-mate, confidant, and best friend back when our world was new. I'm sorry it took me so long to learn of this. Wastecilaka ca niye slolyakiye, misunkala, na toksa kiksuya ake mni kte. Know that I love you, my brother, and remember you always. Tanyan ecanon welo. You did well.

Michael Brewer
Weapons Plt. Co. B, 2/22 Inf. 1975-78

October 5, 2006

Rest in Peace Hero....Thank you for all you have done for your community and country. It is few who are brave enough to wear the badge, and too hard to say goodbye when you are taken. I know you will be watching over your brothers and sisters as they continue serving in your memory.

Daughter and Wife of LEO's
Washington

September 29, 2006

Although i did not know you i am very inspired by you. I am now blessed with the oppurtunity to serve as a King County Sheriffs Deputy and I hope that i will be half the deputy you were. I will take you with me on every shift as well as the other deputies who have given there lives so unselfishly. So with this i say Thank You and God Bless Your family.

Steve A.
King County Sheriff

April 11, 2006

Deputy Herzog 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

March 17, 2006

God Bless You, brother. Your dedication to serve and protect can never be forgotten. I have prayed for you and your family this day.

Special Agent Paul Finer
U.S. Treasury Department

March 6, 2006

Although I didn't know you, or work with you, on the department, I heard about you from some of your military friends in the U.S Army Special Forces, and the 1st Special Forces Group at Ft. Lewis, WA. They spoke highly of you.

I attended your service, representing the Special Forces Association and the retirees of your department. It was an Honor to do so!

Although you were not a Green Beret, you were highly respected as a soldier by them and will be remembered in the SF Community, as well as the officers and retirees of your department.

Lt. Thomas C. Regan (Retired)
King County Sheriff's Department

February 8, 2006

God needed you in heaven my brother. God always needs a Green Beret to stand by his side. I will continue to carry the sword for you, and will remember you as you were. God bless you and your family forever!

Steve Roberts
3d Bn 75th Ranger Regt. '87-'89
11th and 20th Group Special Forces

Deputy Steve Roberts
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

August 15, 2005