Officer Down Memorial Page

Rick I was reminiscing to myself of BSA days and found this through search. I'm one of the special people that got to know you, even if it was 40 years ago. This is the type of person you were, unforgettable. Our fun times at Indian Pond are still cherished. It's never to late to say a prayer. So I will, for you and your family.The only things we loved ones of you regret is that you always had a brighter smile and that you got to heaven before us.

Ed Keyes
friend
July 13, 2010

Lt. Gould, thank you for your years of service to our country. No doubt that Florence lost a great husband, father and police officer in 1989. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired
December 3, 2008

We extend our condolences to Rick's family. Our days together at Indian Pond Scout Reservation were good ones. Please know that we are thinking of you all and will keep you in ourprayers.
Tom

Tom Barner
Camping at Indian Pond BSA
August 30, 2007

My deepest condolences to the Gould Family. Many summers I spent at Indian Pond Boy Scout Reservation, Rick had that resounding voice as dining hall steward. All us staffers had many fun times raiding each others camp. Those days were so much fun.
Respectfully,
Henry E. Check Jr.
Raymond, New Hampshire

Henry E. Check Jr
Fellow Boy Scouter
August 24, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones and close friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 22, 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.
July 9, 2007

LT. Gould you are a hero. Thank you for your years of service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
August 22, 2006

Many times I think of Ricky. We worked together at Indian Pond. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Special thoughts from Linda and myself.

Don Doliber

Don Doliber
Masconomet Regional HS
June 8, 2006

I think I speak for the Police Department here in Florence that we salute you. I pray for your family and friends.

Sgt. Brandon Grove
Florence Police Explorers
June 5, 2005

My darling Rick, Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss the life we had built together. Our wonderful adult children and I attended your dad's funeral on what would have been our thirtieth wedding anniversary. I am comforted to know that you will look out for him now. The service was also a memorial to you. Countless times family and friends told me how much they loved you-no one more than me though. I have a good life, but always wonder how different it would be had you not been taken from us. I know you are looking down on us and are so very proud of Chris and Lindsay. They are the best! Thank you for them. They were my reason to live when we lost you. Always, Cathy

wife-Cathy
September 19, 2004

I learned today both of your father's most recent death & also of yours in 1989. Oh, Ric, I remember so well how you went to Northestern University just to be able to fulfill your dream of becoming a cop, while also working part time in the Lynnfield, MA PD. Then fate dealt her hand, & you & your lovely wife Cathy moved away when you landed a job in the Florence, SC PD, so far away from the Boston you loved. Well, Ric, after speaking today to both your mother & your wife, I know now that you at least died doing the job that you had always loved, & somehow I have found peace in knowing that. Sleep well, My Dear Friend, until we all meet again. You are missed as you were loved.

Stephanie DeRosa, retired state inv.
Comm of MA, Bureau of Spec Inv
September 19, 2004

Richard may you rest in peace. Having read your daughter's reflection I know it is of great comfort to you how fine she has grown up. It seems like only yesterday you where a civilian dispatcher and I was a rookee patrolman in Lynnfield.
I think often of the sadness of your loss.

Trooper
Massachusetts State Police
September 11, 2003

08-22-03, MAY GOD BLESS. I READ YOUR DAUGHTERS REFLECTION AND PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY CAN CONTINUE TO LIVE THIER LIVES UNTIL YOU MEET AGAIN. I ATTENDED YOUR FUNERAL AND CAN SAY THAT IT WAS SO SAD TO SEE YOUR FAMILY GREIVING THAT DAY. BUT NOW, IT SEEMS THAT THE PRAYERS FOR THEM ARE SLOWLY BUT SURELY BEING ANSWERED. GONE BUT NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
August 22, 2003

Daddy, so much has happened since you were taken away. I just had my 21st birthday, and you were not here to help me celebrate...as has been the case with many holidays and birthdays. I'm all grown up now, Dad. Mom did a great job on her own, but you knew she would. She's the most determined lady I know, and I'm not sure what I would do without her. Chris is doing well, but struggling a bit on life's journey. He'll find his way eventually. Anyways, I'm sure you are watching over me everyday and smiling upon me. That is, when you're not too busy taking care of business up there. Love you and miss you more than words could convey.
Lindsay

Lindsay Gould