Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew you, though not very well, from High Point High School back in the 80s. I was so saddened to hear of your senseless death. I only feel better knowing that someone took the law into their own hands and made that waste of life pay for his crime. Justice was served swiftly, thank God. You were truly a hero of the community and a wonderful role model for our youth. If only there were more men like you around this world would be a better and safer place. Thank you for your dedicated service and my heartfelt sympathy to your family and friends.

High Point High School '86

July 2, 2008

Each time a police officer lays down their life to maintain civility and order within our society, a little piece of their brother and sister officers die with them. Prince George's County Police Department has faced this circumstance time and time again. Often times the citizens they are sworn to protect are their harshest critic who afford more sympathy to the bad guys then to the good. It is clear from Cpl. Findley's life and how he lived it as a Police Officer, Firefighter, Volunteer and most importantly as a Husband and Father that he was the epitome of the "Good Guy". Prince George's County will be a little less safe because of the voids left by Richard Findley, Steve Gaughan, and the other Prince George's Couty Police Officers that have made the ultimate sacrafice.The citizens of Prince George's County are lucky to be served with such fine men and women that risk their lives daily. Cpl. Richard Findley is another true American Hero who has earned his place in heaven. I am honored just to have shared the same profession as this extraordinary man. May God bless and keep you and watch over your family, with my deepest sympathy to the men and women of the Prince George's County Police Department.

Sergeant Richard W. Speake (Retired)
Laurel City Police Department

July 2, 2008

I was at work the other day and saw your pic up here on the page. That night I went home and on the news was the story of your death.... GOD BLESS THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT! True professionals, Rest in peace Officer Findley, I never knew you but am sure you were and always will be a great cop.

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

July 2, 2008

With the deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to your wife and daughters.
God will welcome you with open arms for your sacrifice and dedication to the citizens of this county.

"STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY"....SESSION 92
HOO RAH.....

Cpl. Christi Montgomery #274
Md Park/Pg Co......Session 92

July 2, 2008

To the Family, Friends and Co-Workers of Corporal Findley;

As members of Beltsville’s business community, our hearts are filled with sorrow at the death of Officer Findley, who was one of our protectors and defenders within the community.

It is our deepest prayer that the Lord will grant each of you comfort, grace and abiding peace as you remember Officer Findley’s life and grieve his loss.

We are thankful for the years that Officer Findley gave of himself and "made a difference" on behalf of our community. We are grateful and honor him as well as those who continue to "serve and protect."

With sincere blessing and condolence,
Scott Covington Insurance Agency/State Farm

Lisa Covington
Scott Covington Insurance Agency / State Farm

July 2, 2008

To all family and friends of Corporal Findley, I send my most heartfelt empathies. This year we remembered the loss of my brother and his best friend which happened on June 26, 30 years ago.
I pray the Lord will keep you strong through this time. He will forever be in your hearts. Sincerely, Penny Claggett Leclercq

Penny Claggett Leclercq

July 2, 2008

We thank you for all your years of service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the friends, family, and co-workers of Corporal Findley.

Police Wives Online

July 2, 2008

Thank you with all my heart for your years of service and sacrifice to all of us. May God bless your family and watch over your them. We will never forget.

Thankful Citizen

July 2, 2008

Once again, a wife is left without her husband, children are left without a father, parents are left without a son and we are left without a co-worker, a friend, a professional...one of us.

God Bless you Richard and God be with your family.

William Hogewood
Retired Pr. Geo.

July 2, 2008

There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don't seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You are a person like that to many
The most selfless MAN by far
So Cpl Findley,I'd like to thank you
For being the HERO that you are.

RIP

You will be missed!!!!!

Citizen

July 2, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with youre family and friends. Rest in peace brother.

Trooper J DeFrance
Texas DPS -Highway Patrol

July 2, 2008

Rich,

When I got the first phone call last Friday telling me what happened I was in total disbelief. Then I got a second call. And then a third. By the end of the day, I had probably talked to a dozen different people and they all told me the same thing. I don’t think it really sank in until I saw your picture in the news that night.

Man, it’s hard to accept.

It seems like just yesterday we were in the academy, pushing the earth, bracing the walls, and performing endless sets of flutter kicks. It’s funny - that seven months on Dille Drive felt like a lifetime, but the last 10 years has just blown right by. All of those old salty vets always said that time would fly by on this job, and man, were they right.

I should have kept in better contact…

I never got a chance to tell you, but I have a daughter now. She’s 16 months old and she’s my pride and joy. Ever since Friday, when I look at her, I can't help but think of your two little girls. It absolutely breaks my heart to know that they will have to grow up without you around. But rest assured, the positive example that you set during your life will undoubtedly guide them through the rest of theirs.

Girls, I know you’re too young to read this now, but if by some chance you happen upon this in the years to come, I want you to know that your Dad was a great man and it is my greatest honor to have known him. He fought like a warrior that morning and wanted nothing more than to make it home to you at the end of his shift that day. Even though the odds were completely stacked against him, he fought back. Stand proud, because your Dad is a hero.

To the rest of Rich’s family, no words could ever express how sorry I am for this tragic loss. I pray that your grief is quickly alleviated by a sense of pride and the cherished memories of an exceptional man who lived the noblest of lives.

Rich, I know this sounds a bit cliché, but I truly find comfort in the knowledge that you are with the big man upstairs watching out for the rest of us down here.

Rest in peace, my friend. I’ll see you when I get there.


“In Valor There is Hope” -Tacitus


Hoorah…

Special Agent/DEA-Houston Field Division
Former PGPD/ID#2509, Classmate/Session 92

July 2, 2008

God Bless you Corporal Findley and God Speed to your wife and daughters. Be strong. You will be in our prayers.

Wife of PGPD

July 1, 2008

Thank you for your service. You won't be forgotten. May God be with your family during this great time of need.

MD PARK

July 1, 2008

I had the honor of meeting him. Very nice person, took his job very seriously and had a very good sense of humor. I will always remember him. RIP

Maria N Soto
Beltsville Resident, ride along student TESST College

July 1, 2008

It is with deep sadness to hear a fellow officer has died in the line of duty. If more when it's only a few counties away from home. Rest in peace we have it from here.

Dfc. Daniel Wood
Harford County Sheriff's Office

July 1, 2008

Cpl. Findley,

I had the pleasure of meeting you once earlier this year. My immediate impression was overwhelmingly positive. Your speech and demeanor was one of a compassionate, caring man who enjoyed life. In speaking with those who knew you since you were tragically taken from us my impressions have been verified. You are truly a hero and will be missed beyond words. Those of us who are left can only hope to live up to the example you have left us. Rest in Peace, brother.

P/O Raynes
PGPD Dist II

July 1, 2008

Just wanted to say thanks for your smile and handshake EVERY TIME I saw you in court or processing.

Cpl. Travis Fowble #2551
PGPD NED

July 1, 2008

I AM A WARRIOR
—by Jon F. Hooper
I stand with God. I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary.
I fight for those who can’t. I fight for Justice.
I fight for the oppressed and the downtrodden.
And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets,
for I serve to protect the innocent.
It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries.
Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee.
Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor.
Cry not at my passing, for it was my honor to fight for you.
Shed not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy:
For now, I stand with God.

Paul Highbarger
Stepfather/Chris Nicholson(EOW:12-19-07)

July 1, 2008

I will not let this insanity brewing in PG County outshine your light. My focus will remain on remembering you and your sacrifice, not the aftermath.

I wish your family and loved ones peace and comfort tomorrow as they say goodbye to you. Nothing will over shadow your heroism and sacrifice, nothing and no one!

Shawnee Ryan
wife of FCPD APO

July 1, 2008

It is alway very sad when police officers die in the line of duty. I did not know this officer personally but I wanted to send my condolences to his family and friends. To the other officers working out there everyday be mindful that there are some people who have no regard for their own life, so yours mean absolutely nothing to them. Be Safe!!

Natasha Franklin RN
Former Citizen of PG County

July 1, 2008

We will miss you Officer Findley. You were a true hero. God bless the family in this difficult time for them.

Gabe
Montgomery County Police explorer

July 1, 2008

Thank you for your service to Prince George's County and the State of Maryland. See you at cross roads...

TFC
Maryland State Police

July 1, 2008

as i former service employee (teacher @ a charter school in dc), i want to thank YOU for EVERYTHING you did for society..... sometimes, it's moment's like this that make one realize how much you and your colleauges in armed forces, fire, etm and others do to keep our society safe....unfortunately, there are those who do respect you or the cause you stand for....thank you the example you've set for the unheard voices of our youth...

rest in peace officer findley.....

nicole j.
los angeles, ca

July 1, 2008

Our heart felt sympathy and condolences go out to Officer Findley's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Dept. and citizens of the county will greatly miss him.

The parents of a PG County Police Officer

July 1, 2008