Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked that shift/position prior to you in 1976.
May God have mercy on you and your surviving family.

GL Cooper Deputy (RET.).
Roseau Co. Sheriffs department

September 29, 2023

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 2, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Magnuson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 24, 2019

As a member of the US Customs Patrol I spent many a late night "laying in" at the Roseau, Pinecreek and Lancater Ports of Entry after they closed for the night. On the night Richard was killed I was searching ships in Duluth, MN. I had been at the Roseau POE a week before. Fate works in strange ways rest in peace Richard.

Milton R Maki, retired Federal Agent.
US Customs Patrol

December 30, 2018

August 2, 1978 is a night I will never forget. At the time I was the chief deputy.The pain and sorrow caused by McMaster (murderer) was and still is immeasurable, and to this day is still felt. Richard was engaged to be married and was truly a great and caring person. With the people McMaster killed in Canada and Deputy Magnuson this is a premier example of why there should be death Penalty!
God bless the memory of Deputy Magnuson.

Curt Hauger Rei
Roseau County Sheriff's Department

July 12, 2017

Don't worry about this guy ever getting out. If he ever wins parole they can bring him to Minnesota to do time for the other murder.

Citizen

March 2, 2017

Roseau County will long remember the untimely death of this officer, ambushed by a mass murderer who had crossed the border after-hours. No doubt Deputy Sheriff Magnussen thought he was going to stop some locals who were too tired to drive around to the 24 hour port at Warroad, and had no suspicion that he was stopping a mass murderer. My father was one of many tapped to give blood in a desperate attempt to save this young deputy's life. Hats off to his fellow officers, who had the perp in custody before the day was out. The perp is doing life at hard labor in Canada, last I heard.

civilian, Ken
county resident

April 17, 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 privileged 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 26, 2013

"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 29, 2007

On the 29th anniversary of your tragic murder, I salute you, sir. I doubt if time has made it any easier on your family and friends. However, I hope everyone will take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

SGT Mark Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

August 2, 2007

Rick and I went to high school together in Int'l Falls, Mn, and ran together on the track team. I will never forget the day that I learned of Rick's tragic death. Rick's life and his untimely death inspired me to become a police officer. Rick and the many other friends I have lost over years are always in my thoughts.

We will meet again. GO BRONCOS!

Sgt. Bruce Carpenter
Minneapolis Police Department

March 30, 2006

Thanks for your service to the citizens of Roseau County.

June 30, 2005

My father's side of my family is from Roseau. I always loved going there in the summer. God bless you brother and rest in peace.

Detective
Colorado

April 21, 2005

Bless you, brother. You are not forgotten.

a MN Officer