Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My God, we just lost a Trooper in Massachusetts and already Brothers are dying in other parts of the country. I'm not really sure what to say, other than, THANK YOU for all your service to others, many of who probably didn't deserve it. Deputy Ridings, you are a hero.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 22, 2010

To the friends and family and fellow deputies of Deputy Ridings,

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and co-workers of this deputy. I use to live in Spotsylvania. May the Good Lord watch over all of you as deal with this passing of a fine deputy.

Former Law Enforcement Explorer Post 88 member EC-104

TSO Kristina Easley
DHS/TSA

June 22, 2010

Rest in peace brother. God Bless you and your family!

Sgt. Michael Paciorek
Hampshire County Deputy Sheriff Dept

June 22, 2010

Hi Dad,

I never thought in a million years that I would be checking this page and seeing you on it. I check it every day and cannot believe it. I am sorry your life here on earth is over, but I know that you are up above looking down on us all. It still doesnt seem true, and every day I ask myself why this happened. I talked to you an hour before this happened, and we were supposed to meet you on the lake to say hi. I am going to miss hearing you on the radio on Friday nights....."390, 10-38". Its just not going to be the same. I would get so worried when I would hear you mark out on a traffic stop and you didn't answer the first time you were checked on, but you always replied back.

I am going to miss the times that we had doing all the fun stuff and seeing you all the time. The kids have already been asking about you, and all I can say is your "bye bye". Its so hard to hear them say "pop", and knowing they will not see you again. I was already looking forward to things this year and next year that we all were going to do together. I know one day we all will be together again. Just know you were the best dad and pop anyone could ask for and I always will be thinking about you. I know you will be watching from above. Keep us all safe Dad, and I love you.

G.J. Ridings
Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office

June 22, 2010

Rest in Peace!

Patrolman Jeff Tripp
Marion, Ma Police Dept

June 22, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

June 22, 2010

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch.

PFC
Fairfax County Sheriffs Office

June 22, 2010

AS I READ THE MANY MESSAGES ABOUT DEAN I SMILE AT THE FACT THAT HE DIDN'T CHANGE FROM HIS YOUNGER YEARS WHEN I KNEW HIM. TO HIS WIFE AND BOYS I SEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. HE HAD AN INFECTIOUS SMILE. AS DONNA SAID IN AN EARLIER MESSAGE OUR CLASS OF 1976 WILL MEET THIS WEEK AND I PROMISE WE WILL HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Anonymous

June 22, 2010

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Ridings. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your family as you go and touch the face of God.
Your service and sacrifice and bravery to the citizens of Spotsylvania County Virginia will not be forgotten. God Speed and God Bless. Rest in Peace Sir.


May the children of Deputy Ridings, know that their Dad is a HERO who we will not forget and will forever be in his debt for all he has done for us. Deputy Ridings. Thank You sir for your service and protection to us all, may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family.

VIP Jeff Claybern 750
Alexandria Kentucky Police Department

June 22, 2010

We are all so sad about this terrible tragedy. Deputy Ridings was putting in time on the day before Father's Day to keep our beautiful Lake Anna safe from the boating idiots that traverse it each weekend. Though I didn't know him, I love all of our SCSO partners and wish we could have brought him back to his family. To all of his family, friends, and LE partners - my heart goes out to you.

Ann
Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Lake Anna Station EMS

June 22, 2010

May God watch over your family and loved ones as they prepare to lay you to rest and begin the healing process. Rest in peace, brother ... your work on this earth is done.

Deputy Andrea D. Rockefeller
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

June 22, 2010

Rest In Peace, Deputy Ridings.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

June 22, 2010

Dean,you were my best friend thru jr.high and high school.We had so much fun together.You were my best man at my wedding.I remember stopping on our way home from work and buying watermelon for Ann because she was pregnant with Gordon.To many memories to write. I did not know that you had gone into law enforcement but it did not surprise me.Many years have gone by, I remember now how much I miss my friend.Ann, Judi and I are praying for you and your family.

Don Vanderhoof
friend

June 21, 2010

Mr. Dean,

Though I am not blood related, I felt as close to you as family when I came to live with Gordon and Sarah. You and Ms. Ann made me feel at home in a new and unfamiliar place, and for that I am grateful. I felt my heart sink when I heard what happened. I keep looking at photos and articles, and I don't want to believe it's not true. I know Gordon and Nick both hurt, but won't falter to fill your shoes. I believe they have already taken after you as great fathers and husbands. And even though Lily, Aiden and Grant may not remember you the way we all do, you will always be Pop to them. We will all make sure your memory is lives on forever.

I'll miss you,
Jessie

Anonymous

June 21, 2010

Dean,

Thank you for your friendship, conversations and perseverance. Your dedication and love to law enforcement is not only seen through you, but also with Gordon and Nick. You will be truly missed, but never forgotten.

Detective Troy J. Skebo
Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office

June 21, 2010

Rest in peace brother....to Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings I render a final salute.

PO KJ JONES
North Greenbush, NY PD

June 21, 2010

Thoughts and prayers go out to my friends and colleagues at the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office over the loss of Deputy Dean Ridings. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the SSO and Deputy Ridings was a reflection of that by being a dedicated professional. I offer my deepest condolences to Deputy Ridings' family and the entire Department at this time.

Law Enforcement Ranger Craig R. Johnson
U.S. National Park Service

June 21, 2010

Rest in peace Deputy Ridings, my sincere condolences to your family and to your department where you gave all for the rest of us. God speed as you patrol thestreets of gold. Terry F. Zech

OFC TERRY F. ZECH(RET)
Veteran Affairs Police Dept, Detroit, MICH

June 21, 2010

I have known and worked with Dean since he came to Spotsy. He was a kind and gentle man who love his family dearly. He was especially proud of his sons, Gordon and Nick both whom are Deputy's with our agency. Dean always had a special way to make dispatchers feel apppreciated and loved. Every day he would work, he ALWAYS stopped in and said hello, and made it a point to ask each one of us how we were. He was always patient and loving. Dean died doing what he loved. He led by example in everyway he lived his life. My prayer is that the whole Ridings family remember him as he was, a Godly, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and deputy. I will miss you Dean-- Rest in peace unit 390.

Lisa Wiggins
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office

June 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with each and every person who has been involved in this tragedy. To the friends and family of Deputy Ridings: Please know that he will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! Rest well, brother.

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

June 21, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Ridings. God Bless for his service to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, North Carolina

June 21, 2010

Dean,

There are no words brother. You were an outstanding officer and example for all of us to live our lives by. I promise you that I will always be here for your wife, your sons, your grandchildren, and your entire family. You will be greatly missed my brother. Rest in peace my friend.

Detective Jason Dembowski
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office

June 21, 2010

Dean, What a shock that your time on earth has ended and your watch is over.You have been a true and dedicated friend to me and many members of OUR department. You passed from this earth doing something you loved to do. Your smiling face will be missed as well as your dedicated service to the citizens.You have been a true friend and we will miss you. Save me a place in heaven brother. Until we meet again~ may you rest in peace.
Lt.Eddie Peck
Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office

Lieutenant Eddie Peck
Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office

June 21, 2010

Dean,
You lived your life as an example of what a Husband,Father,Grandfather and Deputy Sheriff were. Your love for your family was always evident. You beemed with pride every time you talked about them. You always took the time to come into dispatch and check on each one of us. You never had a cross word or a negative comment to make. You died doing what you loved. I am still in disbelief that you are gone. I will miss you terribly.

Communications Officer Lisa Wiggins
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office

June 21, 2010

Thank you for your service and dedication. The community you served will be at a loss with your death. My prayers for your family and dept. during these difficult days. RIP

VIP
Ventura Calif. police dept

June 21, 2010