Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Rich,
maybe you would have liked to know that even 10 years after you were so cruelly taken from the community you served, you still are remembered by people like me, thousands of miles from Alaska. May God bless you and keep you, and watch over your family.

Benjamin Schierle

May 21, 2024

Trooper Rich,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Alaska. And to your Family and loved ones,, wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 1, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

May 1, 2021

Son of slain Trooper made an honorary member of the Alaska State Troopers

Posted on May 15, 2020 KTVF NEWS

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) Lenox Rich is a 7-year-old kid from Fairbanks. His father, Gabe Rich and his partner Scott Johnson where killed in the line of duty as they attempted to take a suspect into custody in 2014.

Lenox Rich, 7, was made an honorary Alaska State Trooper today. His father, Gabe Rich was killed in the line of duty in 2014. (John Dougherty/KTVF)

“I want to be a Trooper…Because my dad was one,” Lenox said.

Troopers held a special ceremony on Police Memorial Day this year to help Lenox get a taste of his dream. Captain Ronald Wall, the commander of AST “D” Detachment said that his mom contacted them with the idea of making him an honorary trooper.

"It was just natural, everybody was on board and we thought it was a great idea," said Wall.

Wall contacted the AST Commissioner and Colonel about the plan and they sent a signed certificate making Lenox an honorary member of the Alaska State Troopers for a day.

"I like them because, like, you get a lot of action and all that. It's really fun," Lenox said.

After making him an honorary Trooper, they let him ride with a K9 unit.

"The dog is named after his father, so naturally when it came time to put him with a trooper it was kind of a no brainer for me. We wanted to put him with a K9 named after his father."

The dog is named Lenox, which was Gabe’s middle name. Lenox said that when he is a trooper, he also wants to work with dogs.

"Because then I got like a pet with me, kind of," said Lenox.

Another special touch to the special day was giving Lenox his dad’s call sign on the radio to use for the day while they went and picked up sandwiches for police officers around Fairbanks.

Lenox said that the day was awesome and the Troopers can’t wait until he can join them in the line of duty.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

May 16, 2020

The tragic passing of two great troopers and TV stars is hard to forget because they were really good at being a guardian of the 49th. You two are good troopers when you're on the TV or not, you chose to work. Rest in peace Troopers.

William Jin
Future LEO and Boy Scout in Troop 737, Walnut, California

May 13, 2020

I love Alaska State Troopers!! I was saddened and sickened when I found out you were taken from us. May you rest in peace and hope your family will find some good to come from this tragedy.

A Dedicated Viewer

October 21, 2019

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 12, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 1, 2018

I can't believe its been 3 years already. Miss you brother, rest easy.

Trooper
AST

April 30, 2017

I just still can't believe that there gone my stepdad was and still is great friends the the A.S.T's all I want is our brothers in blue to not die in the line-of-duty they have wives, kids, friends and family to come home to every-day... but the most part is that you always give a kiss, hug, and a simple I love you to the family cause you never know that the 1st call you answer will be your last...

Adam Charles

February 9, 2017

You and Scott were my overall favorite trooper on Alaska State Troopers you inspired me to join Illinois state police.
Rest easy guys forever brothers in blue

Rookie Armani Gibson
Illinois State

November 26, 2016

Hi buddy. I don't forget. Please welcome 202 into your arms tonight. Show him around ok.. ?

Gabe Will Know

October 29, 2016

Think about you guys a lot and tell your story.

SSG Daniel Roes
Fort Wainwright Police Department

August 1, 2016

This makes me sick. I was looking up Gabe's name hoping to learn more about him to see if he was distantly related to my lines of RIches. I had no idea. God Bless you and your family and the Troopers you work with in this time of loss. I love seeing the program and the beauty of Alaska and meeting the Troopers.

Patricia Morano

May 11, 2016

Trooper Rich, I have no words to explain my gratitude for your service to our country. Everyone misses you so much, you were a truly special person. Rest in the sweetest peace brother.

Civilian Caroline Casey
New York

January 24, 2016

What a honor it is to know that we have officers like Trooper Gabriel Rich. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man. His family are in my prayers and thoughts. May God carry each and everyone through this difficult time. I have been watching the show and when I realized the whos had been killed my heart sank to my feet and i felt sick. Even with watching the show you come to know each and every officer. Even if its not on a personal basis. You still feel a closeness to them. God bless each and every Trooper and their Families.

For. Comm. Officer Theresa Parker
Madison County Sheriffs Department, NC

September 22, 2015

Was just looking for more of the show... Was wondering why it stopped and was taken off of everything. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family... Going into the field and was looking at AST. Stay safe brothers.

Civilian A. Babin
Ramsey County MN

August 24, 2015

I watch Alaska State Troopers and I have always been very impressed with the officers even working up there. I'm pretty sure that everyone owns a gun up there and it looks like a lot of people drink for something to do. I can't even imagine what the families are going through. It's a dangerous job, plus they drive in all sorts of weather.
I have visited Juneau for fishing and Alaska is very beautiful, but it is also a harsh environment. My condolences to the families, what a tragedy!!

Susan Bolton
Public Citizen California

August 10, 2015

It's a shame that these law enforcement offers are killed in the line of duty protecting and serving the public, these individuals should be tortured as part of their punishment, there is no excuse for this behavior, period.

Anthony Adolfo
Public Citizen

July 14, 2015

The civilian workforce takes for granted that they will return home without being maimed or killed by a criminal element. A law enforcement officer such as Trooper Rich lost his life in providing safety and assistance to the general public who rely on his expertise. I am grateful for your service.

Civilian
NSA Dept of Defense

July 9, 2015

Very sad. Just watched it too. Was curious as to the person who killed the officers and what happened to the murderer. Can't imagine. So sorry to the coworkers, community, and most of all, his family and friends. He appeared to be a stellar officer.

Jeannie Martin

May 16, 2015

So Sad. I just saw this on Alaska State Troopers. You will not be forgotten.

Dane Smith Dispatcher
Indiana State Police

May 14, 2015

I miss you every day, trooper rich. its so hard to let a good guy like you go. thanx for your sacrifice. may god bless you muchly for your great work you did at keeping your country a safe place and giving your life that i might be protected!

greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends!

Tilly Webb
a lover and admirer of police officers

May 12, 2015

So sorry for their families and their State Trooper family. God Bless

S. Arrington
Fan of Alaska State Troopers

May 11, 2015

Its been a long hard year without you my heros, you are forever in my memory. To the family, i pray for you every day,and just remember your hero is resting in Jesus' arms!

francine
a admirer

May 7, 2015