Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had a chance to visit with your daughter today. I was visiting the Peace Officers Memorial and she was there. We had a chance to speak for a few minutes and it was immediately obvious she loves her father. You would be proud of the woman she is. I explained to her that whenever she is in Austin she can always contact our department and that she will always have family here.

Ofc Chad Martinka
University of Texas at Austin police department

August 1, 2023

I had a chance to visit with your daughter today. I was visiting the Peace Officers Memorial and she was there. We had a chance to speak for a few minutes and it was immediately obvious she loves her father. You would be proud of the woman she is. I explained to her that whenever she is in Austin she can always contact our department and that she will always have family here.

Ofc Chad Martinka
University of Texas at Austin police department

July 29, 2023

I am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Officer Rios when he died in the line of duty from Covid. To the Rios family, fellow officers , and all who call Richard beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Rios gave to our nation and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 2, 2020.

Phyllis Loya. Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 30, 2022

Officer Rios,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 2, 2021

We will remember.

Miss Eleanore Trupkiewicz
Civilian Supporter of Law Enforcement

January 1, 2021

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

December 31, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Rios. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Customs and Border Protection.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

December 31, 2020

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. God's speed sir.

Lieutenant John C. Moore
Wisconsin State Conservation Warden & State Trooper (Retired)

December 25, 2020

Thank you for your service. Prayers for your Family and your Department.

Sergeant Monica Veney
Baltimore Police Department

December 24, 2020

On behalf of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association please accept our condolences on the passing of Officer Rios.

Chip Nowlin
President
Kentucky Peace Officers' Association

December 24, 2020

Officer Rios, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. It took a small virus to take your life. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. My heart breaks for your mother in her time of grief. It is against the law of nature that a parent would outlive her son. May He immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

December 24, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr., ASAC
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 23, 2020

On behalf of POINT 27, we would like to offer condolences for Officer Richard Rios. Please know we are eternally grateful for Richard’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Officer Rios, POINT 27 sent 27 Thin Green Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection-Office of Field Operations Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas for Richard’s partner and fellow officers. POINT 27 sent 2 Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Officer Rios’ wife and mother.

POINT 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, by sharing scripture on Dog Tags and Jewelry called Shields of Strength.

We will never forget and we are forever grateful.

Respectfully,

Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-POINT 27

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes (Retired)
Dallas Police Department-Reserve Division
POINT 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
214-908-2617

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes (Retired)
Dallas Police Department Reserve Division
POINT 27- National Out Reach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison

December 22, 2020

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

December 22, 2020

Rest in peace brother

Douglas J. Maykowski
Fraternal Order Of Police Central Macomb Lodge #187 Macomb County MI.

December 22, 2020

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City Police/Retired

December 22, 2020

A police officer should be remembered not by how he died, but how he lived! A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family and the Customs and Border Protection. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother!

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 21, 2020

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time.....

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

December 21, 2020

So sad to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

December 21, 2020

Rest in Peace Officer Rios. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Rios Family and the US Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Fields Operations.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

December 21, 2020

Rest in peace.

J.R.

December 21, 2020

RIP Officer Rios. Thank you for your service to the United states.

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

December 21, 2020

Rest in Peace my Brother in Arms

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

December 21, 2020

Praying for your family, friends, colleagues, and agency during this very difficult time for them and all of us. Thank you for your service! We shall remember you with pride and admiration always! May God Bless the Blue!

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

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4], and;

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

Depart in peace, Brother-in-Blue; in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Christ Jesus who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever with the Lord. Amen.

Rev. Steven R. Closs, D.Div.
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

December 21, 2020

Rest in Peace Officer Richard Rios. Thank you for 17 years of service with the Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations while assigned to the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. We are all thankful to you for your service, your devotion and your sacrifices, and to your family and friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your loved ones and we want them to know that you will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and Prayers go out to your wife, your two daughters, and to your mother, and to all of your sisters and brothers in Blue that protect us. God bless you all!! (Matthew5:9)

Kelly & Eddie King

December 21, 2020