Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 1, 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 3, 2008

Uncle Rick, sorry it has been a while since I have talked to you. I think about you everyday that I get up and go to work. As you probably know already I have switched from blue to brown. I bet that seems funny to you but I know you still have my back. Our family misses you dearly and I look forward to seeing you once again some day. I will cover the streets down here as you once did knowing that you have the ones up there covered. Forever thinking of you, Barry.

Deputy B.N. Bennett
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office N.C.

February 6, 2008

Rest in Peace....

Police Officer
Portsmouth Police Department

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

Thinking of you today Rick! Partner, keep us safe.....

Jeff Whitson
POrtsmouth Police DEept.

November 23, 2007

"IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED, THAT MAKES HIM A HERO" Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank You for keeping US safe. Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN

November 23, 2007

On the 2 year date of your death, we are thinking about your family and friends. It is always hard during these holidays, but we know you are watching over all. You are a true hero and will always be remembered.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 23, 2007

Wow... almost two years... The things that have changed since then. We miss you so much...It's great that they have a guardian like you! My prayers go to Monica and family, espeially the young ones...

Jen Sumner
Portsmouth Police Dept

November 15, 2007

Miss you my friend.....not a day goes by where you and your family aren't in my thoughts.

K.R. Bachman
Portsmouth Police Dept.

October 8, 2007

Hey Rick, Just wanted to stop in and say HI! I sure do miss you. It's just not the same without you....
Thanks for looking over us and keeping us safe

Officer Jeff Whitson
Portsmouth Police Department

July 5, 2007

Hey Rick... I haven't stopped by for a time. But not a day doesn't go by that I don't mention you to somone somewhere. No a day goes by that I don't remember us laughing and shaking our heads at Little Rick's "antics". Not a day goes by that I don't miss you so very much. That I don't miss that "country boy" attitude you always had. Or the comments and remarks frequently made in private, always funny.

I still remember the mroning I got "the call". I was at the light at Cedar and High. I remember lighting up and squeakin' that siren to get to MaryView. Hoping you were ok. I remember pulling up and all those police cars. ANd knowing your were gone. I remember being selfish, and aggravated that I didn't get a chance to say good bye.

I remember seeing you in unform, and I remember crying. I remember a Lieutenant asking if I was ok, and realizing I wasn't. I remember all the bravado, machismo normally attached to officers being let down. I saw hugs, tears and a unity the we all knew existed, but was rarely seen.

I remember Monica being "covered" in blue. I remember Sheriff's Deputies and the kinship they so readily showed.

I remember the stories told by your freinds.

But most of all my Brother, I remember you, through all the other memories, they all point back to you.

Your legacy will live on, through all the lives you have impacted.

I miss you my friend. I miss you terribly. I love you my brother. Know it.

Officer Scott White
Portsmouth PD

March 27, 2007

Rick,
As the holiday season is among us yet again, Monica, Heather and your other family continue to and will always be in my thoughts and prayers. The pain of loosing someone special never goes away, and it especially is rough not having them around the holidays. Always know that your family is taken care of by your Portsmouth family. I'm sure your angel wings could use a rest. Rest in peace my brother.

Allyson Coles, Forensic Technician
Portsmouth Police Department

December 20, 2006

Patrolman Spaulding,

Thank you for your service and dedication protecting the citizens of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth. You BROTHER will never be forgotten! We will continue on in your memory.

Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Waverly Police Department Waverly, Virginia

November 23, 2006

May you rest safe with Our Lord and may He wrap His arms tightly around your loved ones today and in the future.

November 23, 2006

Thank you for your service. May God bless your family, friends and department.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department

November 23, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

November 9, 2006

I salute you for your service to law enforcement. Keep watch over your loved ones as their hearts are heavy with grief and will be that way for a long time. Visit them in their dreams to let them know you are okay and that you love them as I'm sure they know you do. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die.

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

Bob Gordon

July 16, 2006

Officer Spaulding, although I did not know you personally I remember seeing you patrolling through the streets of Portsmouth. I just wanted to say thank you for protecting us all who live in Portsmouth!

Portsmouth Citizen

July 15, 2006

Hello, wow it has been 7 months alredy and still this hurts soo bad. I miss you soo much and it is soo hard seeing my two little boys grow up without you. They are missing knowing one of the greatest men I have ever known. I stop in and say hello in the park, but of course you know that already, cause you are keeping the watch as always. A deputy has lost his life on the same ramp as you, I ask that you watch over his family as he had a daughter and a young grandson also, I know their pain and this is not an easy time for them. I know you are always watching after us and all of your family in blue and keeping them safe.

Love you and miss you

Your Daughter

July 9, 2006

Hey Ricker, It's been a while since I have said hi, so I thought I would take my opportunity to catch up with ya. I come see you sometimes when I am working, I know you are there, just like you are there on every call I answer. I found it fitting that just two short weeks after you died I was involved in a shooting just across the street and down about a block from where you are buried. Just goes to show me that you are always there. My mom came to visit a couple weeks ago and one place she wanted to go was your grave. She said she can still remember calling me some mornings and hearing your voice or laugh in the background. How I wish you were still here to give me a confidence boost from time to time and tell me to keep my chin up when things get hard. And while I know God had a plan for you and there is no better place for you to be honored then on the wall in DC. I wish I could be there this year for the services. Rest well Ricker, I miss you everyday.

Officer Jane Foster
Portsmouth PD

May 3, 2006

MONICA I HOPE YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE DOING WELL IN THIS SPRING TIME. I AGAIN WANT TO THANK YOU FOR SHARING RICK WITH THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, AND THANK YOU RICK FOR WATCHING OUT FOR MY HUSBAND ONE OF YOUR BROTHERS IN PORTSMOUTH, MAKING SURE HE COMES HOME SAFELY TO ME AND OUR CHILDREN. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DO NOT THINK OF YOU RICK AND MONICA. THE WARN WEATHER HAS MADE ME THINK OF ALL THE CRIMES YET TO COME, AND WANTED TO LET YOU KOW I AM PROUD THAT YOU RICK HAVE MY HUSBANDS AS WELL AS ALL OF THE PORTSMOUTH POLICE OFFICERS BACKS THIS SUMMER. MONICA TO YOU IF YOU EVER NEED TO TALK OR JUST BE ON THE PHONE OR JUST SIT AND STARE AT THE WORLD I AM HERE WHEN EVER YOU WANT TO GET TOGETHER.

SUSAN .. PORTSMOUTH OFFICERS WIFE AND DISPATCHER

SUSAN M BACHMAN DISPATCHER II
CHESAPEAKE VA

March 18, 2006

I wanted to let you know that I think of you often...I know your pain...I know how you are feeling...I wanted to let you know that you are not fogotten...and neither is your angel...He is in heaven with the other angels watching over us all...I look forward to meeting you in May...when we can celebrate our angels and the sacrifice that they made...I pray everyday that there will not be any more losses like these...I will continue to pray for you and your family...

Much love and prayers,
Chrissy Henley

Chrissy Henley, wife
Ptlm Drew Henley, Suffolk PD, EOW 3/19/05

February 28, 2006

To the family and friends of Patrolman Rick Spaulding and his fellow officers at Portsmouth Police Dept:

I was so saddened to learn of the tragic accident that took the life of this fine dedicated officer. I know that everyone who knew him and cared for him is hurting and in anquish.

In reading the reflections about Rick, it is clear that he was loved and respected my many people whose lives he touched. He had a profound impact on people and that is a wonderful legacy to leave. One constant thing that was written about Rick is that he was an excellent mentor and that he always had your back. His loyalty and commitment is inspiring.

May you all be comforted by your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. May God watch over and protect his wife and family.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Patrolman Rick Spaulding gave to his community and the citizens of Virginia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 23, 2005.

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

February 21, 2006

I have a good friend on this department even though i am a deputy in Southern California. i heard of the teamwork provided by the department to the family of P.O Spaulding. God Bless to the Family and your department. You are now a hero patrolling the streets of heaven. Thank you!

Deputy Aaron Conley
San Bernardino County Sheriif, CA

February 5, 2006