Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Master Trooper David Edward Rich, his family and his fellow officers with the Indiana State Police:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Master Trooper Rich’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Master Trooper Rich and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

July 5, 2009

Dave, Happy Birthday. Not a day has gone by that I have not thought of you. Really miss the friendship we shared.
Until we meet again, take care. Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2009

Dave, it's hard to believe it has been one year since we lost you, and even still harder to believe it occurred at all. All the details concerning the day you were killed just seem as if it occurred yesterday; yet it seems like forever since we last spoke. I now know and must accept that although people say "time" will help deal with the pain; it will never replace the void in my life of the friendship that we shared. With the passage of time I am not going to forget you, or try to forget you in order to help relieve the pain; I am just going to let time and faith take its course.

Connie, Lauren, Carson & Connor are still struggling over your passing. I know how proud you are of them for their strength, courage and faith to continue. Connie has been so strong and brave this last year; and I know you will continue to give her the strength, guidance and love in raising your children, as well as comfort from your passing.

I know how embarrassingly honored you would be of all the dedications and honors given to Connie and the kids in your name. From the Memorial Park, Highway, and Baseball Diamond, to the engravings of your name as a "Hero"; the outpouring from friends, co-workers, and the community has been overwhelming.

Dave, you will be forever missed; but you as well as your family will never be forgotten. As we always said to each other, "catch ya later; take care". Jan

p.s. When you give your mom a kiss good night, would you do me a favor and give my mom one for me too.

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2008

With the year anniversary of Trooper Rich's death, I wanted to extend my prayers and love to the Rich family. When the news came of his tragic death it hit home deep in the hearts of my father and our family. We too are proud and love being apart of the State Trooper family and when Dave's news came to me from my father it felt as if I too had lost a personal friend. God bless the Rich family and may you continue to draw strength from the Lord.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
—Philippians 4:13

Janelle McKee
daughter of Indiana State Master Trooper Jeff Franklin

July 3, 2008

Dave,
I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful 8 year old daughter. I am currently a student at the FBI National Academy and yesterday my class hosted COPS Kids day. I was lucky enough to have your daughter in my group for the day and what a charmer she was! You and your wife obviously gave her a great start in life and she talked about you with smiles and pride. I know she misses you but you must be so proud at the strength your 8 year old is showing. We had a lot of fun too-playing games and painting pictures...even jumping on a moon bounce...and all the while she kept one eye on her little brothers. What a sweetheart and I feel honored to have had the chance to get to know her. God bless!

Captain Susan Culin
Fairfax County Police Department, VA

May 15, 2008

Dave, First of all Happy 42nd Birthday. I really miss the "Mr. Coney" runs we made to Fort Wayne on your past Birthdays. Also your mom's funeral was today. It was an excellent service, so deserving for your mom. Your family showed so much strength and courage through it all.

Its so ironic that 42 years ago today your mom brought you into this world; that today we said our final goodby to her on this world. But we know in our heart and in our soul that this isn't the end of our relationship with each other; but in reality just the beginning.

Again Happy Birthday Dave; and Farewell for now Linda. Until we meet again, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Dave! We miss you.

GK

April 8, 2008

Dave, Last night (4/3/08) your Mom came and joined you in Heaven. We know how happy you both must be to be together again.

We now know Linda is free from the pain she has endured since your passing, as well as the pain from the illness that she had fought for so long. But mostly we know how loved, honored and blessed she is, to be in the presence of her God and Savior. Dave, its just like your Mom, when one of her children needed her, she would always be there for them. We know how you both hated to leave your family here on Earth, but don't worry we'll be there for them.

Always remember our ultimate goal on Earth, is to make it to Heaven. And because of God's mercy and grace, and Jesus' sacrifice, we will someday all be together again.
Jan & Deanna

Jan & Deanna
Best Friend

April 4, 2008

Dave, 10 years ago today (3-28-98) I had the honor of being best man at your wedding. I know how proud and honored you were to have Connie as your wife; and how you both looked so forward to starting a family together. God blessed Connie and you in having three great kids.
I know how proud you are of Connie; especially the strength she has given to the kids. The kids constantly talk about you, and recall all the great times you shared with them.
Dave, your family loves and misses you deeply. Be proud, you did a great job in starting and raising a close loving family. Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell the kids all the things they didn't know about their dad; well maybe not all of them.(just kidding)
Catch you later, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

March 28, 2008

Dave,
This last week Trooper Daniel Barrett came to join you in heaven. He graduated from the academy the day after we lost you. He did an outstanding job during his short stay here. He did District 16 proud. Please keep an eye on him and help him around in your typical good natured fashion. Love ya buddy.

Mike Nichols
Indiana State Police

February 6, 2008

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Trooper Rich. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for David, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember David's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that David's life was about so much more than the way he died. David will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Trooper Rich, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 30, 2007

Dave,
Dedication of memorial went great. Blue lights on X-mas tree shine bright. Don't worry; we are still here for Connie, the kids, and the rest of the family. Enjoy Heaven.
Jan

Jan
Best Friend

December 5, 2007

Has not been a day that we have not thought about you Dave. Your family and memories are often still discussed. It is deer season now and I wish you were here to enjoy it with us. Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Matt Rebholz
Wabash City Police DTF

November 8, 2007

Thanks for your service Master Trooper, God bless your family.

Patrolman
Charlestown PD

November 2, 2007

I just wanted to let Mrs. Rich and her children know I am thinking of you tonight and praying for you still. May you rest in peace Master Trooper Rich.

Tara Q. Denzinger
Wife of Officer Frank Denzinger EOW June 18 2007

October 26, 2007

God bless you, sir. Thank you for your service.

J.E. Johnson

October 12, 2007

I heard the call come over the radio, the Indiana Excise officer who happened upon the scene said "I'll be out with a man down, unknown problem US 24 just west of Wabash"..."possible shooting"..."two 10-0's one's an officer"... Nothing could have prepared me when I found out it was Dave. My heart broke. Dave was a friend to everyone he met. I met him when I was 17. He was a big brother to me.

I will miss you David.

Deputy Linda Sutton
Miami County Sheriff Dept.

August 20, 2007

While serving in the Wabash county area I got to know Dave and had the pleasure of working with him. He had backed me up on serveral calls and was quite man but he had a great sense of humor. It was my honor to have worked with him and I am a better person because of knowing Dave. He was an unsung hero. Dave would give you the shirt off his back and then some. The State of Indiana has lost out,because of David's untimely passing. If anyone who reads this would want a roll model or someone to pattern a law enforcement career after it would be MASTER TROOPER DAVID RICH. Dave was my friend and my brother in arms. I will always be grateful to have had your friendship. S. Michael Tate

Patrolman 1st class S. Michael Tate
North Manchester Police Dept-Retired

August 20, 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"

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for your service and dedication to the law enforcement field, its men and women like you that make everyday a better plac to live.

911 Dispatcher
Franklin Park Illinois

August 18, 2007

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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 9, 2007

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

August 3, 2007

I have never met Trooper Rich, but found out about this tragedy from his brother and fellow Police Officer Capt. Bob Rich, who has been SO VERY KIND, and who's compassion I have seen in discussing with him the death of my friend's family (Angie, Aidan and Daniel Lindner) on the ITR one year ago yesterday. Capt. Bob has been so kind and sincere by staying in touch with me this past year about the horrific event of that day, and so today I wish to pass on, in return, my heartfelt condolences to Capt. Rich and his family for his fine brother, and to Trooper Rich's family for their husband, father, son, and friend.

I hope Trooper Rich seeks out the love and comfort of Angie Lindner, her two boys and her mother in God's Palace . . . where they will NO DOUBT greet him with open wings!

The world was a better place because of YOU, Trooper Rich, and you deserve the glory you will receive in the Kingdom that is Heaven.

- Kevin Kolano
North Babylon, NY

Kevin Kolano
Friend to Dan Lindner

August 2, 2007

Hero's are not made by how they die but by how they lived. Godspeed and rest in peace.

I am sure you will be standing by the side of our fallen brother Kelly Fredingburg, Say hello for us.

You and your service to your community will never be forgotten

Deputy Steve Polanski
Marion County Sheriff's Office (OR)

July 30, 2007

Last night Trooper Rich's mother fell ill and had to be sent to the hospital. I can't imagine the grief his family is suffering. My husband and brother, Peru Police Officer Sergeant, Jason Mooney were both at the hospital to check on her. Being the wife, daughter and sister of police officers my heart aches knowing how easily they can be taken from me. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. District 16 will never be the same. We will forever miss you Dave!

Lori Mooney Daugherty, Bailiff
Wife of Master Trooper Paul Daugherty

July 30, 2007

23 days, 19 hours, and about 30 minutes. It seems just like it was yesterday........ I miss my friend.
My heart still aches when I think about our loss, but I vow to be a better Police Officer and to pick up where Dave left off. You were a shining example of how to do this job!

Det. Long
Wabash Police Department

July 29, 2007