Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, August 4, 1986
Reflections for Sergeant Richard Davenport, Jr.
Rest In Peace Cousin
Commander Reginald Holcomb
East Cleveland Police Department
December 24, 2020
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 4, 2020
I didn't know you personally, but I see that today is the anniversary of your passing. You died being a symbol of the law, with courage and a sense of devotion to doing your duty. I'm just John Q. Public, who has respect for the law. I hope you're guarding your loved ones from Heaven, as you guarded the citizens of Chicago from the criminal element.
Eric A. Hoffmann
A citizen
August 4, 2015
RIP BROTHER
Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.
June 24, 2015
Although it has been 28 years since your ultimate sacrifice it shall not be forgotten by the CPD. Your dedication to service in this incident is an example.
Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
August 4, 2014
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 30, 2013
Rest in Peace, Sergeant Davenport. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
April 27, 2012
Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they do not grieve alone.
Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
October 7, 2009
Sgt. Davenport your wife Evelyn is a very caring, classic, and beautiful woman. I met her 8 years ago and she helped to get my family and I where we are today. She will always be in our prayers. She is truly a friend.
Thank you,
Gladis
Gladis
Gold Star Family
August 13, 2009
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 17, 2007
My thoughts are with you wife on this anniversary date. I know it will be especially hard on her this year with the recent loss of your son. I ask that both of you keep watch over her and wrap your wings around her to protect her and help her with her grief. You will never be forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 4, 2007
The 21st anniversary of your tragic murder is right around the corner. I doubt if time has made it any easier on your family and friends. However, I hope everyone will take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!
SGT, Retired
AR
August 2, 2007
My thoughts are with your wife on her recent loss of your son who has now joined you. Both of you, continue to watch over her and protect her. Wrap your wings around her and relieve some of her grief. I know there is no greater loss than to lose a child and she has had her share of grief during her lifetime so far. You have not been forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 31, 2007
Dear Mrs. Davenport,
I just wanted you to know that your husband will be in my thoughts on Memorial Day and you will be in my prayers. Michael Gordon's Mother mentioned you to me, and I just wanted you to know that we all are hurting with you. You have gone through some valley's, that we never understand, but please know that you do not walk through these valley's alone. God will hold you up with His grace and Mercy. Remember His word,Hebrew's 13:5 I will never leave thee nor forsake you". Mrs. Davenport, your loved ones will live in our hearts forever. Hero's never die, but become those extra angel's we need by our side at times. So please know that you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Mother-in-law of: Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hewitt
EOW 04-04-04 Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept. Asheville,N.C.
Carolyn Moore
Carolyn moore
May 25, 2007
You have not been forgotten even after 2 decades. Next month the Chicago Police Dept. will be dedicating their new monument to fallen Chicago Officers which will have your name. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
August 2, 2006
To the memory of Sgt. Davenport, Jr.---
~~~Do not stand at my grave and weep~~~
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn’s rain
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds circled in flight
I am the soft star that shines at night
I am the flowers that bloom by day
I am the fragrance of new mown hay
I am each blade of grass that grows
I am the rush of melting snow
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am no there, I did not die…..
January 3, 2005
Rest In Peace, Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will carry on the fine tradition of the Department.
Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept
November 15, 2004
I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. You are a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. God bless you and your surviving family members.
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
July 19, 2004
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