Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Dennis Leo Riley

Charles County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

End of Watch Tuesday, January 11, 1977

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Dennis Leo Riley

Rest in peace and know that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 14, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Riley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2020

Dennis, Please keep holding those gates of Heaven open for the rest of us.

RIP My Brother

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett Motor 67
Charles County Sh. Office, MD

May 29, 2014

One of my earliest memories is the day I came home from school, I was only 6 years old and in the 1st grade, there in the familyroom with many family members and friends my mother called me to her to tell me of your passing. I didnt understand, how cold you be gone? The casket was closed, I didnt believe it was you in there. The ride in the limo in route to your funeral service I can still picture it so clearly to this day. The line of police cars stretched as far as the eye could see on 210. The Marine Corps Honor Guard, taps and the 21 gun salute. The cold, cold rain. My mother being presented a flag folded so you only see the blue and stars. Has it really been 35 years? I'm a grown man now with grown children, but I still remember. I'll never forget...

Joey
Youngest of the four left behind

July 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 11, 2012

"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

February 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VNDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 3, 2008

Today, 30 years later, you are still remembered. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 11, 2007

It was really cold that day as my parents and I were leaving the old Safeway store when we saw that terrible accident scene.

I remember asking my parents if the police officer was o.k. and later being told that you had died. It was really hard to understand that you had died.

20 years is a long time and I have never forgotten you. Rest in peace and I pray for you and your family.

Former Charles County Resident

January 10, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

August 1, 2006

May you rest in peace Dep.Riley as your work on this Earth is done. You are in Gods Care now.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

December 10, 2005

Dennis - 49

I still remember how cold it was that Winter day over 28 years ago when the gasoline tanker truck bringing fuel to the CCSO went through the red light, and flipped upside down on your patrol car. I know that you know how desperately we tried to get you out. We were overwhelmed with shock and grief. It was hard to understand how you had served for so long in Vietnam without a scratch, only to have your life taken in this way. Within 45 days of losing you, the squad also lost PFC Robert Leroy Dillon #58, in an off-duty auto accident. We remember you both fondly. You were, and will always remain, our hero. Rest in peace. 80

Chief Patrick A. Murphy
Berwyn Heights PD

June 24, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, may God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

January 11, 2005

Rest in Peace Deputty Riley

Ofc. Culver, RJ #138
Holly Hill Police Department

October 6, 2004

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