Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May your spirit have a joyous homecoming! I pray your family and friends will find peace and comfort in the heart felt reflections left by your extended family. "Go rest high on the mountain"

D/Sgt. Vence Woods
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality-Office of Criminal Invest.

July 9, 2007

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 judgment 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"

Asst. Chief Justin K. Nevels
Clinton, LA Police Dept

July 9, 2007

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND INDIANA STATE POLICE REGARDING THE DEMISE OF MASTER TROOPER DAVID RICH. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

MASTER TROOPER DAVID RICH YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.

July 9, 2007

All of us at the ITA are saddened to learn of Dave's untimely death. We were honored to have him as a member of our association for a number of years. Our two goals are to support those who serve and lend a helping hand to those in need. Dave died lending a helping hand to a stranger...."no greater love does a man have than to give his life for a friend". Over the years, we have so appreciated the support we have received from the Rich family. It is our hope that in the days ahead, we will be able to offer the same support to all of you. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you for sharing your loved one with us. He will never be forgotten by the ITA.

The Officers, Board of Directors, Staff & Membership
Indiana Troopers Assocation
Angola, Indiana

Members & Staff
The Indiana Troopers Association

July 9, 2007

Thank you sir for your service.
Future Trooper

July 9, 2007

Dave it was a honor to have had a chance to know you. You
are the example to follow as a father, Police Officer and friend. I don't think you ever saw it in yourself because you were to humble for the thought of it, but you were one of the most honest, truthful people I have known and when I think of you honor integrity and service are my first thoughts and you were all and more to so many. I pray god looks over your wife, children, family and friends. I know you will be.

No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given for your faded coat of blue."

God speed and rest in peace fallen warrior

Dave L.

July 9, 2007

To the the men and women of the Indiana State Police, My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of loss of a fellow troop. It wasnt too long ago that I attended Trooper Scott Patricks funeral. It goes to show that we must be the most vigilent when we least expect it.

To the family and friends of Trooper Rich, He was a hero. Your loss is felt in thousands of troopers all across the country. We mourn for you.

Trooper Matt Fagiana
Tennessee Highway Patrol

July 9, 2007

I am sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man. Officer Rich will always be remembered in our hearts. May this hard time bring everyone together and may peace come into your hearts.
Susie Cross
Barling, AR

Susie Cross
sister of police officer

July 9, 2007

Please forward my condolences and deepest sympathy to Master Trooper Rich's Wife, Children and Family. Though I am a stranger to your family, I care about your loss and appreciate the service and dedication of Trooper Rich. Hopefully your wonderful memories will help carry you through such a senseless tragedy and difficult time.

Sincerely,
Christina D.
Citrus Heights, CA

Christina D.

July 9, 2007

Our hearts go out to Trooper Rich's family and his brothers and sisters of the Indiana State Police. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Gail Smith
Peace Officer Memorial Group - Stanislaus County

July 9, 2007

God Bless the Rich family & friends during this most difficult time and the years to come. Never to be forgotten!

Ret. PO
City of Miami Fla

July 9, 2007

Master Trooper Rich you are a hero. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Indiana and your fellowman. God bless you, your loved ones, and the Indiana State Police. May the Lord grant your loved ones the strength to endure during this difficult time. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

July 9, 2007

Trooper Rich, I thank you and I salute you as a hero! I am also thankful that your murderer will not be killing any more troopers! To all the family and friends of Trooper Rich, you have my prayers and sympathies. To all the Troopers in Indiana, thank you for all you do. Romans 13:4!

Traffic Officer Tom Williams
City of Los Angeles DOT

July 9, 2007

May you rest in peace my brother, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Guy Lapointe
Quebec Provincial Police

July 9, 2007

May God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace!

Wanda Ryan, Reserve Deputy
Reeves County Sheriff Dept, TX

July 9, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and co-workers of Trooper Rich during this difficult time. Thank you for your service to ISP and God Bless your family.

911 Dispatcher
Dearborn County IN

July 9, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tpr David Rich and the men and women of the Indiana SP. May God be with you all.

Chief Russell Barnes
Zephyrhills Police Department - Florida

July 9, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family of Trooper Rich & also to his working family @ Indiana State Police. Walk tall with God. You will always be remembered.

Pat Cleary
X PE 5134

July 9, 2007

You did what any caring cop would do, you stopped to help someone you never knew. God has met you with open arms.
You will be missed by those you knew.May God Bless your family and the other troopers in blue.
Scotty Moore

MPO
Carmel

July 9, 2007

You are never forgotten. Job well done. Go with God.

Corporal Timothy J. Zuniga
UC Berkeley Police Department

July 8, 2007

I did not know Master Trooper David Rich. But he was a Trooper and I will not forget his service and commitment.

Trooper
Kentucky State Police

July 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Trooper Rich. I drove through Peru this morning. Your car is filling up quick with cards, flowers, ect.....May God welcome you with open arms. May he bring comfort to your family friends, and brothers and sisters of the Indiana State Police.

Corporal
South Bend Police

July 8, 2007

"Heroes live forever - God's warriors never die. Do not let your hearts be troubled; we will see them all again, safe at rest, having been given their final reward."

Trooper
D - 43, Seymour

July 8, 2007

Life is so unpredictable and so unfair. With the deepest sympathy we send our prayers and strength to your family, friends, and colleagues. Your dedicated eighteen years of service are so very much appreciated. May you find the peace that you are deserved.

Bless you for you service, your heroism, and your courage.

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

July 8, 2007

I am not involved with law enforcement in any way but feel greatly affected by this tragedy and have thought a lot about Trooper Rich's family. I am nobody from no where but I have decided that the next time I see an ISP trooper in an approachable situation that I am going to take time to stop and thank him for what he does. I think we all should.

July 8, 2007