Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Boles. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 14, 2012

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. To this day I tear up thinking about it and smile remembering some of the good time we had as a square. RIP my brother, you are gone but never forgotten.

Sgt. Ron Aponte (ret)
MDPD (Co worker and friend)
November 29, 2011

This is a day that changed my life forever. Losing both men, under these circumstances is a nightmare that will never be forgotten.

After being cut loose on my own, Richie would show up at every single traffic stop I made. His glasses down on his nose, waiting for me to give him a thumbs up or down. He made being a rookie a whole lot easier.

Dave was one of the most genuinely nice guys at Station 6. Although I wasn't as close to David, I remember after being injured just months before, when I returned to work he made a point of finding me and making sure I was okay. It seems like that shouldn't be a big deal, but it was because his concern was so genuine.

These were both good men, good family men who loved their children, good husbands who loved their wives. They both deserved a better fate then the hand they were dealt. As did their family.

Officer Jay Estis, Retired
Metro Dade Police Dept.
November 28, 2011

I was there that horrific night. It was our second contact with the killer Charles Street. In hindsight we should have served him up some good old fashioned police brutality even if we lost our jobs, but instead we did the "right thing" and Baker acted him. He returned to the scene and we all know what happened.
I remember the night and always will. I wish our Captain had listened to me when I told him the week before that we were very shorthanded on our shift. He responded with "you have enough people". Enough said.
I would love to hear from his family and how they are doing.
I'm sure Mrs. Boles doesn't remember me but I escorted her to a memorial fundraiser shortly thereafter.

AL LLAPUR, Sgt. (retired)
Metro Dade Police Dept.
November 28, 2011

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer Boles.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb
November 28, 2011

Richie,
I can't believe it's been 23 years. I cherish the memories when we worked together at Golden Beach P.D. I so regret talking you into applying with MDPD. I wish I was not working that horrible night. I will never forget seeing you and Ski. What a terrible sight and it haunts me to this day. I drive by the spot almost everyday and I always remember. I know you and Ski are in a better place and we are worse off without you. I miss you so much.

Detective Michael Leoncini
Aventura P.D./Ret. Sgt. Golden Beach P.D.
November 28, 2011

Twenty Three years and it still hard to accept. I curse the day I hepl get you the job with the county. Rich you are still in my thoughts every day.

Ret Off Bart Cohen
MDPD
November 27, 2011

I miss you everyday dad. I hope you are looking down on me from heaven and smiling. Everything I do in life is to make you proud. I will be graduating from medical school in a few years, and I pray that some day I will be the physician that saves a wounded police officer like you. You have always been and still are my inspiration to do great things in this life. I love you so much dad.

Kathy Boles
Daughter
May 30, 2011

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME BROTHER, BUT I STILL MISS YOU. I THINK OF ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD, AND HANGING OUT TOGETHER. I THINK OF YOU OFFTEN, AND STILL HAVE A PICTURE OF YOU UP IN MY HOME. I KNOW YOU ARE WITH THE LORD. WE'LL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN, UNTIL THEN WILF

wilf olmsted
love of a brother
March 19, 2011

To The Family of Officer Boles:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death along with your partner Officer Strzalkowski. The bravery and courage you both displayed will never be forgotten by your family, friends and colleagues. I drive by the 203rd St. sign that bears both of your names. I lived in the Aventura area for 4 years. Rest in peace Officer Boles.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 8, 2011

Rich I no you are watching down at all of us.
You are so proud of your kids. They have turned
out to be so proud of. They both miss you very
much. I miss taliking to you.And seeing you work
on that house.you are well missed. xxoo

Jo ann Steele
sisterinlaw
November 30, 2010

We will never forget the sacrifice, service and protection to us all, you sir are a hero who will not be forgotten.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous
November 28, 2010

Dear Richie,I think of you often & remember all to well the night you left us.Just seeing your smile as you came to eat & share pictures with me of your land that you had just bought brings a smile to my face.I know your in a better place now,but I sure do miss you....

waitress/Carol Myers
Denny's Collins Ave/Friend
August 29, 2010

I was working North Miami Beach PD the night you left us. I was the second car on the scene and to this day can close my eyes and recall every detail about it. I still remember the frustrated feeling inside me, knowing there was nothing we could do to save you. I'm sure you and Ski are 09 as a 2 man unit patroling the streets of Heaven.
Rest in Peace Brother.

Anonymous
August 4, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 28, 2009

I knew Rich only briefly, during the course of an investigation in which he can forward to provide me with some useful leads. I don't claim to have known him well but I was able to form the positive impression of him as a true professional who loved his job and took pride in the service he performed. Via con Dios, hermano.

Detective (Ret.) Ray Meinberg
November 11, 2008

Officer Boles 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 25, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
November 28, 2007

19 yrs ago today. You will never be forgotten. God bless the Boles family & friends.

PO ( Ret.)
City of Miami PD Fla.
November 28, 2007

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
October 3, 2007

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Gone but not forgotten.

wife of former MDPD LEO

November 28, 2005

I will never forget the look on my husbands face when he got the call that you and your partner were killed. Gone but not forgotten.

wife of a leo

August 18, 2005

RICHARD I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO MEET YOU,BUT I DID WORK WITH YOUR BROTHER WHO WOULD ALWAYS TALK ABOUT YOU.I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID AND AND THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE YOU MADE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO.

DEPUTY K.HRACHOVY
HARRIS COUNTY (HOUSTON)
May 27, 2005

I can't believe it's been 14 years since you left us. That fateful night is forever in my mind.
I have chosen however, not to reflect on tragedy but celebrate and remember your life and contributions to your family and your fellow officers every 28th day of November.
May God bless and continue to watch over your wife and family.

I love & miss you Richie

"Scooter"
Officer Scott Mason
Golden Beach/Clermont Police Department

Officer Scott Mason
Clermont Police Deparment