Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP sir.

First Sergeant Thomas M. Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

September 3, 2024

Was thinking of you the other day brother and all the laughs we had working that truck, and with Storming Norman. I wished you were here with us in retirement but I know heaven needed a good cop and we'll see each other again one day. Keep the engine of that truck warm, you remember how I hated the cold.

Rick Nelson
CPD "retired"

May 5, 2023

Dearest Officer Richard Francis, my personal hero, I am so sorry she killed you with your own gun. I know you deescalated the situation and let me leave to go to the bathroom. I asked if I needed to come back and sign anything and you said no, I'm going let her call down and go home. I headed toward the gas station to use the bathroom and she bolted after me. You grabbed her and she she grabbed your Service Weapon. Simultaneously many Police Cars were all pulling toward the parked bus. I had been dancing around trying to avoid the lady screaming to call 911. Alot of people did. It turns out alot of people unfortunately witnessed your murder. I had left and ducked behind one of the unmarked care and didn't see it. I heard the shot. I popped up to peek and saw her turn the gun in my direction where many Chicago Police Officers were also. She shot in our direction. She was shot. I could not believe all this. I was cuffed until identified and the situation was sorted out. I was interviewed by an extremely competent Detective. The process went on. I always expressed my gratitude for Officer Richard Francis. A true Policeman. I am so sorry this happened to him. He tried to create a peaceful situation. I did not know Robin Johnson. She is truly evil. My life has beenvery difficult since. I think of Officer Francis, his fellow officers, his wife, step daughters, bassethounds, friends and the countless citizens of Chicago he must've helped during his career. It is just another time, thinking of him and feeling for his family. May God Bless his heart and rest his soul. A true hero stolen from us.

The lady getting off the bus

January 24, 2023

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

July 2, 2020

Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 2, 2020

God Bless you Brother. You will never be forgotten! You and your family are forever in our thoughts and prayers.

KCL #1032
CPD

July 2, 2020

You'll probably be waiting at the pearly gates with a gleaming Platinum wagon to take us to the boss as we show up for the final roll call?

We remember so you will never be forgotten!

SYOTOS

P.O. RET. L. JOHNSON, 1913H
CPD-R

July 1, 2019

Cannot believe its been 11 years since you left us Rich. When you look down this year you will see me there at the memorial. You were a good man, Officer, and well respected in the District. As well as the projects. You were ALWAYS there for me and my guys when we needed ya without question or hesitation. Ill be there for YOU 02 July 2019...miss ya man see ya soon.

Cort D. Chubko, Lathrop Public Safety
CHA Public Safety/Security

June 28, 2019

Doesn't someone have a better picture to a friend who always had a , smile and a gift of hope for the future, in a dark and hopeless world.
Yes the picture reflects the look of power he had to get 9 to jump in the wagon and have a moment in quiet reflection. Without his smile & smirks all we have is our memories of a fine man. SYOTOS

P. O. Lawrence JOHNSON
1913H - RET.

May 20, 2019

Rick was a good friend, a good cop and a great family man. I think of him often. He will never be forgotten. God bless Rick and his family.

.

Retired Commander George Rosebrock
A friend and fellow worker

July 1, 2018

Officer Richard M. Francis will never ever be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless his wife and two daughters.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 16, 2018

Never forgotten Rich. SYOTOS

Cort D Chubko
Lathrop Homes CHA security(Ret)

July 2, 2017

You live on in the hearts and minds of your family and friends. Rest in peace.

Student Nicolas Becerra
Mission Hills High School

May 2, 2017

Had the honor of meeting PO Francis at a few fire scenes I was working as a disaster volunteer with the canteen unit for the Chicago Fire Department. He was a great officer, very friendly, and I was shocked to hear of his murder. May he continue to rest in peace and may God place His guiding hand on his family, friends, and his co-workers with the CPD.

Civilian Greg Leeb
Former volunteer with the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Canteen

July 2, 2016

We'll never forget you Rick. Another Christmas passes in your honor.

Rick Nelson
CPD

December 24, 2015

Gone but not forgotten brother

Officer Joe Seinitz
CPD

October 31, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

We don't risk our lives for the money and we don't turn the other cheek.


See you Down Range Rich.

F E R O... Taylor
DHS FEMA

July 2, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

Learning about how you died from another CPD officer will help me to understand why, as a small woman, I'm sometimes treated like such a threat by police officers. I had this idea that a little woman like me could never get the best of a police officer and clearly I was mistaken. I'm sorry your life was taken in the line of duty and I wish ongoing comfort for your family and loved ones.

Just A Female Citizen of Chicago

August 14, 2014

What I remember most about you Rick was while you would laugh and make fun of the BS of the police Dept. you never demeaned or bad mouthed another copper. You Loved your life, your girls at home, your fast cars. You were, and still are, a excellent role model for all of us.

You had courage. The inward and the outward kind. And Honor. And integrity. This city was lucky to have you on their PD.

I sure miss you man.

RN
CPD

January 31, 2014

July 2, 2013 5 years since that terrible day

Rest in Peace

Retired PO Dennis Mushol
Chicago Police - co-worker 2nd watch

July 2, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phylllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 26, 2012

Rick, I miss the few great nights we drove around in the wagon together. The great conversations, the Navy stories we shared, the short and swift comments you always had at roll call. Missing you greatly. Save a spot for us will ya?

Detective Steven Gustafson
Chicago Police Department

August 16, 2012

Like yesterday Brother....see you soon..

Cort D Chubko
Lathrop Homes(CHA)Security

July 17, 2012