Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Maxwell, Every time I drive Highway 99 near the CHP office, As I pass through the interchange named in your honor, The thought of what a real hero is comes to mind. Your family can always be proud to know that even average citizens like me, who never knew you, will always consider you a great hero who worked to keep the streets of Bakersfield and Kern County safe. Your service will never be forgotten.

Joe S.
Civilian

August 2, 2009

Richard is not forgotten. Just tonight a friend who lived and worked in the school system in Bakersfield at the time, told me the story as we discussed the tough job officers have.
I know there is a special place in heaven for those who are willing to lay down their life rather than swerve from the path of duty......

Brian Griffin, Sgt. Retired
CHP

June 24, 2008

I came to the site today to leave a message on an old friends page and I stumbled across Officer Maxwell's information. I am so touched by all of the comments about him. What a brave man! I am so very sorry his time on earth was cut short. But while here on earth he obviously made a big impression.

Thank you for working so hard to keep us safe.

Citizen

June 5, 2008

We would like to thank each one of you who have left a Reflection for Rich. He was a wonderful son and a real hero. We will always love and miss him terribly. Your kind words have helped us deal with our loss more than you will ever know. We wish we could thank you all personally for your thoughtfulness. The love and support you have given us has been a Godsend in these sad times. Thank you. Rich's Mom and Dad (Bill and Joan Maxwell)

Bill and Joan Maxwell
Parents

April 18, 2008

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Please keep a watchful eye from above.

Detective
Orlando Police Department

October 24, 2007

stopped by to see a real cops cop. will not forget and think of you often.

citizen

August 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

August 16, 2007

Yes, there is something terribly wrong with our Justice System, when two murderers can commit such a terrible crime and now be free to live out their lives.
There is another justice though and the cowards will face it someday soon.
They will not know peace of mind and they will not prosper.
Officer Maxwell you are a Hero, and you are immortal through your family.

Retired Police Officer.

August 2, 2007

I assisted the CHP in the LA area when they made the transition from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols. In fact, I bought a .38 revolver that still bears "CHP" on the frame, for my daughter on her tenth birthday.

To Freda, Megan (who should be 21 this year, (if I am correct), and to the men and women of the CHP 420 Club, tonight, as I celebrate my birthday at midnight, I will make a toast in honor of the memory of Officer Maxwell - an officer who did not die, without putting up a helluva gunfight (firing all twelve rounds from his pistol).

I will also try not to say anything disparaging regarding how the justice system did not seem to work, once the anal pore sought a federal appeal.....

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

July 11, 2007

I have the utmost respect for the CHP.

Thank You for having served. So many of You still work alone here in California.

Back in 1994, I visited Allensworth (first all-Black US city now a State park), near Bakersfield, to provide training to the lone park ranger, whose back-up was usually Bakersfield-area CHP personnel.

Officer Maxwell:

May Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

July 11, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
Warrenton, Virginia

July 11, 2007

Somehow, now 13 years later, i accidentally stumble upon this website. I am truly touched by the reflections of every single one of you. I will gladly be the voice for my Dad in saying "thank you." He loved what he did and we can all say that without hesitation. My Dad is my hero and it is amazing to see that he's not just mine. Thank you for all of your support! I MISS YOU DADDY!!!

Megan Maxwell
Daddy's little Girl

July 3, 2007

In visiting the memorial wall in Washington,DC to see my brothers name, I made an effort to look you up too.

Rich, we never met but you are my brothers brother. And as such, you are part of my extended family. It is fitting your name on the memorial wall is just a few panels down from my brother. I took photos of your name on the wall and passed it on to your wife and daughter.

May you rest in eternal peace - safe in the knowledge you made a difference in the world. For the all-too-short time you were here, you made Bakersfield safer for me, my family, and the rest of the citizens of Bakersfield.

Justice will be served. If not here then in the hereafter.

Curt Dalton
Citizen of Bakersfield, CA

April 24, 2007

Rich,
May you rest in peace and honor. It has been a long time but you are not forgotten. I had the priviledge of handling a few calls with you. I know you have watched over us from above as we continue the fight down here. I still see Taggart and Sgt.Brock (who would have ever thought that would have have happened) every now and then. It brings back some good memories. Hey, you will always be a hero in our eyes. Take care of us from above, rest easy, we have the watch from here. 10-7 in Heaven

Senior Deputy Eric R. Fennell
Kern County Sheriff's Office

April 16, 2007

We followed on the internet the re-trial over the past year or two. The whole idea of a "re-trial" was appalling and you were denied justice. A uniformed police officer in a marked car making a justified traffic stop is murdered and the assertion by the murderer of self-defense left us incredulous as we followed the case. Your name will forever be in our heart and mind as one of God's most faithful servants. Keep watch over us.

midwest citizen

February 10, 2007

Rest easy, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

November 6, 2006

Offc.Maxwell.There is justice on earth but there is also Our Lord's justice which no man can escape.May you Rest in Peace and may your loved ones,friends and brother officers remember that Justice will come.

July 11, 2006

To the Family & Brother/Sister Officers of Richard Maxwell,

I am so sorry for the pain, anger and frustration that you must feel after your loved one/partner's murderer was set free. The loss of a such a hero is a wound from which we never fully heal.

Only God knows the answer to WHY all of this has happened!

Richard, I was looking at your picture, remembering the funeral service, and trying to make sense of all this when I noticed your cap emblem. It made me think of the fact that when you were called home, God had a brand new set of wings waiting at Heaven's gate for you. And,,,, that those you left behind are now blessed with one fine guardian angel.

May God Bless, Comfort, and bring Peace to all of you who still miss him.

And may God continue to Bless & Reward this warrior for his dedicated service.

Chaplain Jim Taylor
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

June 22, 2006

To the Family & Brother/Sister Officers of Richard Maxwell,

I am so sorry for the pain, anger and frustration that you must feel after your loved one/partner's murderer was set free. The loss of a such a hero is a wound from which we never fully heal.

Only God knows the answer to WHY all of this has happened!

Richard, I was looking at your picture, remembering the funeral service, and trying to make sense of all this when I noticed your cap emblem. It made me think of the fact that when you were called home, God had a brand new set of wings waiting at Heaven's gate for you. And,,,, that those you left behind are now blessed with one fine guardian angel.

May God Bless, Comfort, and bring Peace to all of you who still miss him.

And may God continue to Bless & Reward this warrior for his dedicated service.

Chaplain Jim Taylor
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

June 22, 2006

You are a wonderful brother and a great cop. I miss you so much! You will always be my hero. I love you! Suz

Susan Nelson
Sister

May 12, 2006

Your watch ended before mine began, but you are my brother just the same. Justice was denied to you when your assailant was set free, and that is the great tragedy. May you never be forgotten and forever rest in peace.

Officer
CHP

May 11, 2006

On May 9, 2006 the law abiding public is again reminded how much respect we have for you and your department.
My heart goes out to the CHP and the Maxwell family.
Thank you to the CHP for keeping our community safe.
God bless you.

Joe S.
Civilian

May 11, 2006

Justice was denied to you my brother... Rest in peace. God be with you always

OFC Crociata

May 10, 2006

Sir,

It is obvious that you are truely missed by family, friends and co-workers. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

April 13, 2006

It's been over 10 years, The 99/204 interchange has your name on it. The good citizens of Bakersfield still remember and appreciate your service. We lost another officer this past week. You guys will always have the highest respect from me and my family.

Joe S.
Civilian, Bakersfield

December 29, 2005