Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

45 years ago on this very day, I lost a good friend, a perfect role model, and a good mentor. At the time, I was just a young police explorer for the city of Ontario, and Dick Hyche was always kind and caring for all of us.

He encouraged our ambitions for careers in law enforcement. Leading by example, he showed us the wisdom and the true power of being confident in and of yourself; having humility and respect along the way, characteristics that are the absolute opposite of the 'badge heavy' mentality of a pitiful few officers out there.

He was taken from us far too soon, to say the least. But I say this to the others who knew him, and most especially to his precious family: Dick Hyche made an enormous positive impact on many lives ... an influence that resonates in many of us to this very day.

You may have gone "E.O.W." on this physical Earth, my friend, but you are very much alive in our hearts now - and always.

Steve Selke (OPD Explorer Post 350)
Retired CDC Sgt.

October 15, 2020

In 1975, Officer Hyche patrolled our area in which we lived on Fourth Street in Ontario, CA. He became a friend to my husband and me. My husband (at the time) asked him if he would check on me from time to time since I was pregnant with our third child, my husband was a long-distant truck driver, and was gone for weeks at a time). The tragedy of losing this officer took heart, and we were heart-broken to hear about the lose of him. Much sympathy to his family and fellow-officers through the years. I will never forget him, and still after all these years remember him. I've shared what happened to him with my grown children over the years. And still mention him up to this day.

God Bless Everyone, and with Much Love.

Sonja White

Sonja White, Public Citizen
Friend

June 12, 2020

I lived in the very apartment complex that the gunman took refuge after cowardly gunning down Officer Hyche while doing his job to protect citizen's from such unnecessary acts of violence. To the Family of Officer Hyche know that he did not pass in vein; he is a HEROE plane and simple.

Tony McCray
Resident

May 3, 2020

I never met you sir but I was friends with your son Bryan. He was very young when you passed and you were taken away too soon.
Bryan was an amazing young man and I’m sure you were proud of how he lived his life.
When Bryan was killed while attempting to help a person that was broken down on a freeway, he died doing what he was raised to do. He was helping others. Good character ran in the family. God bless you both..

Mike ( Friend )

August 20, 2019

Officer Hyche was a kind man. He patrolled the area in which my family was living at the time in 1975, and was sadden to hear about his falling at the hands of another. Still to this day I have never forgotten him nor his family for all 43 plus years. He was a very good officer.

God Bless,

Sonja

Sonja White

May 18, 2019

Officer Hyche was always a friendly and nice man to talk to. My locker was right next to his at 200 N. Cherry. The old OPD station. Many months later I still had a difficult time and would break down and cry by myself down in the locker room. I never mentioned this to anyone before. I do now because I’m older and realize how lucky I was being a police officer and knowing such great officers like Officer Hyche. God bless. Till we meet again! RIP.

Fredrick Borgards /Officer
Ontario Police Department

April 3, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Hyche.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 26, 2019

It has been many years since your untimely passing, but not a day goes by that I do not reflect on your friendship. On her deathbed in 1991 my mother mentioned you and how if you would stop by and I were not there you would sometimes wait and while doing so would play the piano. She loved your rendition of Moonlight Sonata. I feel that soon we shall be having a reunion and I will be honored to be considered your friend both in this life and the next to come.

Fred Schiller

November 16, 2018

You are not forgotten. My daughter aged 4 was plaing with a friend there. I luve a couple blocks away. I dont remember who brought her to safety. Im eternally great full

susan nichols co department of correctio
Cdc

September 7, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother, Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

I remember when it happened as I was a 20 yr old living in the area. I still think of you. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

September 4, 2017

RIP Officer

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

October 15, 2012

Today is May 15, 2012 - the first National Peace Officers Memoral Day... It brought to mind my friend - Richard M. Hyche who was killed on October 15, 1975. I was the "off duty officer had spotted the man, who was wanted for murder, walking along I-10"...

In Dick's memory, I posted this link with the news of the National Peace Officers Memorial Day on my Facebook account.

Dick: I think of you often. I pray for you and your family often. You remain a hero in my memory.

Joe Sullivan

Joseph P. Sullivan
Ontario P.D. (fellow officer at time of death)

May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012... National Peace Officers Memorial Day...

I posted a memorial in Dick's honor on Facebook. I remember and pray for him and his family often.

Joseph P. Sullivan
Ontario P.D. (fellow officer at time of death)

May 15, 2012

Dick, you will never be forgotten, or your smile. I had only been working dayshift for about two months , after being on graveyard for four years. DICK contacted me and asked if I would give up dayshift for him, so he could start Law School at night.I wanted to help him so I went back to graveyard with weds and thur.off and Dick went to dayshift. Less then two weeks Dick was killed.Dick you will never be forgotten by any of the Officers.

RET.DET. WES BINNELL
ONTARIO P. D. /MONTCLAIR P.D.

February 25, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

I WAS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND AN ONTARIO POLICE EXPLORER AT THE TIME OF OFFICER HYCHES' DEATH.RICHARD WAS A GREAT MAN OF WHOM I LOOKED UP TO.I USED TO RIDE ALONG WITH SEVERAL OFFICERS,BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT RICHARD.HE WAS A KIND,THOUGHTFUL AND POLITE MAN.I REMEMBER THAT HE WAS THE ONLY OFFICER THAT HAD TAKEN ME TO HIS HOUSE FOR CODE 7,(DINNER),AND TREATED ME LIKE I WAS PART OF HIS FAMILY.THAT WAS WHEN I MET HIS WIFE AND SMALL CHILDREN.I THINK OF THE GOOD TIMES SHARED WITH OFFICER HYCHE AND HIS DEATH OFTEN. REST IN PEACE RICHARD AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,RETIRED SR.CORP. TOMMY SKROPOS

Senior Corporal T.J.Skropos,Retired
Ontario P.D.

October 20, 2011

I will never forget Bill. I was there immediately after the shooting. The coward gave up and was later killed after an escape from prison, Burned to death by the Devil.!!

Ret.Det. Terry Belland
Montclair Ca. Police

July 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 84th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 15, 2009

We remember you todasy and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 12, 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

September 20, 2007

Not a day passes, Dad, that you are not in my thoughts. You are always with me. I am so very proud of you, and your goodness is still remembered today, Dad. You were one of a kind. It is an honor to be your daughter. I miss you like I just lost you yesterday, Dad, but I love you like there's no tomorrow. Be with Our Lord and his heavenly peace.
With a daughter's love,
Your Tracer-ina-Baller-ina

Tracey L. Grush (Hyche)
daughter

September 7, 2007

Sweet sleep be yours.G-d Bless.

October 15, 2006

Officer Hyche my Brother Officer, You are remembered and held in high esteem. You are a Hero to us all. God's Blessings to your family.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

July 31, 2004