Deputy Sheriff Richard Roach

Deputy Sheriff Richard Roach

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, August 22, 1874

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Richard Roach

Deputy Sheriff Dick Roach was shot and killed while sitting on his front porch in a Tampa suburb.

It is believed that he was murdered in retaliation by family members of a man he had killed two months earlier as the man resisted arrest, although no one was ever arrested or charged.

Deputy Roach was likely born into slavery in South Carolina and became one of the first black law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Florida. He was survived by his wife, mother, and three siblings.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Never identified

ambush, at home, retaliation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Amazing my fathers name was Richard Roach who served in 30 years in law enforcement! Maybe just maybe we are related
Rest easy Law Man

Detective John Roach
LAPD

July 17, 2023

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