Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Ridgell,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 1, 2024

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Ridgell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2019

Who would have believed that I can still hear your voice. Daddy, your baby girl is following in your footsteps to stay closer to you. I stumbled upon this page while holding thoughts of you in the early morning, you were truly loved and admired. Thanks to all for the prayers and condolences even after the years.

Daughter of a fallen officer

Keyaak Ridgell, Communications Officer
Daughter

September 29, 2012

You have not been forgotten.

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

February 1, 2012

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

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

February 20, 2009

To the family and friends of Deputy Jerry Ridgell and his fellow deputies:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Jerry's memory on the fifth anniversary of the day Jerry so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

Please know that the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement and police survivors will always be by your side on each step of the journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Jerry gave to his community and the citizens of Arkansas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 1, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

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

February 1, 2009

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

February 1, 2009

Rest in Peace, Deputy Ridgell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NHVV

January 28, 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

November 19, 2007

Deputy Ridgell,
Today is the third anniversary of your passing. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for your courageous service.

citizen in PA

February 1, 2007

Today marks the third anniversary of your death and I just wanted to say thank you for a job well done and rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

February 1, 2007

Restin peace,Sir.Thank you for your service.

February 1, 2006

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of
your death and time has not diminished your sacrifice. Thank you
for your service.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 1, 2006

You will never be forgotten!

Elbert Ridgell

November 2, 2005

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Ridgell. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten. May you rest in peace. Then I heaard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? and Who will go for us? And I said "Here I am. Send Me!" ISAIH 6:8

Mike G.
Federal Law enforcement Agency

May 20, 2005

May you rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Ridgell. We met on one of the survivor buses at police week and I admire your strength. Dont ever forget that you can contact me anytime.

Christina Dasher
Montgomery County Police Dept

May 13, 2005

In loving memory of D.S. Ridgell:
On this first anniversary of your death, I am asking the Lord to be with all those who still grieve for you.
Thank you for your service and it's a shame you were taken too soon.
God bless,
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

February 1, 2005

Dear Deputy Ridgell,

You were always there for others when they needed you. What a great memory you leave us with. Thank you for a job well done. You are in our prayers, dear one. May your wings fly you high. The soul has its seasons. Now you can release the surly bonds of earth and reach out and touch the face of God.

Please continue your watch over us from above. We need your protection and prayers. We love you, dear one, and will meet someday.

Thank you for everything.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 27, 2004

Jerry and I never really work together,you see I started out at Dermott PD. I had heard alot about Mr. Ridgell,I knew he did'nt play any game when came to work. He was hard, fair and firm.That's what I like about him the most. He stop me a few times and got me in line real quick. But we remain good friend, i just wish I got to know him better. I talk with him three days before this happen.

He is truly missed

Antonio Swygart
Hampton Police Department

October 7, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy Ridgell for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

July 4, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jerry did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jerry be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Ridgell's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Jerry is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Jerry was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

July 3, 2004

Rest in Peace my brother. We are grateful for your faithfulness & dedication to duty above and beyond the call. May your loved ones know they are never alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson, U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police

May 12, 2004

My condolences to the family and brother/sister Deputies of Deputy Jerry Ridgell. May the memory of your bravery, heroism and sacrifice remain forever.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

May 10, 2004

A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but one.

May God be with Deputy Ridgell and his family in there time of grief

"I am my brothers keeper"

109th Cadet Class, Austin Police Department

May 9, 2004