Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I can't believe it's been 7 years. Driving past your memorial on 24 still gets to me. You were such a all around great guy taken way too soon. Praying that God continues to bring your family comfort, peace and love. You made a difference while you were here and are greatly missed by many. May God bless your family.

Gigi Golden Mullinax
High School Classmate

July 6, 2014

Dave,
Seven years, hard to believe it has been that long. So many things have changed. But "that day" still seems as if it were yesterday. Nothing forgotten; everything remembered. Time goes on, faces change. Almost 1/2 the Road Troops at the Post weren't there when you were there. Connie and the kids struggle at times, but doing well. They have never forgotten you. You are still very much alive through your kids.
Still amazes me how much the "community" still speaks of you. More flags than ever marking your site. People (Joe & Dean) still walking your 16 mile route from the Post to your site in your honor. All in all, it just reflects the type of person you were and the impact you left on us.
There are so many things over the years I could have used your advice on and wished we could have discussed. We were always able to confide and trust in each other with the simplest to the most important details.
Well Dave, life goes on, but it was sure a lot better when you were here as a part of it. Tell my Dad & Mom I said hi. Because of God's mercy and Jesus' sacrifice we will meet and talk again. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2014

I was honored to watch Dave and his brother and sister grow up. The world is a better place for having had him in it. He was a caring, loving, father and friend who believed in what he did every day . He will always be remembered .

Sharon Slonaker
Family friend

July 5, 2014

I am a good friend of his fathers and this was so tragic, so glad he was honored and still is on the hwy where it happened.

God Bless all our men and women who keep us safe.

buck hatton
friend of family

May 23, 2014

Dave, six years since your death. So much has changed; but the great memories of our friendship has not. Time continues and memories fade, some for the good and some for the bad. It is so impressive that after six years so many still reflect about you on the day of your passing; a real tribute on the person you were. From friends maintaining your "Memorial Mile" (more flags than ever), to another walking your final route, to others just reflecting on where they were six years ago; what a tribute. Dave, although I know you are no longer physically here, I know spiritually you are. I know how much we counted on and confided on each other when you were alive; as I still do now. Dave, never forgotten; forever remembered. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2013

I just completed an essay over David Rich's heroism for the Andrew P. Winzenread Scholarship. I hope through my writing that I captured what was special about David, and that this essay will commemorate this wonderful man. May he be at peace. He will not be forgotten.

Tyler Gress

February 19, 2013

Rest in Peace, Master Trooper Rich. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2013

Thank you for your dedication and outstanding service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

August 22, 2012

Dave,
5 years since that "ever changing day." Sounds like a long time ago, yet I remember every detail of that day as if it were today. Time goes on; memories fade; but not that one. I don't know how many times as I am working out on US24 people ask me the story behind your memorial marker cross. I tell them of how on your way home from work you had checked on two separate motorists that were broke down along the highway. You can see the sorry in their face as I explain how the second motorist you checked on shot; with no apparent warning or reasoning. As I tell them of how you were in plain clothes and in an unmarked car, they just looked puzzled. And as I tell them you left behind a wife and three small children; they can only close their eyes and lower and shake their head in disbelief.
Such a senseless act. All anybody can do is shake their head and ask "why". Dave, the way your life ended was so tragic. You were not trying to arrest somebody for a crime or on a warrant or even because of a simple traffic infraction; you were simply trying to offer help to a person in need.
For although your kids have lost so much with your passing; the way you lived your life and the way your life ended (helping others) will always be the greatest lesson you will ever had taught them. I am sure as your children grow; they will realize how great of person and influence you have and are in their lives. For it is not in the manner that you died that will influence them; but the way you lived. Always willing to help others.
And although the looks on our faces of your death were sadness and shock; I can't help but think GOD and JESUS looked at each other and smiled and thought WOW this is the type of person who is willing to help those in need.
Dave, I am proud to have known you and even prouder to have called you my best friend. Enjoy Heaven! Don't worry I've got this down here. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2012

A very nice guy and dedicated Trooper! May you rest in peace!

Special Agent
FBI

June 18, 2012

Happy Birthday Dave! Always Remembered, Always Honored.

Carolyn Dudley
Surviving Spouse -ISP Lt Gary Dudley

April 8, 2012

Dave, Happy Birthday; but more importantly Happy Easter. And because of "Easter"; I will see you later. Take Care, Jan

Jan
Best friend

April 8, 2012

Thanks for your services, David.

David

February 23, 2012

Master Trooper Rich,
Thank you for your service to the Wabash Community. Years after your end of watch people continue to speak warmly of you an officer, a father, and a friend. Though I did not know you as well as I would have liked to, I'll never forget the genuine warmth with which you greeted me upon my arrival to the Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Andrew Payne
Delaware County Sheriff's Department

July 5, 2011

Dave,
July 5, 2007; a date I wish could be forgotten, but know I never will.
Our friendship; experiences I still remeber, and know I always will.
Enjoy Heaven; don't worry I've got this.
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2011

I didn't know you, but know of you. Am thankful for you and will not forget you. I'm sure you are watching over your great family.

Russ Chargualaf
Supporter of our Brave Law Enforcement

July 5, 2011

Four years ago a family lost a true hero .

I know you smile down on your family often and keep watch over them. I also know you must certainly be proud of all of them. Your wife is an incredibly strong woman who has stood strong while raising your daughter and sons, who by the way are just amazing kids! Your daughter has a smile that is contagious and has such an amazing personality. It saddens me that your family lost you, but I know that they are continuing to get stronger every day. You will never be forgotten and we will always be their for your family! I feel so lucky to know them and am so proud of them.

Kelly

July 4, 2011

Dave, Happy Birthday. Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2011

Never forgotten brave Warrior brother. Not even all the way down here in Aust.
May God protect and keep your family safe and well.
With sincere respect.

Senior Constable
South Australia Police

August 4, 2010

My apologies for not having left a reflection sooner about your untimely death. From all accounts you were a greatly respected and much admired member of the ISP which is truly one of the most professional and greatly respected law enforcemenet agencies in the country. I had the honor of meeting one of your fellow Troopers by the name of Robert Leffert the other day as I travelled through the Hoosier state and he was a true professional in every sense of the word just like I am positively sure you were. God bless you and the men and women of the ISP and may you rest in peace.

Police Officer Nelson Marti
New York State Park Police/Taconic Region

July 22, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 5, 2010

Dave, Three years since we lost you. How fast, yet how slow time has gone. Still does not seem possible. Kids are growing up fast. Carson & Connor, are riding 4-wheelers, dirt bikes and playing all types of sports. They are quite the athletes. Lauren, is riding the biggest roller coasters around and becoming quite the young lady. She too is doing great in a variety of sports and participating in 4-H.
Connie, is hanging tough. Lost Major yesterday (7-4-10). Just another difficult event Connie had to deal with. She is doing great with the kids, and continues to go forward. I know how proud you are of her. Friends and family continue to help; but each know they can only relieve a small amount of the pain.
Dave, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I really appreciate all the great times we had together. Take Care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2010

Dave, Happy Birthday-Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2010

Merry Christmas Dave! Really wish you were still with us.

Ginny
ISP Dist 16 Retired

December 25, 2009

Dave, It has been two years since we lost you, still hard to believe it occurred and even harder to accept. Although time has dampened the shock; the pain is still there.
It’s amazing after two years how well you are remembered. I knew your family and friends would never forget; but the community as a whole is what surprises me. Countless times I have been on details and people have mentioned you; the majority not knowing the friendship we shared. It’s a true credit of how you did your job. For any cop gets paid for doing the "duties" of their job; but what separated you was how you used your discretion, empathy and demeanor in doing it. For that is what the public remembers most about dealing with an officer; their attitude and personality. The comment I get most about you from everyone is that "he really was a nice guy, whether he was on duty or not". Dave, a true credit to the person you were.
Connie is doing excellent with the kids. I know how she appreciates all the help and support she has received from family and friends; but I also know there are many things that nobody can help with or relieve the pain that only she endures. I know at times she is overwhelmed; and I hope you continue to give her strength, wisdom and encouragement to continue.
Dave, the kids continually talk about you; a reflection on how much a part of their lives you were and still are. Lauren asked me the other day if I thought you were happy when you died. When I asked her what she meant; she said she knew you had always liked the 4th of July, and since you died so close to it, she thought you were probably happy. I assured her, I am sure you were.
Until we meet again, Take care-Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2009