Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Melvin was a wonderful husband father son and brother. I will miss my brother everyday.

Nicole m richardson

March 14, 2023

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

September 1, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Austin Richardson. I am truly sorry for your loss. The service and sacrifice of Deputy Richardson will not be forgotten.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

July 19, 2022

Deputy Richardson,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain

Pittsburgh PD

July 17, 2022

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

July 1, 2022

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

June 26, 2022

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Deputy Richardson. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Femont County Sheriff's Office.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

June 22, 2022

My condolences to his family. RIP Deputy Richardson.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 22, 2022

RIP Deputy Sheriff Richardson. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Fremont County, Sidney and Auburn

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

June 22, 2022

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

June 21, 2022

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your family.

Robert Gordon, Retired Deputy Chief
Father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 19, 2022

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division

June 19, 2022

Sheriff Richardson, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May God immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

June 19, 2022

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

June 19, 2022

On behalf of POINT 27, we would like to offer condolences for Deputy Sheriff Austin W. Richardson. Please know we are eternally grateful for Austin’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Deputy Sheriff Richardson, POINT 27 sent 27 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office in Sidney, Iowa for Austin’s partner and fellow deputies. POINT 27 sent a Folded Flag Necklace engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Deputy Sheriff Austin W. Richardson’s wife.

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 #R309
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

June 18, 2022

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Deputy, Austin W. "Melvin" Richardson, from complications of a motor vehicle accident. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Deputy succumbs from complications from a motor vehicle accident. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed . Our Prayers and Thoughts to the Sidney and Auburn Police Departments where Deputy Richardson had previously served.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

June 18, 2022

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of our nation’s law enforcement officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [and daughters] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

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

Chaplain Steven Robert Closs, DDiv, MBS, NCCA
Ordained / Licensed Independent Outreach Minister of the Christian Harvest Church

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

June 17, 2022

On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Deputy Sheriff Austin "Melvin" Richardson and the extended law enforcement family of Fremont County Sheriff's Office, Iowa.




End of Watch Tuesday, June 14, 2022.



Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 17, 2022

Rest easy, sir!

Ptl B L Waltz (Reet)
Avon Lake PD OH

June 17, 2022

Rest In Peace, Deputy Richardson. Praying for your loved ones

Officer C Curione (Retired)
Rochester Police Department, NY

June 16, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Richardson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 16, 2022

Rest In Peace Deputy Sheriff Austin "Melvin" Richardson! Thank you for your 7 years of service with the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, in Iowa and for your previous 8+ years of service in Law Enforcement with the Sidney Police Department and Auburn Police Department. We thank you for your devotion and your sacrifices, and also to your family and friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your wife and your three children during this terrible tragedy, and we want them to know that you will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the rest of your family and to all of your sisters and brothers in Blue that protect us. God bless you all!! (Matthew 5:9)

Kelly & Eddie King

June 16, 2022

My family and I were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Melvin. He was a great man, a great officer, husband, and father. To my little cousin Bryxtol, I'm so sorry your Daddy didn't come home. Always remember that he will be with you and your sisters in spirit. And all of your Daddy's brothers and sisters in blue will have your back. We will never forget your Daddy.

Reserve Deputy 70-40 Ken La Follette
Muscatine County Sheriff's Office

June 16, 2022

May your family be surrounded by those who loved you. May they find strength and peace during this time. May God hold your family both blood and blue as they travel through this next chapter.
Peace be with you all.

Anna Filson
Wife of retired officer, Brooklyn Center, MN

June 16, 2022

Rest in Peace Deputy Richardson. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this very difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

June 16, 2022