Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you to everyone who has posted here about my brother. I was thinking of him last night, and happened to Google his name and found this page.

I wish there was a way to say how much he meant to me and how I feel about his passing. It's coming up on 15 years since he left us and I still think of him often. He was a good man and a good brother. As we grew older, he was there for me at a time I needed him.

I remember, as he grew older, he was all about the job. As an officer, he was always working and doing extra jobs. He tried hard to build a life and he lost it all way too soon.

As my older brother, I regret that we were not that close growing up, but we made up for it in later years.

I moved away a couple years before he passed and due to work, I was unable to make it down for his funeral. I regret that to this day.

I visited his grave the last time I was down in Houston and remember thinking it wasn't enough. After all he had done for so many people, he deserved more. More life, more time, more peace.

I hope he has found peace, at least.

On behalf of his parents, myself and our sisters, I post this remembrance of him and his life.

Kevin Fricke
Brother
April 21, 2012

You sat next to me in band at CCHS for years, and were a great friend. It wasn't till recently I learned of your untimely death. I know you're up in heaven looking down at us all. Thanks for being my friend... see you on the other side!

None
Friend
November 20, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Fricke,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harris County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP
June 4, 2011

I just saw your bio on this website, and noticed that nobody had left a comment for you for too long. Your law enforcement brothers across the country still remember the sacrifice of our fallen brothers long after they fall. I hope your family has found comfort in your death, as you were performing a noble public service, and we all give more than we should have to when we perform 'the job'. I hope they've overcome their grief and learned to cherish the time you had with them, albiet was too brief.

Salute.

Police Corporal (Retired)-Mchigan
October 18, 2010

Keith, time has flown but your memory still endures. I remember how hard you worked and how tired you would be at times. Rest easy my friend. I know that you are walking with our Savior and that it is we that continue to struggle. You were a good man and I will always respect your values and kindness to all. Fly under the shelter of the Lord's wings and breathe in the wind of peace. I thank you for your friendship and will always cherish it.

Sandy
Friend
September 24, 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
February 7, 2008

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
June 4, 2007

May your sleep be sweet and may He ever bless your loved ones.

June 4, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Fricke, thank you for your service. You have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
September 25, 2006

I miss you my Brother. I think of you often & miss those times we use to spend, out on the freeway, on our Harleys. Keep your face to the sun & wind in your hair. I love you, "Cornfed"

J.D.
June 7, 2004

You are missed and thought of often my giant, gentle friend. Rest easy....at ease.

Anonymous