Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

November 24, 2005

My condolences to the department and family. We have been where you are and I pray that the Lord will come in a special way and help you through this time.

I never knew Rick, but he sounds like "my kinda cop."

Rest easy, my brother. The Dog Watch will take it from here.

Deputy/Chaplain Bill Wolfe
Llano Co SO, Llano, TX

November 24, 2005

Rest in peace Officer Spaulding. You will not be forggotten.

Gfr. Ulrich Peters
Swiss Borderpatrol / Northbound

November 24, 2005

I knew you not my brother, but our kinship in blue brought us close.

May your longboat be set to calm waters. May it be fired chiefly well, allowing embers mixed with your spirit to rise on whispering wings, proclaiming your heroic and humane deeds for all to witness. Rest well ye doer of good, ye protector of sometimes ungreatful citizens.

I knew ye not, but then I knew ye.

Kent M. "Sean" Ross
Honolulu Police Department

November 24, 2005

God be with the Spaulding family during this time of need.On the holidays no family would want to go though this. Va the tidewater area has really been hit hard this last month and 1/2. Losing Saffran was one of the worst things I had to ever go though and then working 2 other shifts hearing of Reaves and Spaulding only weeks apart. Thank You Rick for everything you have done for us, for protecting and doing what you promised to do. Protect and serve till death. I commend you and your dedication. God Bless you and Your family. R I P

Sr Disp B J Kendrick
Chesapeake Police Department

November 24, 2005

God speed sir and a job well done...you are not forgotten

Deputy Loonsfoot
Marquette County sheriff Dept. Michigan

November 24, 2005

To Officer Spaulding family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you

terry miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

November 23, 2005

When I first met Rick, I was the wife of his fellow midnight officer Scott. and a Paramedic in Portsmouth. Once he knew who I was I couldn't go on a call without him showing up. He didn't enter my scene unless I asked for police back-up. He never, whatever the situation, leaned on my patient or got in the way of what I needed to do but he was always there. My partners on the medic would tease me about my watchdog. I thought he was my watch angel. He was just watching out for a fellow officer's wife while doing his job. Rick, you are appreciated, your are loved and respected. Monica, please know we are aware of how special he is. God bless you all,

Patricia Burke
Wife of SGT Burke Portsmouth Police

November 23, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Spaulding. God Bless. Go in peace brother

LHP
Montgomery Sheriff

November 23, 2005

Rest In Peace Officer Spaulding. God Bless Your Family, Friends, and Co workers.

Tommy Harrell
Knotts Island, Nc

November 23, 2005

Rest in peace Brother Rick, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

November 23, 2005

Thanks for your service to your community Officer Spaulding. I pray that God will provide a comforting peace to your family, friends, and fellow officers that you leave behind. I will gladly attend your sending off to your reward, patroling heaven's streets under God's command. Please keep an eye on the rest of us as we continue the watch. We will see you again, Warrior of Peace.

NNPD Officer
Newport News Police Department

November 23, 2005

May God continue to bless your family, friends and department. Thank you for serving the citizens of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I will be in pray for your family and friends.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department

November 23, 2005

Tthe members of Police Wives Online would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the wife, children , family, department, and friends of Officer Spaulding.
Thank you for your service Officer Spaulding you are a true hero, and will never be forgotten.

November 23, 2005

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Patrolman Richard Spaulding. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. I'd like to express my gratitude to all the brave men & women in law enforcement who continue to do their jobs protecting those in their communities everyday. May God watch over each & everyone of you and keep you safe.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

November 23, 2005

May God bless you, your family and Department....Rest In Peace..Job Well Done!!!!

Officer
Fort Worth Police Department

November 23, 2005

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

PATROLMAN SPAULDING, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

LORD, PLEASE WATCH OVER THE TIDEWATER AREA, KEEPING THEM SAFE. THEY HAVE LOST THREE HEROES RECENTLY. I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

November 23, 2005

Rick, Monica and Heather,
I just left your house and spent the majority of the day with your family. You have a wonderful family. From receiving the phone call, going to the hospital, saying my goodbyes to you, to taking your son to the accident scene, to the interviews and being there with your family, it has been a sad and very tragic day!! You were a very dedicated Officer, from volunteering your own time as an auxiliary officer, only wanting to work with the "goon squad", to training you as a full time sworn officer, I have always admired your dedication! It was a tremendous honor to be there with your family and relive some of your memories with those that you were so close to. I understand you fought til the end, and stayed alive long enough to know that your brothers in blue were there, and they would take over!! You passed doing what you loved, and left a legacy that will leave a lifelasting impression on everyone that was in your life, and to those that will follow in your footsteps. You are gone, but never forgotten. Monica and Heather, I was blessed to be a part of the grieving and healing process, you are amazing and we will always be here for you!!! Just remember this, In valor there is hope, and in Rick there will ALWAYS be YOU!!!
"We ride for those who died"
Police Unity Tour - Chapter 4

Off. J. Whitson
Portsmouth Police Dept.

November 23, 2005

Rick, we worked nights together for several years. Thank you for that. Trust that we will take care of your family, as you watch over us all. Godspeed.

Sgt. S. Burke
Portsmouth Police Department

November 23, 2005

Rest in Peace Sir, you have been called home to patrol a golden street

November 23, 2005

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Spaulding. Thank you for your service.

MJW #643

November 23, 2005

Ofc. Spaulding, you will always be remembered by those you left behind. To your family, friends and fellow officers, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

AZ Narc

November 23, 2005

God bless you brother Rick and thank you for your service.
"In Valor There Is Hope"

Sgt Mike Edes
Maine State Police

November 23, 2005

Thank you for your service and dedication, Patrolman Spaulding.
May the Lord comfort your family and friends at this difficult time.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9

Wife of a Deputy
SBSD, California

November 23, 2005

Rest in peace, Blue Angel.

MAB
New Jersey

November 23, 2005