Officer Down Memorial Page

Well another year has passed since your death. It has been 27 years. I still think of you often. and especially every March 31st. I hope that your family is doing well. I can't help but to wonder how life would be for your family and friends if you were still here. You are missed.

Cassie Kramer, Detective
San Diego Police Department
April 1, 2012

RIP Officer, Thank you for your service

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
March 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Agent Riggs. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 21, 2012

Wow, another officer shot in the line of duty today. As I was reflecting on Tom and Tim's murders I thought I would look up his name on the internet. My heart still weeps for the loss of my brother and brother in law.
Mike Egan, you also will never be forgotten as one of Tom's dearest friends.
Cassie- thanks for all you did for the dept.
Thank each and everyone of you for not forgetting my big brothers.
God Bless each of you,
Nancy Riggs Matthews

Nancy Riggs Matthews
sister of Tom and sister-in-law of Tim Ruopp
August 21, 2011

I was seventeen growing up in San Diego and I remember when you were killed in the line of duty. I was sickened to see your killer set free by a self serving jury that gave you no Justice. You are one of the reasons that I became a Police Officer. I pray that you have found peace in Heaven and that your family is doing well. You will always be a hero to me. God Bless you Brother and thank you for your service.

Officer Kevin C. Matthews
Huntsville PD, AL
August 16, 2011

Though I have never met Mr. Riggs I have heard stories of him my entire life. My father who was also a San Diego Police Officer was very good friends with Tommy. My dad never got over the death of his friend. My mother was pregnant with me at the time of his death and I would of been named Tommy after him if I was a boy. He is a hero and still thought of to this day, even by those who did not know him only heard stories of him.

Jessica Charlebois-Bradford
August 15, 2011

Like some others here, I just googled Tom's name and ended up here. My memories are a bit different however. You see, I knew Tom as man and boy for 21 years. We grew-up two streets over from one another. I was a member of his wedding party, and a party as well to some silly things that young men often do, with Tom, Ross, and Little Al. Regardless, I remember that day as if it were yesterday, and as well, the miscarriage of justice that allowed his killer to walk.

As law enforcement officers, or military officers in my case, we are sworn to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." In my opinion, the Constitution had mud flung upon it when that miscreant whose name I shall not use lest it sully this place of honor, went free. If ever a "domestic" enemy existed, it was he.

Rest easy Tom. There are a lot of us still here, and still fighting the good fight. R/Mike

Captain Michael M. Eagen
USN(Ret)
August 5, 2011

For whatever reason today I googled my brothers name... what an amazing tribute to my big brother! Thank you for all your kind words about Tom and to my family....

May Gods blessing be upon you, and especially upon all those who protect and serve!

Patricia M. Greenblat
Sister of Agent Riggs
May 9, 2011

You will never be forgotten my friend. You truly are a hero.

Rest in Peace

Officer James C. Mathews Jr.
SDPD 1977-1987/ Retired Vallejo PD
March 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary year 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 the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your sister has had to endure such a heavy burden, losing both you and her husband in the line of duty. When I read about the trial(s) and the verdicts, I almost became physically ill. Even your killer knew he didn't belong on this earth as he killed himself years later, but I am amazed that multiple juries further ravaged your family and department by their blind eyes and deaf ears to evidence before them.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
August 9, 2010

What is wrong with the American justice system when they let that dirtbag who killed Tom back on the streets??? To Tom and his family may God bless you and watch over you.

Anonymous
May 19, 2010

Agent Riggs - 25 years feels like last week. I remember the day you were killed and the day we laid you to rest. I've always wondered how your sister made it through all of this, losing her husband in September (Tim Ruopp/LODD-SDPD) then you 6 months later. Incredible.

I still think of you and that horrible day and I swear to fight, to be vigilant, and sure. Rest easy, my friend; we've got it from here.

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska DJJ
April 12, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 31, 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 who was murdered in the 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 am sorry and angry that the legal justice system let you and your family down.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 31, 2009

The anniversary of your murder rolls around once again and once again I feel the pain of the loss and the frustration of the aftermath. But rest well, Tom. After nearly a quarter of a century, many of your colleagues are still protecting and serving.

Lt. Jerry Mills
SDPD
March 23, 2009

I spend many of my weekends "hiding-out," in San Diego - a city that is so beautiful, yet rife with many problems. It amazes me how the Men and Women of the San Diego Police Department(SDPD)continue to provide such quality service to the community, and I have never encountered anything less than a professional demeanor from the personnel. They do so much, with so little.

In 1984, I was taking my Physical-Agility Test for LAPD, the day of the infamous McDonald's shooting. That fall, a few weeks before I entered the Academy, the infamous "Grape Street Shootings (two SDPD murdered) took place. Six months later, while I was still in the Academy, Corporal Riggs was murdered. I did not believe that I could be more angry after "Grape Street," until the outcome regarding the suspect who murdered Corporal Riggs.

From 1977 (the year that I entered Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego), to 1988, eleven San Diego police officers were killed in the line of duty. Eleven police deaths in eleven years gave the SDPD the grim distinction during the 1980s of having the highest mortality rate of any big-city police department in the United States.

To the SDPD Family You have my utmost respect.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 28, 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
September 20, 2007

Over two decades of passed since your EOW and you have not been forgotten for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 7, 2007

Tom,

Just wanted to send you a reminder that you are not forgotten. There are not alot of us old South East Cops left. You were one of the best.

Rest in Peace

Charlie

Charlie Hogquist, Lieutenant
SDPS retired/ SDCCD PD
March 12, 2007

Tom, it has been almost 22 years. March 31, 1985, will be a day many of us will never forget. I think of you often. You were an inspiration to me. I had a lot of fun working with and around you and will never forget the good times.

Detective Cassie Kramer
SDPD
February 16, 2007

I was just a kid when Officer Riggs was killed. I remember how awful it was for the city and how we talked about it in school. 20+ years later, I live in another city, married to a police officer and just reading the little bit of information that is here brings it all back. The tragedy of that day still stings. God bless Officer Riggs and his family.

wife of LVMPD officer
March 9, 2006

My heart goes out to the friends and family of this MAN.I will never forget this story and I will say a prayer for him and his family, sleep in peace for one day you will back again. If there is anyone that could tell me why this Hero was dishonored by the justice system by aquitting him of all major crimes...Someone tell me something...

LEG
CPD
January 25, 2006

I'll never forget the day you were killed. I was off duty and at home. I lived near the scene. I watched as police vehicle's came out of the wood work. Nothing will ever erase the feelings I felt when I learned that a police officer was killed. The way it happened made things even worse. I prayed for you and your family that day. Now, 20 years later, I still pray for you and your family. Unfortunately, my prayer list has continued to grow over the years. God Blees you Tom.

Detective Mickie Means (Ret)
government Agency
August 2, 2005

I met Officer Riggs shortly before he was killed. He was a nice man and I remembered him recently while visiting close to where he was shot. The trial and the negative impact on the San Diego community was terrible, Officer Riggs did not deserve this.

umoza mzizi civilian
none
January 19, 2005