Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers as they grieve and try to go on without you. As a resident of the "War Zone", I truly appreciate what you and your fellow officers have done to reduce the drugs and other dangers in this neighborhood so that my grandson can grow up safely and with respect and admiration for law enforcement officers. Officer Smith, thank you for your sacrifice for all of us.

Nancy Armijo
Daughter of former APD Capt. Bob Bales

Nancy (Bales) Armijo

August 23, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Smith and his law enforcement family:

I was so saddened to learn of the death of two more officers who were brutally murdered as they bravely carried out their duties. My entire family wish to extend my deepest condolences to all of you for the grievous loss you suffered when you lost Officer Smith. My youngest son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca Police Department, was also recently fatally shot while on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. I share your agony as you try to bear the unbearable. May you be embraced and comforted by the circle of love and support you will receive from the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the twenty two years of service Officer Smith gave to the Albuquerque community, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family have made when he gave all.

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

phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 23, 2005

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May GOD bless you/

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

August 23, 2005

I had the pleasure to work with Ofc. Smith when I was with APD. It was a great Honor to know you and work with you.

God Bless

Officer Jason Bain
St. Paul Police

August 23, 2005

RIP BROTHER OFFICER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD PD, CA

August 23, 2005

Richard it is honor to have worked with during our rodblocks, your with our Lord in Heaven now, so rest in peace.

Sr. Patrolman Ricky Poolaw Retired
New Mexico State Police

August 23, 2005

Even though lost to us he still does his job, bringing a community together. One of the best, now at rest.

August 23, 2005

Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

August 23, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Richard did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Richard be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Smith'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 these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Richard but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Richard will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Richard will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

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

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

August 23, 2005

Brutha, I only knew you for a short time. You were the type of person that was always in a good mood. I remember telling fellow Officers, " Look at that guy, retired, came back to work, and loving the job." I also love the job and it was an honor serving within the same department as you. God Bless you and your family, my friend.

Officer Elder Guevara
Albuquerque Police Department

August 23, 2005

uncle ricky,

i can always remember coming to your house on summer vacations, you were always such a happy outgoing man. it was only a couple of months i saw you last not knoing it would be my last. i will cherish that moment forever, and never forget what a great husband, dad, and uncle you are. i know you are looking down on us and will always be by your familys side. you will truley be missed and i love you. as a daughter of a cop, i know what a hero you truley are. I LOVE YOU. patrol the gates of heaven. see you in the future.

your niece
Candace

candace rhea
daughter and niece of police officers, & wife of a sailor

August 22, 2005

Although we did not know you, your story hit to close to home. My husband was deeply upset when he heard the news. I cried watching the news. It was hard for me to let him get in that uniform the next day and go to work, but if it were not for people like you, and him, we would not be where we are. May your family be blessed with all this community has to offer in their time of need. You and your family are in our prayers everyday. God Bless you, and thank you for your dedication.

NM State Police Officer's wife

August 22, 2005

"We Remember the Officers"

We remember the officers who changed our lives,
The men and woman who protected us day and night,
People who respect for their dedication to the cause,
For when faced with danger, they never even pause.

We remember the officers who always stood true,
Whatever the color of uniform, brown gray or blue,
With pride and integrity they say "To serve and protect",
For the giving of their life, we offer our respect.

We remember the officers who we never really knew,
Persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few,
With heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest,
There's more to these people than the badge on their chest.
By Brad Miller
(Contact Information Unknown)

God be with your family and friends, and fellow officer's at this time. Please keep an eye on us down here. We appreciate everything you did for us while you were here. You are a true hero, risking your own life for your community. I personally thank you. Please watch over our Law Enforcement and keep them safe. God Bless.

APD Wife
Albuquerque Police Department

August 22, 2005

Uncle Ricky,

I don't remember a time when you and my father were not Police Officers. I remember asking you when I was only 14 years old why you and Daddy do this job that only seemed to take you
away from the ones who love you most, and where people only seem to be mean to you for doing it. You said you did it because the man you love most in the world, your Daddy, my Grandfather,
was one of the best Police Officers, and one of the best men you have ever known. I told you he would have been proud of you if you did something else, but you said you had seen first hand the lives Papa had changed for the better, and you hoped to have half of the effect he had on people. Well, you reached your goal. You became one of the best men I know, and raised one of the best little girls I know. It is not easy being the daughter of a Police Officer, but your daughter loves you so much, and so do I. I promise me and my sister will help Aunt Susie take care of her the rest of her life, and I will tell her all the crazy stories I can of the times we went camping, or when you rescued me from a run away van. I won't have to tell her how much you love her though, because you did that better then anyone could have already.
I love you Uncle Ricky, Be at Peace.

Heather Dawn Smith-Meek-Patton.

EMT-B Heather Patton

August 22, 2005

God bless your soul, Richard. And God bless your precious family.

Officer, J. T. Stone
Albuquerque Police dept

August 22, 2005

Officer Smith,
Your loss is a great void in this community and for your department. Thank you for your unselfish 22 years of service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace.

Deputy 1st Class
Bernalillo County S.O.

August 22, 2005

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE ***

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 22, 2005

God Bless you and your family Officer Smith you both are true hero's.

Officer Bardwell
Grand Prairie PD/Tx

August 22, 2005

Officers like Richard Smith are the reason we are able to sleep at night. Knowing that theres people out there who will sacrifice their lives so that others may live without fear. Thank You Sir, for you are a true hero. May God Bless your Soul and your family.

August 22, 2005

Thank you for your dedication to your department and your community. Our prayers are with your family and your fellow officers, we feel their sorrow. May God bless them and be with them now.

Kathy Gurule
Wife of Asst. Chief Los Lunas Police

August 22, 2005

Being re-certified with me and others at the NM "Certification by Waiver Class # 54, 03/04/05 can attest to Officer Smith's dedication of police service to the people of Albuquerque. A retired officer who came back to a professiona that he loved. A heartfelt prayer to the family, friends and all those who knew Officer Smith. His dedication and service to the communities that he served will always be remembered. Rest in Peace my friend, it was an honor knowing you.

Captain Vernon Alvarez
Isleta Police Department

August 22, 2005

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Officer Smith. God bless you all.

Cpl. Franz Graf
Swiss Transport Police, Railway Distr. Basel

August 22, 2005

The dedication and service these officers provided to the community and those they touched personally will never be forgotten. May God watch over your families and Bless Them with the Comfort that You are Always Present in Spirit and Heart. Thanks for being you!

Former OMI DMI

August 22, 2005

May God Welcome You Home Rick,

Your sacrifice and dedication to others will never go unforgotten. Others and I will carry your Sprit in our hearts, so that others can understand that we are brothers and sisters of the good fight. You will be missed here until we can be reunited. There is so much one can say for a great person, friend, father and husband, but there are no words to say, to describe this man with a WARRIORS SPRIT.

God Bless You Rick.

Special Agent Sonny Garcia
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

August 22, 2005

Our department would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to those family, friends and co-workers of Officer Smith. We pray for his soul and for peace on those who survive. There is no greater act than to lay oneself down for another. We dedicate today to the memory of Officer Smith and his partner.

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned, Kansas Police Department

August 22, 2005