Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

WOW THIS IS HARD BECAUSE I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS FEW WEEKS AGO DAVID WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO ME LETS SEE WE BEEN THROUGH ALOT TOGETHER ME ,DAVID AND DWAIN LOTS OF MEMORIES I WAS ARRESTED BY DAVID BEFORE I WAS AN OFFICER LOL AND I WAS HIS PARTNER AND FRIEND FOR MANY YRS LOVED DAVID AND HIS FAMILY I MOVED TO FLA AND LOST CONTACT WITH HIM AND NOW THIS I MISS HIM VERY MUCH HE SHOWED AND TAUGHT ME EVERY THING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER AND LONG TIME FRIEND LOVE YOU DAVID MISS YOU

Randy Young( ex police officer)

June 18, 2008

If only I would have known the last place this picture would be posted when we took it for the web site...

Thank you for believing in me and giving me my first law enforcement job. If it weren't for you, I would not be as successful as I have been. We didn't get along much, but it was because of the reason you gave...we are very much alike...both hard headed.

Once again, thank you for all that you did for me. You left as a hero...I could only hope for the same.

S. McIver

May 17, 2008

I had the opportunity to ride in honor and in memory of Chief Richard this year during the 2008 Police Unity Tour. I never had the distinct opportunity to personally meet Chief Richard, but I did have the honor of meeting his family during the Candlelight Vigil in Washington D.C.

I hope the memorial bracelet that I presented to Chief Richard’s family will be a small token of comfort and support during these difficult times.

To Chief Richard's Family, stay strong and remember the good times you had with your loved one. Please rest assure that my thoughts and prayers are forever with your family.

May Chief Richard always be remembered fraternally by the Law Enforcement Family.

Matthew Stone - Patrolman
Holliston Police Department - MA

May 17, 2008

We little knew that morning that God would call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we'll do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, for you did not go alone.
Part of us went with you the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our Family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one our chain will link again.

Author Unknown


I love my daddy rabbit!! And I miss you more than ever. Sometimes I can just hear your voice so clearly or smell your cologne, just like you would be standing right beside me. I look around for you or hold my hand out thinking that maybe just maybe I can feel you, but you're not there. We're trying daddy, we're trying so hard to move on but at times it seems impossible. I always felt safe knowing you were just a phone call away and now I feel lost, wondering what advice you would give me for any given situation. I remember your very last words to me on the Thursday before you died. You told me "I love you Sista Sue, you are my baby girl and I love you more than anything." I also remember seeing you just an hour before you left us. I can see the expression on your face so clearly from that night and exactly what you were wearing and where you were when I last saw you. I miss you pop and I love you so very much. Please know that I am trying my best right now to take care of mom, just as I always promised you I would. Rest now daddy, you're watch is over.

Love you always and forever,

Sissy
Daughter

March 21, 2008

Mr. David, it's so sad that you had to leave so soon.
While some might argue that it wasn't your time to go, there's a reason for everything, even though we might not want to believe it sometimes.

Please watch over Willis for me.
I love him so much with every little bit of my heart and I only want the best for him.

He was always there for me & I feel awful because I'm not able to be there for him as much as I was now that I moved, but I'm sure that you've got it under control and are keeping him safe.

Rest in peace, Mr. David.
You were such a great person with a huge heart and I know that Jordan will follow in your footsteps.

-Amanda Roy

Amanda Roy
Chief Richard's sons best friend

March 17, 2008

Chief,I really enjoyed working under you .Thank You for all what you have done for me and my family.You were there for me in a time that was really hard for me and i will not forget that.My prayers are with you and your fmly.You are greatly missed by the P.D. and the Town of Port Barre.

Communication Officer Verrette
Port Barre Police Department

March 17, 2008

Chief, you will be missed by all that knew you. I hope your family and friends can find peace in their hearts and use your teachings to go through life strong and proud.
No one will ever fill your shoes... you were one of a kind. I am proud and honored to have served under you as your Assistant Chief of Police. I learned alot from you and and will never forget you. Your legacy will definately live on.

Detective Deon Boudreaux
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Department

February 4, 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 Chief Richard. 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.

Chief Richard, 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

Hey Dad,
Just thought I needed to write and tell you how much I miss you. This is so hard. Christmas came and left. It was tough without you here. Sissy made a memory book and we all signed it. I have so many memories of you. It was hard to find just one. Trying to stay strong. I try to replay in my mind what you told me the weekend before you died about what to do when you lose someone close to you..."pick up the pieces and move on" Oh my daddy, how do I do this? I need you here to talk to me. I am at peace knowing that you are happy now. Miss you so much and I will always be so proud of you. I love you.

Lainey R. Estis
Daughter

December 27, 2007

Hey Pop,

Port Barre isn't the same without you. I can't even come into town anymore without thinking of you. I think about you everyday. When we right journals in school, I always seem to find a way to right about you. You've helped me out on so many different levels. I'm still the sassy little girl you once knew me to be but I've learned to control it alot thanks to you. I'm getting along with the family now.
And I'd like to thank you for that. My throat gets heavy as I type this. I just miss you Popa. I think about you everyday and what it would be like if you were still here. I know you are happier where you are and for that I'm thankful. I'm thankful for having the chance of knowing such a great man like you. I know I'm never alone because wherever I go you are always with me. Baseball season is in 78 days. You ready for a district championship? I know you're going to watch me play. I love you Popa.

Always and Forever your girl.

Haley Monet

Haley Richard
Grand-daughter

December 6, 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

November 12, 2007

I miss you so much daddy and I think about you all of the time. Everytime I see a black Impala, I think about you and everytime I hear sirens through town I can't help but cry. I know that you are resting at last and you have no worries and for that I can have peace in my heart knowing that you are comforted by our Lord. I'm sure that you have met and talked to everyone in heaven by now and if I know you, you've probably made big buddies with God himself!!

ConCon and CamiLou are doing fine, just getting bigger. They talk about you all of the time, just like you would be here with us. Conner wears your Chief of Police hat all of the time and makes sure that it stays clean just the way you liked it. He spends a lot of time with mom also. Daddy, you would be so proud of Bubba because he's finally getting his life straight. He and Chadd have become really close and he started coming to church with us. We are all proud of him and everything that he's doing, he's doing it all for you. Mom bought Jordan a car. We all knew that it was something that you wanted him to have, so we made certain that he did. He's so proud of his car and you would be as well. Mom is doing good also. She just misses you so much. She comforts herself by being surrounded by the grandkids, but I know that she's lonely. Lainey is doing good also. She's filled your shoes and is becoming the backbone of the family like you were. I think she has more fight in her than any of us ever thought. Haley, Jaci and Adam are doing good also. Brad and Lainey bought Haley a car and yes...she rides. Jaci is emotional right now, she misses you a lot and cries a lot, but she knows that you're proud of her. Adam is still Adam, conning his mom into whatever he wants and still making us laugh at him all of the time. He wears his POLICE cap as well and says that you are always in his heart.

All of us miss you so much and we're trying everyday to get through this tough time. We love you and you gave us many of memories to talk about.

Love you daddy,
Sissy

Sicily Quebedeaux
Daughter

October 29, 2007

Chief... You will be greatly missed. You were not only a great teacher to me, but were also a friend. I learned many things under your guidance. You truly were a great example of what a chief of police is supposed to be. Hopefully we as a department can continue to carry on as we have in your absence. But, rest assured...it will not be an easy task for anyone to fill those big shoes of yours. Anyone in law enforcement that knew David G. Richard knows how great a loss his passing was to our department, and also the town of Port Barre. My prayers and services are offered to the family and friends of Chief Richard.

S.G.T Jonathan Savant
Port Barre Police Department

October 21, 2007

My prayers continue to be with the family and the department during this difficult time.

Kay Wood
Mother of Deputy Marshal Glen DeVanie, End of Watch 4/2/2003

October 12, 2007

an example for all chiefs- you lead from the front. Thank you for your service sir.

Gillock
former Explorer

October 8, 2007

Chief Richard was one of the best chiefs the town of Port Barre has had. He was a great man of character. He is definitely a HERO

Carla Castille

September 28, 2007

To the family of Chief David Richard you have my prays. Chief Richard rest in peace in the heavins watching over all of your brothers and love one's

PFC Toby Legrand #27
Breaux Bridge Police Department

September 19, 2007

Dad,
I know that you are at peace now. Watch over and protect us. We now have a special angel.

Love you and Miss you,
"NoonieBird"

Lainey Richard Estis
Daughter to Chief David Richard,Port Barre, LA

August 25, 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

Chief Richard,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Port Barre, And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 16, 2007

Today we lost a hero, but Today God welcomed one home.

Patrolman Dwayne Delcour
Mansfield Police Mansfield, Mo

August 15, 2007

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Chief Richard -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Chief Richard -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

August 14, 2007

I'am sorry to here of the lost to the Richard family and the Port Barre Police Department. R.I.P. Chief Richard

Sgt. Kenneth Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

August 14, 2007

I know that Chief Richard will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His family and friends are in our prayers. God bless.

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

August 13, 2007

Godspeed, Chief Richard. May your family know that you've died a hero in service to your country and community.

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

Salute

Lt. Jim Potter
Pulaski CO Sheriff, Little Rock, AR

August 13, 2007