Officer Down Memorial Page

SP's have always gone where needed, no matter the danger. I'm sure what was on Riggs' mind was helping the hurting people in need. RIP, Defender.

Marc S. Allen
USAF SP(retired)
May 3, 2012

So many of us stopped, looked around and asked, how could this happen? His death brought about safety concerns with some of our vehicles. It changed the way we responded to situations. And most of all it taught us the value of life.

TSgt. Dan Day
351st Missile Security Squadron Flight Security Controller
May 2, 2012

Your Dad has been a memory I have and will never forget. I was working in WSC(Wing Security Control) when we received a call stating He and his partner were stopping to assist on a vehicle accident. It was his last transmission. I was at his memorial service and felt so bad for your family. I wish and hope that your life has been a good life and these reflections fill some part of your life about your Dad. He died serving his country and in his case serving others. That made him a "Great Man" in my book......

MSgt(Ret) Dennis Sokolowski
United States Air Force Wing Security Controller
May 2, 2012

First of all Thank You to everyone who posted on my Dads Memorial page. My name is Timothy Royce Riggs Jr. My dad died 12 days before i was born i am currently visiting our hometown in Huntingburg Indiana and went to Visit Dad today, I cannot express my gratitude towards A. all of the servicemen who have served our country. B. everyone who left comments on my dads memorial. My older sister is now 21 and about to graduate college, I am 19 years old now about to finish my paramedic class pursuing a career as a fireman/paramedic. I signed with the Marine Corps and will be leaving for San Diego after finishing my Paramedic class. Anyone who served with/or knew my father feel free to contact me, i would love to talk to anyone who knew him. Thank You everyone and God Bless America and God Bless All Of You.

Timothy Royce Riggs Jr.
Son
January 2, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
December 14, 2009

I got out of the Security Forces in September 1991 when my enlistment was up. I have always been proud of my service in the Air Force. You are the reason we always hold our head up high Timothy Riggs. Thank you for your service to our Country and may god be with you for all eternity. My prayers will be for your family, may they always know you will not be forgotten.

Corporal William Potter
PA State Police
July 3, 2009

I remember when this accident happened and how devastated all of us were when we learned that Timothy had been killed and how. He will always be remembered as someone who gave his life trying to help out someone else.

This year, I will be riding to Burlington, CO to join a group of motorcycles (riding from California to Arlington) to remember POW, MIA and Military members who have served (some of which have paid the ultimate price to keep us free)

I will be dedicating the 470 mile ride to Burlington (5/16) to the memory of Timothy Royce Riggs. When I get to Arlington, I will place a copy of this reflection at this honored place, in respect for his memory.

Dan Farren, MSgt, USAF-RET
352 MSS
May 15, 2009

God Bless you and your family.Thank you for your service to the land of the free and home of the brave

USAF Security Police
Sgt 1984-1988

Officer Daniel Dames
MetroHealth Police Department
February 25, 2009

Officer Riggs Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I cannot even begin to imagine your loss. I cannot help but be touched by the date of his passing. It was the same day that I had my 1st born,a son,who like your loved on, wants to go into Law Enforcement. May you find comfort in knowing that we will always be thankful for heros like Officer Timothy Riggs.

Ohio
summit county

June 30, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
62nd Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Raven McChord AFB

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs
April 10, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 12, 2008

Timothy,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. and to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
December 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
December 6, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
April 26, 2007

Riggs,

You will never be forgotten. I cannot count how many times I was in the same position. Thank you for keeping our fellow Minutmen safe.

To all who read this: PLEASE be keenly aware of your surroundings at all times. This is what happens in the black zone, a place you never want to be.

Sgt. Jonathan Phillips
351st SPS/SPOL-C, Whiteman AFB, MO
January 22, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE
October 23, 2005

Rest in Peace.

Explorer Chris Chappell
Maryland State Police
February 8, 2005