Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Funny I just found this site---I was there ---I was a police cadet (Vaughn Spunaugle) ---I often rode with Danny and the night I was in the car in front of his---the assistance call got cancelled so it was all for nothing---we went back and Danny was wrapped around the pole on the drivers side---we could not open the doors--he was leaning over in the seat---my recollection is there were no should harness belts back then----I remember he was moving a little but clearly unconscious ---I didn't learn until next morning that he had passed-----I will tell you this----Danny was a very nice man---a quality human being---you would have liked him

Vaughn Spunaugle Police Cadet
Richmond Police

April 6, 2023

Officer Cariker,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Richmond. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 3, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. After 48 years you are honored and remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 3, 2018

46 years have passed since you were taken far too soon. Those you left behind are no doubt still feeling the loss on this date and my heart goes out to them.

Thank you for your all too brief service, Brother. God Bless and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful.

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

January 3, 2016

Rest in Peace, Officer Cariker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

On behalf of Richmond PD we thank you for your service and the life that you gave to protect and honor ours.

In May of 2008 a memorial at the police department was dedicated in honor of all of our fallen heroes. We encourage friends and family to pay us a visit any time.

Michelle Milam
Richmond Police Department, Crime Prevention Specialist

June 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHEETER, NH

December 30, 2007

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

December 5, 2007

Danny was my uncle. He had just been back "home" that Christmas. We didn't get to see him very often, but we had a great Christmas that year. Everyone was at Grandma and Grandpa's house and we played jokes on each other, sang, told jokes until late, late at night. I was just a child, but I remember that Christmas and the days just before he left to go back to California. He died, just a week later. How thankful I am that God allowed our family one last time together before Uncle Danny left this world.

He is remembered, and loved, and most of all missed by our family.

July 3, 2006

I remember Danny well. I was at his accident and his funeral. It was a tragic loss of a great officer with a great furure. I think of him often and never forgot his name. He was the first of my co-workers to die in the line of duty. Sadly there were too many others. Danny, you have my deepest respect and it was an honor to work next to you.

Jim Dean #575

James Dean, Patrolman (retired)
Richmond PD 65-73/ Vallejo PD 73-84

June 16, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Danny Cariker, the Richmond Police Department, and most especially to Officer Cariker:

It has been thirty five years since your death, but you are not forgotten. Your valor will be forever remembered and honored. How very sad that you had to die under such tragic circumstances.

It must have been a terrible blow to your department to lose an officer in such a devasting accident.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service you gave to the community of Richmond and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on January 1, 1970 in the line of duty.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

August 24, 2005

God bless you and your family, you are not forgotten not even 34yrs later.


Bev

Beverly
richmond citizen

July 24, 2004