Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is being writtten on September 7, 2010, a sad anniversary. We have never met Rich, but I have come to know and admire you. This May it was my privilege to ride in your honor during this year’s Police Unity Tour. At the candlelight vigil in Washington DC, I escorted your family to their seats. This wasn’t planned. It was purely coincidence. Considering the hundreds of survivors to be escorted and the dozens of Officers to give the escorts, it is remarkable that I was there just as your family arrived. We had a chance to speak after the ceremony. During that brief conversation I learned how fortunate you are to have the family you do. They are brave, kind people who put up a good front but were obviously devastated by your loss. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Captain Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police

September 7, 2010

To Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr, his family and his fellow officers with the North St. Paul Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

September 7, 2010

Thank you for your service Rich and God bless you and your family.

Captain Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

June 15, 2010

I met your family at police week-you should be proud of their behavior-RIP

Lt. J. Stocum
Torrance County SO

May 24, 2010

may you rest in peace, you have earned the right. your sacrifice will never be forgotten..

sgt. g. Steele-jorgensen
sherburn-welcome police dept. minn.

May 21, 2010

I had the pleasure of getting to sit by your wife at lunch and talked wiht her breifly, she is an amazing strong woman who misses you. Thanks for your sacrifice Scott. It wont go forgotton.

A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS. (c)2004

Emory - Arlington, WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J Lane, EOW 5/30/2003

May 15, 2010

Today was the Concerns of Police Survivors 5k Race kicking of Law Enforcement Week in Washington DC. I was lucky enough to have Police Officer Crittenden's name on my bib number that was pinned to my shirt during the race. As I ran the race, I kept thinking how Officer Crittenden made the ultimate sacrifice and even though I didn’t know Officer Crittenden, how proud I felt wearing his name on my chest especially as I crossed the finish line by beating my best personal time by a minute and a half. Thank you Officer Crittenden, you will never be forgotten!

ATSAC Steven Petrick
Air Marshal Detailed to the White House

May 8, 2010

Well my (older) "brother from another mother," it looks like things have slowed down on your reflections page so now I get to say my piece. I know you are watching and you know how we are all struggling with this. As I try to make sense of it all, I have realized that for the years we have known eachother, I was one of the few who got "the gift" of working next to you, being your partner and above all else, your friend.

I hope the people reading this realize just what type of person you are. You helped those who did not deserve your help; and did so day in and day out with a smile on your face and song in your heart. Even on your last day on this earth you stepped up and did not let any of use down (as we all knew you would). And while some look on with envy in their hearts, I can say with pride that you, my friend, died a Hero. While your death was a senseless act, you life certainly was not. The list of people you have touched and the lives you have effected in the positive is to long to publish.

As I reflect on the people who have impacted my life the most, you are at the top of the list. The time we spent together and the memories I have of you will be shared with my sons so they will grow up to know who you were and how you made this world a better place while you were an active member. As I write this and wipe away tears, I want you to know that I miss you, I love you and you will never be forgotten my friend.

Each day, like each memory, is a gift and I will honor you by not taking these things for granted.

Scott Gostovich
Police Officer, Badge #3928
North St. Paul Police Department
(2001-2008)

Scott Gostovich, Deputy
St. Croix County Sheriff's Department, Hudson, WI

October 29, 2009

Officer Richard Crittenden,
You made the ultimate sacrifice and your dedication to your community will forever be remembered. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Deputy J. Young
HCSO

October 9, 2009

Officer Crittenden,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of North St. Paul. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

October 4, 2009

For Police Officer Richard Crittenden:

The response to a domestic complaint has always been among one of highest risks we might encounter as peace officers. The rage that exists between people the involved can easily boil-over in seconds. No one can predict who will turn from an angry individual into a cop-killer.

The circumstances that the police officers encountered in this incident could easily have been any one of us who has responded to literally hundreds of these incidents in our careers. We are always left with judging others reactions trying not to over-react ourselves.

Thankfully, this horrific incident did not cost two officers their lives, and we can only admire the courage and cooperation between them that dropped a cop-killer into the depths of hell. Two law officer heros were recognized this day.

We pray for Rich's family, his friends, his co-workers, all those who care about him and the brave officer who stood by Rich's side.

As a retired PA state trooper and FL deputy sheriff I am pround to render Officer Richard Crittenden a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennylvania State Police

October 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as they are dealing with these hard times. RIP you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Karrin Trombley
Maplewood Police reserve

September 29, 2009

The thoughts and prayers of the Day County Sheriff's Office are with the Family, Friends, and Fellow Officers of this Fallen Hero. God's Speed Officer Crittenden as you patrol the streets of Heaven. And also our thoughts are with the wounded Officer who was with you.

Sheriff Barry Hillestad
Day County Sheriff's Office, SD

September 28, 2009

Officer Crittenden your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May God be with your family and friends in their time of need. May you rest in peace now.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

September 26, 2009

Thankfully the Maplewood officer was able to bring the situation to a quick resolution without further loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and colleagues. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent D. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation - DE

September 25, 2009

Rest in peace Brother Richard, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs, OK, PD

September 24, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer Richard Crittenden,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer Richard Crittenden. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Police Officer Richard Crittenden is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Co-Founder of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

September 23, 2009

You will forever be in my thoughts. You will not be forgotten.

Officer Jacobson
Centennial Lakes Police Department

September 22, 2009

It has been many years since I've heard your voice over the radio as a member of the Maplewood PD reserves. NSP and Maplewood shared a channel. Always sad when a brother in blue goes down. Now rest easy blue angel, we will continue the watch and keep fighting the good fight.

Patrol Officer A. Dixon
Centennial Lakes Police Dept. (MN)

September 21, 2009

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

My tribute to his honorable service to America- a true American Hero!

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 20, 2009

Hero! Thank you for your years of service and dedication to your community. We will take your watch from here. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

September 20, 2009

Rest in peace Officer Crittenden, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you very much for your service!

Shelly
Citizen

September 19, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 19, 2009

Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Sheriff Andrew S. Thoms
Pierce County Sheriff's Department (WI)

September 17, 2009

Rest in Peace Brother, Thank you for your sacrifice

Patrol / Motor Officer
Elk River Police Dept

September 17, 2009