Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Deputy Riches. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 19, 2012

Brad, I remember that night as if it were yesterday; every detail. It was devastating. I miss your warmth and cameraderie. You would do anything for any one of us. On this anniversary, 12 years later, I remember and honor you again. You will always be in my heart. Rest easy my brother.

Lori Cleeland-Herian, Deputy Sheriff
OCSD
June 13, 2011

My dearest Brad,

I have not visited your country since your death, and do not know if I ever will be able to tread on the land that stole you from us again. you gave me and my family soooo much love and Henry lives on with your middle name as his knowing everything about what a wonderful man you were. That is the problem you were stolen! Having given so much of yourself to others your life was taken cruelly and eleven years on there is not a week I dont think of you! You gave me my honeymoon and due to this sacrificed your visit to see Nan your Mum and family so that I could have the best memories possible, thank you. But the gift we promised you of renewing our vows in a revisit to Las Vegas will never be realised. At least you know that our child regardless of sex would have your middle name Jay, when you visited Blighty and I told you of the news. We didn't know then that it would be the last time to meet and a couple of months later we lost you. Thank you for being Henry's Guardian Angel, you are still sooo loved!!! One day when I can face it, we will as a family visit and show Henry and Poppy what a fabulous Man you were and hopefully Henry can do you proud.

Love You always

Leanne

Leanne Bowles
Closest Cousin
July 16, 2010

Our annual note of appreciation and condolence. Again, you are not forgotten.

Redwine Family
Lake Forest, CA
June 12, 2010

Deputy Riches, you have not been forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal
April 17, 2010

Another year passes, this one a milestone (10 years). You are still in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your service and our condolence to your family for their loss.

Redwine Family
Lake Forest, CA
June 12, 2009

The unfortunate anniversary of your last day of watch just passed.I cannot say whether the "OC" is worse in terms of crime,but it most assuredly is not better without guys like you being here. I truly hope your family has taken consolation and peace in the fact that you were proud of your dept and community and that by wearing the uniform you stood for something "better".....

Officer M.K. Gentry
L.A.AIRPORT PD
June 27, 2008

Brad, you have not been forgotten all these years later. I met you only once and it was obvious that you were an upstanding man and deputy.

Redwine Family
Citizen
June 13, 2008

We have not forgotten about you. Thank you for your sacrifice.

CSO Anonymous
OCSD
June 12, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Riches,
On today, the 9th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Orange County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
June 12, 2008

Deputy Riches your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 9, 2008

Brad,
I miss you and have not forgotten you, you were my partner for alot of years and a friend to me and my family. I remember the good times we had and I will always honor your memory.

Deputy Albert Macias
Orange County Sheriff and best friend
January 15, 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

I GREW UP IN MISSION VIEJO AND I REMEMBER YOUR STORY, I NOW WORK IN ARIZONA AND I ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, WHEN I PULL IN TO GET COFFEE OR JUST GET COUGHT UP ON REPORTS. I HAVE LOST SOME FRIENDS SO I VISIT THIS SITE OFTEN EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER MET I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
DEPUTY R. BRADY LPCSO ARIZONA

DEPUTY R. BRADY
LA PAZ COUNTY S.O.
June 23, 2007

God knows - I have been to far more than my share of cop funerals and I have investigated/researched some tear - jerking cop murders for the State of California.

Folks at work as well as at my favorite Orange County(OC) watering holes, stay clear of me when a Southern California cop is murdered. They all piss me off, but Your murder really stood out for me, because of all "The OC Dawgs" who I hang out with.

May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
June 12, 2007

On your anniversary I just wanted to say you will never be forgotten. Thanks for making the world a safer place.

J. Lambert
Security
June 12, 2007

G-d Bless, may you rest in peace.

June 12, 2007

God bless you and your family, friends and co-workers.

March 5, 2007

Brad, I worked with you in the jail for many years. Today 1-14-07, I sat at home watching my children play outside. I got a lump in my throat thinking about that day. I miss you and thanks for all the great times.

Deputy, Tom
OCSD, Friend
January 15, 2007

i typed in Bradley J Riches into google, as it is my husbands name, and this is what it found. We are from Australia and we are very sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to all Bradleys family and friends.

August 16, 2006

Brad,

Today I stood in formation with my current agency to pay tribute to those officer's who lost their lives in the line of duty. But as I raised my right hand up for a "hand salute", I wanted you to know that I thought about you and the rest of my OCSD family. I know you are looking down and watching over the rest of us.

Officer Eric Starna
OCSD Academy Class #145

Eric Starna
Oxnard Police Department
May 17, 2006

I grew up just a few blocks away from that 7-11 store. I never knew you, but each time I pass by, I pray for your family and co-workers. Your service, dedication, and bravery will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. I thank you and the rest of the OCSD for keeping Orange County safe.

Sergeant J. Quinones
Los Angeles Police Department
September 20, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Brad Riches, I just wanted all of you to know that Brad will never be forgotten. I was an Orange County Deputy at the time Brad was killed. Although I had not known Brad personally, I think of him as Brother, a brother I will never forget. God Bless you. I know Brad is watching over us.

Officer Corvoisier
Montgomery County PD
August 18, 2005

06/06/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Deputy Riches.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
June 6, 2004

All of us that knew Brad, felt comfortable around him. He had always had so much love and patients. I knew him at El Modena High School in the marching band. We played baritone together. It was no surprise to me that he became a Protector for us. That role fit Brad perfectly.

If the person that took Brad, knew Brad, Brad would still be with us in body. His presence and gift of keeping us safe, will always be.

Citizen Dave McMurray
March 30, 2004