Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We honor your service with our service. I often think of you when I patrol your beat. May God look after your loved ones. Rest easy worrior.

Officer H. Organista
Bakersfield CHP

July 11, 2022

Officer Maxwell, your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

mother of Officer Craig Birkholz G. Birk
Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD

July 6, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 11, 2020

Officer Maxwell and family,

I want to thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You are a true hero to your state and country. You took an oath and gave your life making this country a better place. Please know that I will pray for your entire family.

To the family of Officer Maxwell-my deepest condolences, please know that your husband, father, son, brother is a true hero of the highest level. He laid down his life to protect those he didn’t know. I promise you that his brothers and sisters across this great country will hold the line!

We will hold all of you in our prayers.

With heartfelt condolences,


Chief Will Pflum and Family
Markesan Police Department

Chief of Police William Pflum
Markesan Police Department

January 12, 2020

I didn't know you personally sir, but 25 years ago, I did pay my respects at your funeral. I'm saddened that your funeral was my first police funeral. I'm even more saddened that it was not my last. Thank you, brother, for your unselfish service.

Lt. Matt J Huebert
New Mexico Mounted Patrol

July 13, 2019

Sad that your brave life was taken from us by two DIRTBAGS. Sadder than that is the fact that both are out walking the streets. What a disgrace. May vengeance be taken on their lives and hopefully they will ROT in Hell where they should be. Thank you for your service and God Bless.

State Traffic Officer 7185 and United St
California Highway Patrol/SLA Area 530

July 11, 2019

Such a horrible waste. To lose a good officer to a senseless act of violence.. Then give the ones who did it a slap on the hand.. Just not right. Hope he Rest in peace..he is not forgotten.

Brenda Weese
Retired paramedic

July 11, 2019

Officer Maxwell,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I remember seeing your story on Real Stories of the Highway Patrol.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 11, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Maxwell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 11, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 24th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 11, 2018

Dear Maxwell family
My deepest condolencies to you all.
My name is Brian and i live in Denmark. I spend time in Bakersfield on that sad day i July 1994 visiting a relative, and I followed the tragic case very close. I was 20 years old then. To this day I even keep the newspapers from then.
Before this happened I thought I was going to work with accounting or someting like that. The death of Richard made me think otherwise, and since 1998 I've been with the Danish Police force. First as a patrol officer and since as detective. I don't know how and why this made such an impact on me, but it really became a turning point of my life. I wanted to do something for everyone instead of myself. I often think of you and especially Richards daughter. I hope your're all doing good despite what happened.
Sincerely
Brian

Brian Falk, Detective Inspector
Danish Police Force

July 8, 2016

RIP, brother. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police Department

April 21, 2016

I am honored to be able to call your parents, Bill and Joan, my friends. In loving memory of you, they continue to be actively involved in many aspects of the Portage Police Department. More than you can imagine. They are such kind people. As Law Enforcement Appreciation Day approaches on 1/9/2016, they again have made sure that all law enforcement are recognizes for what they do on a continuing basis. I am blessed to have them in my life.

Lt. Penny Kiefer
City of Portage Wisconsin Police Department

January 2, 2016

As I count down the days I have left with the CHP, again I think about you. My mild mannered friend classmate of CTC II-89, you continue to live on through the pleasant memories of the people you have touched and I am so fury ate to have called you my friend.

Byron Tiamson, CHP
Central L.A., San Francisco, Contra Costa

October 10, 2015

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

Richard, I am thankful for having known you and to call you a follow CHP officer, classmate - CTC II-89, and friend.

Officer, 12804
CHP

August 31, 2015

Richard it is hard to believe that 21 years have passed since your passing. I will never forget the summer of 1989 when we were classmates at the academy in Sacramento in Company B. Peace be with you forever.

Officer retired Don Todd Jr
California Highway Patrol

July 11, 2015

I worked with Rich in Bakersfield on Swing Shift a few years before the incident. He was always first out and last in. He was a man of few words with a strong work ethic. I was working the Grapevine Inspection Facilty that morning as we listened to the radio in horror as events unfolded. I'll never forget him or his contribution to the Area.

Phil Lammi, Sergeant (Retired)
California Highway Patrol

March 29, 2014

I worked with Rich at Charter Hospital in Bakersfield and remember him and his sense of humour( we had to have one with what we were dealing with). The world was a better place with him in it and he is sorely missed.

Danny Webster

January 12, 2013

To Rich's Family and friends,

I happened to stumble across this website and was very touched by the outpouring of love and respect given to my friend and classmate. I knew Rich when we where both young and without many cares in the world. He was a great human being, a great classmate but most of all a GREAT friend. Rest in Peace my good friend and all my prayers to your family.

Demmer Banks
USAF Security Forces and Friend
Sept 12, 2011

SSgt Demmer Banks
USAF/Portage H.S. and Track Teammate

September 12, 2011

I can't believe it's been almost 17 years. I remember Rich helping me out on calls in Oildale before I transferred to the desert area. I remember our conversations at church and between calls. We were both excited about our jobs. I'll never forget you Rich. Thanks for watching my back.

Deputy Kevin Austin
Kern County Sheriff

June 10, 2011

Richard, After reading the postings left by all that loves you, I find very it hard to get past the one your loving daughter Megan left. To have such a sweet young lady saying the most treasured things about her father is hard to keep my tears back. I also have a daughter that is a Customs and Border Protection Federal Officer. I would be lost without her in my life. Megan you are a sweet young lady and please know that we in law enforcement, especially the CHP family, pray each and every night for you and your HERO father. I never met your father but I am certain that I would have loved to have worked with him. Semper Fi Chippy and God Bless you and your family.

State Traffic Officer #7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol

January 25, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you. To your parents, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which is surely life's greatest sorrow and I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I recently was informed of Rick's death. It is hard to believe, but I know what kind of a world L.E. lives in. Even though Rick was a year behind me in school and I didn't hang-out w/ him, I remember watching him while he participated in the high jump in track. Man could he jump!!
Rest easy brother, you've paid the ultimate price. God bless you and your family. T.A. Portage High School Class of '78

Detective Tim Andres
Juneau Co. Wisconsin Sheriff's Dept. & Went to high school w/ Rick

August 20, 2009