Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 8, 2024

Twelve years ago, on Monday, September 7, 2009, Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, of the North St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department, responded to assist a victim of domestic violence. Shortly after he, and an Officer from a neighboring community, Officer Julie Olson, of the Maplewood police, arrived, the man who had been physically abusing his estranged wife, attacked the Officers. The man jumped Rich as he entered the apartment. A struggle ensued and Rich’s gun was taken from his holster. Rich was shot and killed. In today’s “news media” the killer would have been described as “UNARMMED”. A fierce gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Officer Olson. Thank God she survived this deadly encounter. Officer Julie Olson is truly a hero. I hope one day to meet this remarkable woman. The name of the piece of human filth who took Officer Crittenden’s life is irrelevant. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Chief Paul Philipps Ret.
Parsippany Police Department

September 7, 2021

Always remembered, 11 years. Gone far to early. RIP

Joe Fehr

September 7, 2020

NEVER FORGOTTEN
On Monday, September 7, 2009, a useless waste of a man, whose name is irrelevant, took the life of Officer Richard Scott Crittenden. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Chief Paul O Philipps (Ret.)

September 7, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 7, 2020

Richard and I went to high school together. Several of us from school took the same path in life. I was thinking of you today Richard...God Bless.

Ofc Howard Levett
Broomfield Police Department

January 14, 2020

On Monday, September 7, 2009 Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, of the North St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department worked his last tour. This is the 10th anniversary of Officer Crittenden’s murder by a useless piece of human waste, whose name is irrelevant.

Shortly after they arrived, Officer Crittenden and his back up Officer Julie Olson, of the Maplewood Police Department, were attacked by a man who had been physically abusing his estranged wife. The man jumped Rich as he entered the apartment. A struggle ensued and Rich’s gun was taken from his holster. Rich was shot and killed. In today’s “news media” the killer would have been described as “UNARMED”. A fierce gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Officer Olson. Thank God Officer Olson survived this deadly encounter.

Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Chief Paul Philipps Ret.
Parsippany Police Department

September 6, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Crittenden.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2019

Rest in Peace Officer Crittenden. You are a true hero.

Captain Philipps, your reflections are spot on!

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Handler
El Cajon Police Department

September 7, 2017

Eight years ago, on Monday, September 7, 2009, Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, of the North St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department, responded to assist a victim of domestic violence. Shortly after he, and an Officer from a neighboring community, Officer Julie Olson, of the Maplewood police, arrived, the man who had been physically abusing his estranged wife, attacked the Officers. The man jumped Rich as he entered the apartment. A struggle ensued and Rich’s gun was taken from his holster. Rich was shot and killed. In today’s “news media” the killer would have been described as “UNARMMED”. A fierce gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Officer Olson. Thank God she survived this deadly encounter. Officer Julie Olson is truly a hero. I hope one day to meet this remarkable woman. The name of the piece of human filth who took Officer Crittenden’s life is irrelevant. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Department

September 7, 2017

On Monday, September 7, 2009, Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, of the North St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota, was murdered by an”UNARMMED”man. A gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Police Officer Julie Olson who was assisting on the call from a neighboring community. Thank God Officer Olson survived this deadly encounter. The name of the piece of human filth who took Officer Crittenden’s life is irrelevant. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

In light of the recent events, it should be noted that Officer Crittenden was killed with his own gun by a man that had been ”UNARMMED”.

Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Department

September 7, 2016

Today is the sixth anniversary of Police Officer Richard Scott Crittenden’s murder at the hands of a worthless coward, whose name is immaterial. Rich was protecting a victim of domestic violence when he was shot to death. As has happened to 56 other Police Officers since 2000, Rich was killed with his own gun by a man who had been ”UNARMMED” when the incident started. A gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Police Officer Julie Olson who was assisting on the call from a neighboring community. Thank God Officer Olson survived this deadly encounter.
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Department

September 7, 2015

A humble member of the public has come to remember Officer Richard Crittenden. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we may live in a peaceful country. Your sacrifice is remembered today. All my prayers and love go to his family, friends, and fellow officers.

Jane from MI

August 6, 2015

Remembering officer Crittenden with reverence today, as his story was profiled on the TV show "In the Line of Fire". His sacrifice was not in vain. He successfully protected the victim from evil, and brought honor to his co-workers. May he never be forgotten.

David Hoechstetter
ex-Patrolman (Disabled)
Conway Police Department
Pennsylvania

May 17, 2015

On Monday, September 7, 2009, a useless waste of a man, whose name is irrelevant, took the life of Officer Richard Scott Crittenden. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

In light of the recent events in Ferguson Missouri, it should be noted that Officer Crittenden was killed with his own gun by a man that had been ”UNARMMED” when the incident started.

Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

September 8, 2014

5 years ago today you were taken from us. You are remembered.

Joe Fehr

September 7, 2014

It has been five years since Officer Richard S. Crittenden's death. As his sister speaking for all of her sibling, we miss our brother very much. It is hard to understand why someone like Rick was taken from us so young. August 31, 2014 would have been his 62nd birthday. We all miss Rick very much.

Francy M. Crittenden Manen
Sister

September 1, 2014

Officer Crittenden, I just wanted to let you know what a great son you and your wife raised. I met Junior two years ago on the LEU bike ride. He is a wonderful person. I don't like the reason I met him, but I a proud to call him my friend. God bless you and your family.

SA Ellen Pierson
Dhs ice hsi

May 14, 2014

Thinking of you and alll of your loved ones today. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to law enforcement and also to your Country.

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

September 7, 2013

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEO's

September 2, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 1, 2013

Miss you Rick. Remembering your sacrifice my friend as I watch news coverage of another brother fallen (this time in cold spring). RIP Rick. And prayers for your family. I was proud to call you a friend. See ya soon.

Dep. S. Linehan
Washington County

November 30, 2012

NEVER FORGOTTEN!

Today, September 7, 2012, is the 3rd anniversary of your last watch. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
RIRP Officer Criienden

Deputy Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

September 7, 2012

ALWAYS HONORED......
NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

RIP Officer Criienden

Captain Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

September 19, 2011

Two years have gone by, and we have not and will not forget you Critter. My prayers are with your family as I know they are in deep sorrow this day.

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his 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 badges
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 times 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 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 borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

PATROLMAN
MAPLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT, MN

September 6, 2011