Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dean, Pops, The man who I inspire to be.

I only knew you for a short bit of time, and those short moments of my one-cell baby mine thought those were the best moments of my life. I remember saying to my Dad, when was the last time that you held me. He said along the lines of that we were on the steps of the front porch a couple days before this tragedy happened. one year old me was in your arms, you were bouncing me around your arms and lap, I was laughing like a baby would.
Whenever we go to Uncle Rob's house to go swim, always rain or shine we come and see you. Every time that I come by your grave next to the little tree and the mountains, forests and the name that says “Dean Ridings” on your grave, I start to tear up and get emotional in my head. I think about all the moments that you could have been with me, but sadly your life was cut unexpectedly too short. I know aspire to be like you.

Thank you for all the good memories that you have gave to us, love you!

Grant Ridings Grandson of Dean

December 31, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ridings,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also for our Country when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 19, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 30, 2018

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

June 19, 2015

Rest in peace!

Deputy sheriff Rick Lonetti
Chisago County Sheriff's Office

June 19, 2015

Still think about you every day bro. Semper Fi....

Deputy Ron Alcott
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office

August 3, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 29, 2014

. Your heroism and service is honored today, the second 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.

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

I pray for the solace of 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 27, 2012

Dean,
Your memory is a blessing. You were always a constant in the Sheriffs Office, you are a model of excellence and an image of what we all should strive to be. Always faithful as your brethren would say, and ever vigilant. For those who did not know you they only need know you are a true image of what all who wear a badge should strive to be. A quiet professional, unwavering, and true.

I have left Spotsylvania and your sons and friends, I have left my beginnings in this career and will never forget you. I miss working with Nick and Gordon dearly, and I cannot tell you how their lives have influenced mine, and this began with you. They are my friends, my colleagues, my mentors, and my squad mates. For this I am forever grateful.

For all those who read this, strive to tell others what one single man alone, can do.

Deputy A.G. Monroe
Kerr County Sheriffs Office, Texas

August 5, 2012

Miss you brother!!! But I know you are looking down on us and keeping all of us safe!

Deputy Stacy Pyktel
Spotsy SO

June 19, 2012

Hey old man,

Thinking about you today. Cant believe its almost 2 years. Miss you bud!

Deputy Ed Perkins Jr
Spotsy SO

June 15, 2012

i was behind a car with a blue ribbon on it and read it . i have lots of police officer friends and i didnt know if i knew this officer, i did not but i send my prayers and regards to the family. god bless you and take care.

sharon pilkerton
none

October 11, 2011

Its been a year and i can remember that day like it was yesterday. Im sure your looking down now and are amazed by how many people you have that care. When i got home I sat back and thought to myself , someone up there must have needed a great deputy at there side. Heros live on in our thoughts forever and thats what makes you live on today.

Officer Ed Lavado

July 27, 2011

Today we remember you. We honor your sacrifice. We miss your smile and gentle voice. You will never be forgotten!

Domonique Curry
Spotsylvania County Communications

June 19, 2011

It is hard to believe it has been a year since that terrible day. We all still miss you.

Anonymous
Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office

June 19, 2011

Dear Officer Riddings-

I cam't believe it's going to be a year since that tragic weekend! I didn't know you, but from reading the reflections written to you, I feel like I've come to know you a little. You were a wonderful husbamd, father, grandfather, friend and a very brave man. There are going to be a lot of people thinking about you this weekend, me being one. There isn't a single day I don't think about you. My thoughs and prayers are with your loving wife, family and friends. You truly have touched many lives. I know you're looking down on all us and giving us strength. God bless you.

Anonymous

June 16, 2011

Happy Birthday Dean...Dad...Pop

We still miss you!

Sarah Ridings
Daughter-in-law

May 26, 2011

DEP.Ridings we have never met but I am a police officer for Fairfax County and I too rode for you in the Police Unity Tour with Chapter 4. I wanted to ride in your honor because you served in the county I live in. This was our chapters first year and we rode in the hills through Virginia. There were times during my ride when I would look down at my left wrist at your memorial bracelet and asked for your strength to push me up the hills, and I certianly felt you all around. Thank you sir for serving I know you meant alot to alot of people and you are missed. I hope to one day meet your sons to give them the memorial bracelet I wore that got me through my first Unity Tour.

PFC JEN SCHULZ
FCPD

May 13, 2011

Thinking about you a lot, especially over the last few weeks. You would have been so proud of Nick today. He's doing the Police Unity Bike Tour 2011 in memory of you. We miss you lots and send our love to you in the heavens.

Sarah Ridings
Daughter-in-law

May 11, 2011

Hi Dean,

Yesterday with my first Mother's Day without you in 28 years. I shed many tears missing you . You would always leave me a card sitting on the kitchen table waiting for me to discover it. The card would always remark about the wonderful mother you felt I was to our two sons. We were always a team when it came to our sons. I couldn't have been half the mother without you, my other half. Now the team has been broken up and I am having to continue by myself what we had achieved together as a team. I am trying to do my best without you by my side. I know that you looking down on my and guiding me. I don't know how to do this alone. I've never had to until now. We have raised two of the most wonderful sons any parents could have ever dreamed of. They are helping me to stay strong. They are a reflection of you and I find my strength in them. Our beautiful grandchildren are getting so big. Lily and Aiden are like little adults. They ask about you more and more all the time. Grant is growing fast. Everytime I look at him, I can't help but to see you. He has your eyes. I think he will grow up to look just like you. I wish they had a phone up there in Heaven. Just to be able to say Hi to you would make me so happy. Tomorrow, May 10th, would have been our 31st wedding anniversary. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the day tomorrow just thinking about that. Just wanted to know that you are thought of every single day.

Love,
Your Wife

Anna Marie Ridings
Wife of Dean

May 9, 2011

Happy Easter. Miss You.

Anonymous

April 24, 2011

Dean,

This is my first Easter without you. It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone for 10 months now. Every day, I find myself stopping what I am doing and wondering if I have woken up to a bad dream or has this nightmare really happend. You will be missed today. My heart breaks because you won't be here to enjoy our three wonderful grandchildren, our sons and their wives. There will be an empty place at the table where you would have been sitting just like there will always be an empty place in my heart. I hope you have enjoyed the purple bouquet of roses that I placed on your grave last week. It is something how you always used to bring me purple flowers knowing that it is my favorite color and now, I am bringing them to you. How life changes and sometimes not for the better. We miss you and love you Dean. I hope you have a Happy Easter in Heaven with God and all of the angels.

Love,
Your wife

Anna Marie Ridings

April 24, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Ridings,
Sir, as a fellow former Marine/LEO I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community, but also for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow former Marine/LEO

Anonymous
USBP

March 17, 2011

You got awarded the Medal of Honor on Sunday as well as Deputy of the Year for 2010. You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

March 16, 2011

Hey bro. Thought about you a bunch through the holidays and missed you a lot. It's basketball season and we've cut way back on the hours. I sure as heck miss seeing you out and about. Still doesn't seem real but I know you are watching out for all of us. It's 2011 and already one more hero has joined you up there this year. Semper Fi.....

335
Spotsy

January 2, 2011