Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just learned of this wonderful site and want to say what a great friend Rick was in high school and in life. I had the honor of knowing Rick and believe he is watching over us. I'm thankful to have shared his friendship and miss him. I'll have a turkey leg today for you brother!

Randy Fusco
CTO, Microsoft Healthcare

November 27, 2008

Rick, You are NEVER forgotten! I carry your spirit with me each and every day! I love you ALWAYS!
"Mom C"

Jane Callahan
Friend

October 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this sixth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 23, 2008

Wow......well Rickster, I can't believe it's been 6 years next week. I still can't believe you are not here. Things aren't the same without you. I moved to Dallas one year ago this month, and I still drive by your apartments every day on my way to work and can't believe you are gone!!!

We just had 88's 20 year Ramstein High School reunion, and I know you would have been right in the middle of it if you would have been here. We decided to have it in Dallas, Texas this year and it was a huge success. I know you would have been proud of the turn out especially knowing how much you played a key factor in keeping alot of us in touch with each other over the years before you passed. I put together a memorial this year for the reunion. Your mom hooked me up with your "famous" high school picture that you so dearly loved!!! :) It made me so sad to have to place your picture in the memorial because you are always at the reunions!!! Joe Terry and Randy Fusco did a little beat boxing for us during the reunion luncheon from back in the day.....and man did that bring back memories!!! I could just picture you smiling down on all of us and thinking....some things never change!! LOL!! Even though you weren't there in person, I knew you were there in spirit.

WE all miss you dearly Rick....things will never be the same without you. KNOW.....that you are in all of our hearts and you will NEVER be forgotten!!!

Love ya always!!!
Me!!!

Lisa Niswonger
High School

October 13, 2008

I still think of Rick often and it brings tears to my eyes. We had such great times in Ramstein in high school and in college. My wife met you at the 2000 reunion and said you were her favorite. I remember you were one of the few friends who actually kept in touch with me after college and you even sent me a Christmas gift one year. You were a funny, thoughtful, and caring person and I thank God for allowing me to meet you and I seek comfort in knowing I will see you again one day. My thoughts still go out to your family and everyone is so proud of you and I miss you terribly.

God bless, Ari Davatelis

Ari Davatelis
friend

October 12, 2008

Patrick,
I met your mom today. I was moved by your story and life. Just wanted to check in. My dad was an officer and he died many years ago. Just wanted to say that your service means alot to me and good men like you are hard to come by. I fully understand your sacrifice and I know the pain that your family feels. It makes absolutely no sense that you were taken at such a young age and it grieves me to think about your friends and family. I do know that your legacy is remembered WELL. May God Almighty richly bless your loved ones. Sincerely, Charles Eustes Jr.

chuck schwartz
friend of his mother

July 12, 2008

It is really hard for me to write to you this way. You are in my heart and thougts every day, it doesn't get any easier to be with out you. I know you and your Dad are watching over all of us, knowing you are together helps me live each day. I wish I could hold you just one more time. I will always love you and miss you! Mom

Pat Metzler
Your one and only Mother

July 11, 2008

I just learned today about Rick's tragic death. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rick and I were friends in HS (Ramstein) but drifted apart after college. I have nothing but fond memories of him. He'll be missed, he was a terrific person and friend. God Bless.

Colin

Maj Colin Morris
USAF

June 4, 2008

Babe,

I was driving today to work and I heard our song on the radio by Monica "Angel of mine" I started to cry. I have moved out of Dallas now in Houston. It has been a very difficult years for me since you have been gone. Each day I think about you and I can say this there is not a day that I don't think of you. I will always love you and in my heart. Chris is now 13yrs old and getting bigger everyday and you would be very proud of him. He has taking cooking class. Will talk to you next time I love you! Please continue watching over us. I pray for you each and everytime.

Cristina

Cristina
Girlfriend

April 3, 2008

Rick,

I am doing well with the BP, I know that you know this because I do believe you are watching over us and keeping tabs on everyone that you cared about and that care about you. I just wanted to say something to you that I really should have told you before you went away from us. You were always my brother and I thank you for keeping me focused on achieving my goal. I would truly not been where I am at in my career, if you had not kept pushing me to accomplish my goal. Rest well brother and know that you will never be forgotten.

Jude Patterson
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
DHS/CBP/U.S. Border Patrol

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
U.S. Border Patrol and Good Friend

February 25, 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

February 5, 2008

Rick,
Rest well, brother. I'll remember you from Ramstein.
Sgt. Brian Hodges
Harris County Constable, Pct. Four

Sgt. Brian Hodges
Harris County, old high school friend

January 29, 2008

Well Rick, I can't believe we are about to start another year and you are not here. What makes this year even more difficult for me is that I officially moved to Dallas and now I can't even hang out with you. I pass your apartments on my way to work every day. It is a reminder to me of how much I miss talking to you, and the fact that I can't stop by and wake you up at the crack of dawn because we all know you are not a morning person!!! ha, ha!!

I know you are with me from things that have happened since you passed, and it is truly the only comfort I have and I thank you for it. You are truly missed my dearest and know you will never be forgotten. You are always in my heart.

Love ya!!!
Lisa

Lisa N.

December 27, 2007

Rick, it's almost Christmas, and I'm thinking of you and remembering the holidays you spent at my house! I will always cherish all the fun and laughter we shared! I loved cooking those huge meals and remember how much you enjoyed them! You remain in my heart and prayers, and I know you are our Angel in Blue, looking out for your dear family, your brothers and sisters in uniform and your friends. You are never forgotten! Love, Mom C.

Jane Callahan

December 21, 2007

Just thinking of you this morning...wanted to wish you a happy holiday. Chris and I miss you so much. Moving on is still very hard. You are thought all the time, you are in my heart all the time. My love is still there.

You are special and wonderful, your smile is remembered. I pray for you each day.

Cristina

Cristina
Someone who has my heart

December 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Metzler on the anniversary of his passing. Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 23, 2007

Five years have passed since your EOW and my thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this anniversary date. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and close friends. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will not be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 23, 2007

My Dearest "other" son, I'm thinking of you today, AND I choose to celebrate your life . . . all the wonderful years I was priviledged to know you and remembering all the fun times we shared when you were at my home! I carry you with me in my heart, and I still see your smile!!! You are NEVER forgotten and NEVER far from my thoughts! To all of your dear family, may God continue to comfort and strengthen you! Jane Callahan

Mom C
Friend

October 23, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is not pleased that justice was not more appropriately served on your behalf.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

I knew Rick from 1982-1986, when we were both military brats aboard McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA. He was one of five guys in our little neighborhood group that we hung out with on a daily basis. I just learned of his death today (20 Jul 07), and I am saddened that my old friend met such a tragic end. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Thank you for keeping the streets of Dallas safe. Happy trails, my old friend. I'll see you when I see you...

Maj Lee Cracknell
USMC

July 20, 2007

I just found this page and wanted to send my condolences to the Metzler family.

I can't believe how much time has passed since Rick left us. We had just gotten back in touch through email and then all of a sudden, he was gone. It was heart-breaking and still hard to accept. He passed on my birthday. It was truly a sad day to say the least.

I remember the first time I saw him. I had just moved to Ramstein AFB. We lived across the street from his house. He was hanging out with a friend and when I came outside, they introduced themselves. He was such a nice guy and one of the first people I met at Ramstein. He was always nice to me. That's how I remember him. He had a kind spirit and was an all-around "good guy". I will always have a special place for him in my heart. He will always be missed.

Take care, Rick.

Chrissy (Parlatore) Clingerman
High School friend

May 29, 2007

I went to highschool with Rick and played football on the same team. You will be missed brother.

Ofc. Terrence Seligman
Norristown Police Department

December 7, 2006

Rick, I thought of you all day Sep 13th and Oct 23rd...truth is, I think of you EVERY DAY! I still see your smile and remember all the fun times and laughter we shared! YOU will NEVER be forgotten!! And I know you are only a prayer away! May God continue to bless and comfort your dear family! Love always, Mom C

Jane Callahan
Mom C

October 31, 2006

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

October 23, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 4th anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 23, 2006