Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Kent.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2022

Well Daddy, it took 36 yrs, but they finally got it done. There is finally a Highway dedicated in your honor. The Deputy RA Kent Memorial Highway. Your name and legacy will never be forgotten.

Richard Amacker Kent IV
Son of Fallen Officer

November 15, 2021

He was also survived by his unborn daughter that he had found just the week that this happened. I can still see his smile.

Jane Wickham
TPSO-Kentwood Fire dispatch

November 2, 2020

RA. Graduated high school together and worked in the auxiliary sheriff under Sheriff Frank Edwards. You were a good friend in high school and when we worked together in the Sheriffs dept. Also a true professional law enforcement agent. Miss you my friend.

Ira Cleveland
Friend

November 2, 2020

Dear R.A.,
We were at Pearl River College together, living in the same house in 1967-68. We discovered we were distant cousins through the Kent's of Kentwood. You were a good man, a peacemaker and I am grateful to have known you. I got into a fist fight with a mutual friend and you helped us let go of our anger. I remember your quick and easy laughter. I have no doubt that you helped many before your untimely death. We were kids then. I am old now. I remember you with fondness and brotherly affection. I am saddened by your loss. I send my heart and prayers to your family and friends.

Reade Carruth
Teenage friends and classmates at PRC

December 2, 2018

dear pawpaw, i have never gotten the chance to meet you but from the previous comments i wish i could have. my daddy loves and misses you so very much and so does mawmaw debra. I know that you are watching over our family every day i love you and cant wait to meet you p.s my mama says i have your feet

cody kent
grandson

November 2, 2015

Deputy Sheriff Kent,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.i.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 1, 2013

It seems only yesterday when I learned the sad news of your tragic passing. I was studying in Germany and very distant from the event but it completely rattled my family and everyone was a little different when I returned. I was one of the brats you used to scold for running on the concrete at the town pool in Amite and the very one you shielded from a group of older bullies at the same place one day. Later in life I became close with your Dad. On our many quail hunts and other outings I could feel his pain and his anger as he talked of you - he missed you so much! Know that the love you see in these notes written by so many - so many years later reminds that you will never be forgotten by those whose life you touched in however a small way. When I came across this site it tore at my heart - but at the same time it makes me smile to know that so many continue to care so passionately. As one who researches patterns of southern violence and who has boundless respect for your family, I shall forever in my own small way insure as best as I can that your memory may never fade. Peace be with you and all of your dear family - you have all earned it!

Samuel C. Hyde, Jr.
Professor of History

September 9, 2013

RIP BROTHER....THANK YOU FOR SERVICE AND MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOUR LOVED ONES WHO STILL GRIEVE...THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW YOU I STILL CONSIDER YOU AN INSPIRATION AND A HERO.

DETECTIVE SCOTT JARREAU
TANGIPAHOA SHERIFFS OFFICE

November 1, 2012

he was a good man and a freind.at the time of his murder i found out that he had shot the suspect and he had ran on the tangipahoa river to avoid capture.i set on the river in camo waiting on this criminal to come my way.he went north on the river instead of south where i was. i would have loved to run across that coward.
r.a. was a member of a video club i owned at the time.i remeber it like it was yesterday.marty guy was store owner where r.a. was murdered. and sad thing is the man that murdered this great man is still alive.how can you kill a police officer and over 20 years later still be alive.
r.i.p. r.a. kent god bless you

i have worked on enforcement side of the law as a game warden. capt. larry weaver, u.s.m.m.

March 4, 2012

I was just surfing the net and happened to run across this, much to my surprise. Just wanted to say that R. A. Kent was one of the nicest people you ever wanted to meet. I knew him long before we became in-laws for a short time, and I never met anybody who ever had one bad word to say about him. I was no longer connected to him by marriage at the time of his death, but it broke my heart that his wonderful wife, Deborah, and his beautiful son and baby on the way have had to live their lives without him. The world lost a great man the night that animal chose to take his life. RIP, dear R. A.

Kathy Lamonica
Former In-Law

September 26, 2011

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you! Now more than ever as I married a man that puts that very same uniform on everyday to protect and serve this parish just as you did. I miss you so very much! I LOVE hearing my daddy tell stories of the days you served together :) I can still remember putting your BIG shoes on and "attempting" to walk! You were like my other Daddy and I will NEVER forget you! I know you are watching over my husband while he serves and protects just as you are everyone else you love! I know I have an amazing Guardian Angel :)
I love you Uncle R.A.!!

Melissa Taylor-Tate

September 11, 2011

Rusty,
I am sitting here reading your girlfriend and your reflection to your dad. It breaks my heart. I used to baby sit for John and Pam Alston - your mom and dad went by their house frequently - your dad was a handsome funny man. We were always laughing when he was visiting - I was in my late teens/early twenties - I can remember his feet were so big it was shocking - now one of Pam's children - my godchild Patrick also has big feet - So everytime I see Patrick and notice his big feet I think about your dad. If my memory is correct your mom was expecting your sister when your dad lost his life. I am so sorry for your loss - your dad is sadly missed by all who knew him. God Bless you and your family.

lori terrell stillwell
friend

February 18, 2011

MY BROTHER, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

November 1, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 7, 2009

I can't believe that it's been 23 years since we lost you. It still seems like yesterday to me. I still think about the good old days and wish you were still here to see how much the job has changed.

Captain Don Alexander
Tangipahoa Parish SO

October 9, 2008

DEPUTY KENT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTON

OFFICER SCOTT HINSON
SUN POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 16, 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

November 5, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is preplexed by a manslaughter conviction

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

October 30, 2007

R.A. I miss you you were a great asset to this department and you were a good friend. God Bless you and your family!

Sgt. Michael Barron
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

February 7, 2007

Mr. Kent III,
We do not know each other but I am dating your son.. He misses you so much.. To know your son it gives me great pleasure and happiness.. I really wish that you were here so that we could have gotten a chance to know each other and so that your son would have you here in his time of need.. I tell him all the time that you are watching over him.. He talks about you all the time.. But I know that you are with me and him every day so you already know that.. Everytime I look at him I see you from the pictures that we have at home.. I just hope that we have your blessing.. I am so sorry about what happened to you.. Everything that your son as told me about you only brings me to the idea that you were a very loving and well respected man.. Your son tries every day to do what he thinks would make you happy.. He tries not to do things that he thinks would disappoint you in any way.. He is a great man himself.. I really wish I could have gotten to know you.. May God Bless you and you rest in peace..

Tara Edwards

June 5, 2006

Daddy, as I sit here reading this I can't believe it has really been 20 years.We all miss you every day. I just wish you could have been here to meet your grandson, but someone had to take that away from all of us.I know you watch him everyday and he probably reminds you a lot of me. I just wish you were still here to give advice on raising him so maybe he could grow up to be as good of a man as you were.We all love and miss you. I will see you in the end. Love Rusty.

Richard Amacker Kent IV
son of fallen officer

April 15, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Kent,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish. What I can not believe is how the piece of scum who killed you was convicted on manslaughter instead of murder?

R.I.P.
Anonymous

November 1, 2005

I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET YOU FOR I WAS A YOUNG BOY WHEN YOU WERE KILLED. NOW I AM A FELLOW OFFICER AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO LAWENFORCEMENT AND TO OUR PARISH. GOD BLESS MY BROTHER.

OFFICER JEREMY BALLARD
PONCHATOULA POLICE DEPT.

March 11, 2005

Richard, I had just moved to Slidell when this happened. I met you one time and you left one heck of an impression on me as a Police Officer. God has you in a safe place now, and you will never be forgotten.

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

January 29, 2005