Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace.

J.R.

April 17, 2022

Patrolman Gomez,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 17, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Gomez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 25, 2019

Patrolman Gomez,
Sir, even though it's been 35 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 18, 2015

Ricky, I was terrified when I heard of your tragic death. It was the day after and to this day I know where I was when I got the terrible news. At that time I guess it's human nature to pause and reflect on memories when we were at Hatch Valley High School. The last time I remember "nearly" catching up with you was the day I traveled through Cuba, NM and saw your patrol car at a Gas Station. I guess it was left there for service, not real sure....but I did manage to get the attendant to let me leave a note in your car. Looking back I only wish I would have had time to wait for your return to the station.

Its been over 33 years now. RIP my friend.

Kirk Cunningham
Home-town friend

December 7, 2013

"My Dad, Our Hero"

A gentleman offered this statement
as they laid my dad to rest,
"Today your dad's a Hero son,
and truly nothing less!"
Into his eyes I peered,
as the tears rolled gently down.
My response was kind and simple
the only words that could be found.
My dad was an officer
and a Hero every day.
He made this world a safer place
for you and me to stay.
A Hero who sadly offered
the news too hard to give.
A Hero who prevented tragedy,
allowing us to live.
A Hero you asked directions from
when lost or out of town.
A Hero who aided those in need,
allowing ease to get around.
A Hero who returned your child
when danger threatened near.
A Hero who protected freedom
so we'd have less to fear.
Yes, my dad was a Hero sir,
which he showed in every way.
But, today he is a Hero sir,
because of the price he had to pay.
By
Tammi James Kantola
Daughter of a Retired Michigan State Police Detective

Remembering my father, Richard Gomez on this day the anniversary of his death.

I was only 5 when you were so tragically taken away from us. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I know that you and mom are watching over Patrick and I and our beautiful babies, Nicholas, Adrian and Ricardo.
Love and miss you so very much.
Andrea Gomez

Andrea Gomez

April 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary of your death. 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.

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

April 17, 2012

Richard, I remember working the NM Prison Riot in Feb. of 1980 with you and only 2 months later you were gone. Oh what a time we had there. I guess you could say we had a "riot" I enjoyed your company in block 4 and 6..This is just to let you know I am thinking of you..and always will. Thanks for being a fellow NMSP Officer...I know what it took...R.I.P.

B.A.Toler (retired NMSP)
NMSP

March 13, 2012

Patrolman Gomez,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

April 17, 2008

"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 17, 2007

It has been a long time since you made the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man. I pray that time has helped to heal the pain your family, friends and co-workers felt when you lost your life. It is true that the loss never goes away, but realizing that God will unite you and your loved ones in Heaven may help them feel comfort while they are still here.

Your brothers and sisters continue to walk the line defending others possessions and lives in your honor. It would be nice to see that drunk drivers never cause anyone harm again, but sadly, that hasn't changed much in the past 27 years.

Rest well, warrior, your job here is done. Guard the gates of heaven until we are all called home.

APD LEO Wife

April 17, 2007

I will never forget the things you taught me as I started with the state police. I 'll never forget you or the fun times we had on patrol. I know we will see each other again, God has promised this to us. I

Sr. Patrolman Ricky L. Poolaw
New Mexico State Police (Retired)

April 12, 2005

GOD BLESS YOU RICHARD, YOU ARE STILL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

SGT. GEORGE MEDINA
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS