Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I don't even know where to begin it's been 15 years and it still hurts all I know is that I still love you and I still miss you. I know you're in a better place now but I still hope you're looking over us. I love you and I miss you

Wesley Hash
Your Grandson

January 31, 2021

I miss you everyday my brother
You and I were both prior Navy understood each other and exchanged many sea stories

Robert Bagnell CSI
Portsmouth Police Department

November 23, 2019

I remember going to your funeral, your procession, hearing the stories and tales everyone had about you... You were so respected, so liked, so known... I was only 9 when I attended the funeral, and seeing everyone assembled, officers from all over the Tidewater...definitely part of what drove me to where I am now, a member of the Portsmouth Police, and on the track to be an officer. It was, for me, the first real introduction to how tightly-knit the LE community is, and even though I never personally met you, you most certainly had, after my father's influence, the largest effect on my career choice. I am proud to be a part of the family you were, and you live on in all of us.

Dispatcher Charles Burke
Portsmouth Police Department

March 31, 2017

Ofc. Spaulding, one day I locked myself out of my car at the Exxon on Victory Blvd. An officer pulled up and I told them that my car was locked, running with the keys inside. That officer said, "I know exactly who to call." I remember that you showed up, with the LARGEST set of random keys that I had ever seen. You got me into my car in no time. I was devastated to hear about your passing only a few moths later... You left a lasting impression on me. I did not have the honor or pleasure of working with you as an officer, but I've heard countless stories about you. Just six later, I joined the Portsmouth Police Department and I am honored to know that I met you.

Police Officer Gino Jackson
Portsmouth Police Department

November 26, 2016

I remember this day like it was yesterday. It hurt then and it hurts now. You were such a shining example of law enforcement. So selfless, so compassionate, just a good dude. You literally gave everything to your profession, your coworkers, and your city. We haven't forgotten you, Rick. I know you're 10-12 in Heaven waiting on us. Thank you for everything.

D.K. Butler
Portsmouth Police Dept. (Ret)

November 23, 2016

Man Rick I can't believe it is coming up on ten (10) years since that awful night when I served alongside and lost a great officer and father. I will never forget my friend.

Sergeant JS Lilley
Portsmouth Police Department

October 14, 2015

Seems like yesterday. I miss you brother.

Police Officer
Portsmouth Police Department (RETIRED)

November 23, 2014

I still miss you, Brothooer. I think about you all the time. I'm back in UP on mids in your platoon, the 3rd Platoon. You. would be proud of these young guns out here, breathing fire and running down dangerous criminals. I am a grandfather now and understand how the birth of your grandson Wesley brought so much joy to your life. Your family has moved away but your band of brothers will never forget your sacrifice. God Bless you and I miss you, my friend. See you soon

MPO IE McNett, Jr
Portsmouth(Va) PD

May 7, 2013

Thinking of you Rick. Miss you Brother!

J. Whitson

November 25, 2012

Rick,
Just thinking about you today. We had the annual memorial service last month and it doesn't get any easier. I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers every day and am thankful for having a wonderful Angel watching over us. Miss you Brother!

Lt. Lisa Smith
Portsmouth Police Department

June 1, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today on this sixth anniversary.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 23, 2011

Thinking of you today Rick.

Trey Lipscomb
Nags Head Police / Former PPD

November 23, 2011

6 years today Brother. I think of you often. Monica seems to be doing ok. Still feels like yesterday when I got the call early in the morning. Feels as fresh as if it were today.

Miss you brother.

Officer Scott White (Retired)
Portsmouth Police Department

November 23, 2011

Hey Rick,

Been thinkin about you lately. It's crazy how the world works. I moved back to Minnesota about a year ago, but I am sure you already knew that. Monica sent me a message a couple month ago telling me Heather is up here too. Hanging with your beautiful daughter as much as I can, but I am sure you knew that too. :-) Can you do me a favor? When God decides it's time for my mom to go home, can ya meet her at the door with the rest of my family? At least that way I know she is safe. Love you and miss you!!

Jane Foster
Former PPD

June 24, 2011

Miss you my friend.

Scott White (PPD Retired)
Portsmouth Police Department

May 9, 2011

Rick,

You always kept us laughing while we were going through Portsmouth Aux Police Academy and kept us awake. You were the gentle giant backing us up on patrol. Also you were my friend when I stopped by your house for a talk during the day while out on my Allstate Ins duties. Rest in Peace Brother!

Darrel Adams
Former PPD, Former Suffolk PD, Corps of Engineers Provost Marshal Offi

August 12, 2010

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Sheriff
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Ms)

April 2, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 24, 2009

thinking about you today....... hard to believe it's been so long. miss ya.

scott
ppd

November 23, 2009

Hey Rick,

Just wanted to say Thanks Buddy for the work you did to keep Portsmouth safe. You were a great cop but an even better man. You are missed my friend.

Shaun
Former PPD

March 2, 2009

I worked w/Rick on the overnight shift when I was a 911 Dispatcher for the Portsmouth Police Department. Whenever he could, he would stop in the Communications Center to visit & bring coffee (& sometimes donuts). He always had a funny story to tell & was one of my favorite officers. I learned about his death after I left the department & moved to Minnesota where I am currently employed as a 911 Dispatch Supervisor. I was saddened to hear of his passing (& how it happened), but I know he is in a better place where there are no bad guys to chase. God bless you Rick - we miss you!

Michelle Dunham
Washington County Sheriff's Office

January 12, 2009

Another holiday without you here, we are all thinking of you & your family. Not a day goes by that you are not on our minds. We look to you for guidance, and have this sense of security & peace. We miss you Rick.

Anonymous

December 8, 2008

RIP hero.. gone but never forgotten

wife of LEO

November 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this third anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

November 23, 2008

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 1, 2008