Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I wish I could have met you.

Richard Daniel Harper
Son

December 5, 2023

Always in my heart. Always missed

Susan Harper
Wife

May 12, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 3, 2020

I received the first scholarship in his honor, and think of him often. I honor his legacy every day when I go to work.

Linda Wood, director
Broward Police Academy

May 4, 2018

All of Officer Harper's Loved Ones,
Graduated with Rich from NJ Police Academy Sea Girt back in the early 70"s. Always remember him as a good guy and team player. My sister lives in Brick so I connected with Rich and the other Brick Guys in the academy at the time. He will always be in my thoughts as will his family.

Lt Andy Ross
City of Rahway PD (Ret)

November 5, 2017

It has been 37 years today..You are in my thoughts always..Love you..


Your Wife,
Susan

Susan
wife

May 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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

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

May 10, 2013

Rich,

I remember our time at the Police Academy. The 141St Municipal police class at Sea Girt. You and I were the only two recruits who did not have to take the psychology section, since we had psych. in obtaining our degrees. So we worked on a paper project together, though I can't remember the nature of it all these years later. I am retired eleven years now.

I see you have two grandchildren. I have four. Two boys and two girls. The joy of my life right now. I am sorry you are not around to enjoy that and that you missed out on bringing up your child, though I am sure you keep an eye on them now.

Your watch ended on my fourth wedding anniversary. That gives me something else to remember on that date.

Rest in God brother.

Det/Sgt. Edwin M. Fisher (Ret.)
Somerset County Prosecutors Office

September 8, 2012

Your watch ended on my day of birth. Your service will not be forgot as long as I am alive. Thank you...

If any of the family of Patrolman Harper read this, can you please contact me.

Thank you,

Trooper Chris Bjerken SP343
Minnesota State Patrol~District 3200

September 5, 2012

Richie,
We think of you often. You were so loved by all who knew you. What a dad and granddad you would have been. We miss you and will always love you.
Your sister-in-law Kathy

your sister-in-law Kathy
Kathy Pelliccia

May 8, 2012

Rich,

It has been 34 years and I think about you all the time.We have 2 beautiful grandsons and I tell them about you..I love you..

Your wife
Susan

Susan
wife

May 7, 2012

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ

May 4, 2008

We miss you.It will be 30yrs. in May and you are still missed daily.

Love you
Susan

susan (wife)

January 7, 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 11, 2007

Thank you, Patrolman Harper, for your service. Neither you nor your service to the citizens of New Jersey will ever be forgotten!

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother of
SCHP Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao
End of Watch: June 12, 2002

Lois Rao

September 13, 2007

Rest in Peace, Your scarifice shall not be forgotten .

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

November 14, 2004

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

October 15, 2004