Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP Officer Francis. 4 years later, but never forgotten.

Detective Arlen Pietrowski
Chicago Police

July 2, 2012

Always remembered & honored 4 his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, dau. sister, & granddau. of LEOs

July 1, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Francis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Dear Rick,
No matter how much time passes you'll live on in the hearts of all your friends and family especially the Chase Park Boys! I was first in your room in the split 5th and 6th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes. I remember looking over your shoulder and marveling at the self portrait you were drawing. You were a very talented artist. My next memory was my first year of little league when you starred at 3rd base on the championship Hoffings team! You were one of my first sports idols! As the years flew past and the younger 63 boys were finally allowed to hang out with the older 62 boys all our relations were cemented with love,loyalty, and respect. Fifty years later I can proudly say I am one of your friends and that you will always be in my heart and prayers! Say hello to Denny and Jim, John, Joe,Tom, and Al. We miss you all!

Andy Hill
OLL,Class of 63

July 5, 2011

It is hard to believe three years have passed since that fateful night. Please know that your memory will never be forgotten. The CPD will always honor you.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

July 2, 2011

Will always remember Rich pulling up in the wagon when I had 10 people in custody at Diversey and Hoyne for gambling and trespassing. He rolled down the driver side window of the wagon and jokingly asked if I was locking up the whole neighborhood. My reply was no Richie just these 10 for now. That got a laugh out of him. Always a good man always there for you. You could NOT ask for a better man or a better Patrolman than Rich Francis. You will be missed.

Cort D Chubko
Lathrop Homes Security (CHA)

August 18, 2010

Two years today Ricky, you are still in our thoughts




'62 boys (OLL)

Anonymous

July 2, 2010

Thinking about you today as always. miss you.

E.D.

January 10, 2010

Ofc. Francis yesterday was a year ago that you passed. Sent a text out to your daughter, Amanda. Your family is in my prayer as I know it was a difficult day for them. You are remembered by those you have touch and those who have come to know your memory. Thank you for your service. God bless your family.

Melissa T.
Family of Det. Joseph Airhart EOW 11-4-08

July 3, 2009

On the first anniversary of Officer Francis' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Francis is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 2, 2009

One year today Ricky, we still miss you
Peace, love and soul

Fellow CPB

Anonymous

July 2, 2009

Thinking of Officer Francis and his family today on this very sad day, the anniversary of his death. Many thoughts and prayers to his family,friends and CPD brothers and sisters. Heros are never forgotten, may he continue to watch over the rest of you.

Vanessa Vivo
Spouse of Lombard PO

July 2, 2009

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this first anniversary of you being called away from duty. I know some people will say it feels just like yesterday since they last heard your voice, saw your smile and felt your touch. I know for your wife and daughters it has felt like a lifetime since you were last here. I have no magic words that I can use to help them with their grief except that all they can do is take one day at a time and to keep your memory alive. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 2, 2009

To Officer Richard M. Francis, his family and his fellow officers with the Chicago Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

July 2, 2009

During this, National Police Week, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for serving/protecting the City in which I was born.

As you soar through the Heavens above, may your family and brothers have peace in their hearts.

Officer Richard M. Francis, I HONOR and I SALUTE YOU!
+Rest in Peace+

Lisa Gagliano

May 17, 2009

First and foremost, let me express my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Francis.
My Name is John Hulse and I am a Police Officer from New Jersey. I will be riding my bicycle from New Jersey to Washington DC in the Police Unity Tour this year in the memory of Officer Francis. We will be departing NJ on May 9th and arriving in DC on May 12th.
I would like to contact someone from Richards family and Department and tell them about this event. Please contact me if possible.

Thanks for your help and God bless.

Anonymous

April 3, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the rightous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

February 28, 2009

Rick,
Rest in Peace my brother. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Sgt. A.J. (Al) Piantkowski
Chicago Police Dept. (Retired)

February 14, 2009

Dear Rick, It was an honor to have worked with you in the "Fightin' 018". You taught me how to roll in a squadrol like it was a beat car, always backing up others . I will miss you greatly.

P.O. Mark Laduzinsky # 17231
Chicago Police Dept.

February 9, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Let me share my thoughts:

At your service, Father Nagle presented a GREAT imagery.

"Among all the white robes of heaven, the 521st star with the words Chicago Police on it appeared in their midst, and at the bearer's arrival, the angels themselves bowed in profound respect. And God smiled."

After reading this, I had an image of you, standing among the shepards in a nativity scene.

Watch over us and any recent newborns.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department- 011th

December 31, 2008

Rest in Peace, "Brother" Francis!

You are truly missed.

May your family's fond memories
of you, provide them with peace of mind.

N. DeCook
Chicago Police

November 12, 2008

Rest in peace brother, and God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten!

PO
Cicero PD

October 21, 2008

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Officer Francis and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Officer Francis for your dedicated service to the people of Illinois and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 18, 2008

May GOD bless Officer Francis and his family, friends, and co-workers. He will always be a hero. Rest in peace.

Commander James Pickett
Evanston,Il Police Dept.

September 29, 2008

To the family and friends of Officer Richard Francis and to his fellow officers, and most especially to Richard:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Richard so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are experiencing. We know the meaning of lives forever changed because those bullets didn't just kill our beloved officers, but killed a part of everyone who loved them so dearly.

Rest in Peace, Richard. May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 2, 2008.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 21, 2008