Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all. Continue to rest in peace Sgt. Cloud.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

October 23, 2011

Dick, Time just goes by so fast. You were a cops cop that really cared about people, your job and you loved your family. We had some good times at TPD. We did a lot of search warrants together. I remember the time you backed me up when I got in a fight at the courthouse, I still tell the story. I just retired from my 3rd dept. You were always my friend. God bless you and your family. Thanks for everything. Michael floyd, a friend forever.

Michael Floyd, Retired Chief of Police
T.P.D., Seminole PD & Plant City PD

July 13, 2011

Uncle Dicky(Richard) was a great and exceptional man. My Uncle(mother's brother) was taken from us way to long..I live in Texas now and I ran into a man with a Retired Tampa badge Tattoo on him and mentioned my Uncles name and he served with him when he was alive. I think of my Uncle and my cousins Paris and Paul all the time..Thank you everyone for reflecting on my Uncles Memory..Love you Uncle Dicky..you are SO TRULY MISSED!!! larry Ramirez

Larry Ramirez U.S Army SFC(R)
nephew

June 30, 2011

You are remembered today by a mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.

Richard, your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 35 years after your death and will continue to be. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 23, 1975.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 23, 2010

Thank you for your service, dedication and protection of all of us. You will never be forgotten. Heroes live forever. My prayers are with your family as they face another EOW without you.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

October 23, 2010

Dad,
It's hard to believe it's been 34 years today since your were taken away from us. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and miss you so much. You were my Hero and always will be!

I would like to say thank you to all who have posted their reflections and stories about my father. It means so much knowing how many lives my father touched. Thank you from the Cloud Family.

Paul Cloud
Son

October 23, 2009

Dickey, You and my father were partners and best friends for many years. We grew up with your children and our families gathering for many celebrations over the years.You were such a huge part of our lives and we reflect so often on how loosing you has changed so many lives. Dad tells so many stories of your days together on the streets and the crazy and brave things you did together. He has never been the same since loosing his best friend and partner. Just knowing how hard he worked to make sure justice was served in your name makes me proud.I pray for your family and think of you so often. RIP Julie williams

Julie Williams Tindall

July 22, 2009

Although we never actually worked together Richard was a very popular member of our police family and very well liked and respected. He was a 24-7 policeman who took his job home with him instead of leaving it behind, after a tour of duty, like the rest of us! Anyone could see that he loved his work with a passion and was always on the move. Many times I'd meet him in the hallways of TPD and always had to walk and talk as he always had someplace to go! I always used to tell him to slow down but he always laughed at my suggestion. Even though so many years have gone by now, I can't help but think about him and the ultimate sacrifice he gave for all of us in the name of the law! I will always hold him in the highest of esteem as one of law enforcements finest!

Officer Joseph A. Mirabella
Tampa Police Dept. Retired

August 30, 2008

Dear Sgt.Richard Lee Cloud we all miss you very much you was a good officer and a good frind. And i will never forget you my friand.

March 25, 2008

SGT. Richard Lee Cloud its hard to beleave it's been 33 years you been gone. And we will still miss you very much. R.I.P. My friand.

March 23, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

this writer is pleased that justice was appropriately served for you.

Van Den Berghe
NH

October 19, 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

October 8, 2007

I read about the circumstances surrounding your death and it shows just how dangerous the world really is. Though your killer was executed we'd all rather have you back alive and serving the community. God has you now and its all part of his master plan. God bless you and your family.

Sergeant Paul George
Houston Police Department

August 5, 2007

Rest in Peace.

October 23, 2006

Sgt. Cloud,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tampa. The piece of scum that murdered you got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 23, 2005

DAY IS DONE
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER, OR THE SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHTM,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL, SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY.
AS WE GO THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

It is said that EVIL flourishes when good men do nothing.

To the family of this brave Officer who gave all so that others might live, I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude for your continued sacrifice.

To those of us who were left behind who still wear the badge, the mission continues... tomorrow is another Tour Of Duty... May God comfort you with the knowledge that you DO make a differance.

Box Elder County Sheriffs Office Utah

Deputy Troy S. Pilivi Alpha Squad Leader
Box Elder Metro S.W.A.T.

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

October 23, 2004

I thank you for your dedication and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 16, 2004

What a sacrifice this officer made for his community. He will not be forgotten for his commitment to the cause and to other brothers that walked with him. God speed

Ret. Correctional Corporal
Franklin Co. Ky.

August 6, 2004

MR. CLOUD,
MY FATHER KNEW YOU WHILE YOU WERE STILL WORKING VICE FOR T.P.D.. HE TOLD ME THAT YOU WERE A VERY GOOD MAN AND THOUGHT THE WORLD OF YOU! NOW YOU BOTH ARE PATROLLING THE GOLDEN STREETS TOGETHER...


DEPUTY ADAM HOBBS
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
BARTOW, FL...

DEPUTY ADAM HOBBS
POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

May 21, 2004