Officer Down Memorial Page

Ralph and I were staff corpsmen at the Newport Naval Hospital - Neuropsychiatric Unit in the early 70's. He was well liked by the entire staff, both corpsmen and doctors. Ralph was good humored and fun to have around, a good guy to share a shift with. He could be counted on in a crises. Corpsman Miller was a good shipmate.

HM-2 Rick Lundin, USNR
Hospital Corps, United States Navy
April 12, 2012

Officer Miller you would have been proud of your agency today as many officers stood for you at the NH State Prison. They were there to show their support for you and your family as your murderer sought to be paroled. With the help of ODMP, many people wrote letters to the NH Adult Parole Board urging them to deny parole for your killer. They did the right thing and rejected his request. Rest easy brave hero.

Bill Ganley, Deputy Chief (Ret.)
Salem NH Police
October 6, 2011

Thank you Officer Miller for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in NH. I just signed and sent a letter to the parole board today denying your cowardly killer parole. May he never see the light of day again. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

You always will be a true AMERICAN HERO !!!! May you always rest in peace, my brother...

Mitch Cheselka
Sergeant / CA-OR Retired
October 1, 2011

"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
December 11, 2007

Today the Manchester Police Department held a Road Race in your memory and for the other fallen officers of the MPD.

It is so hard to believe that our City lost you 31 years ago.

This writer is pleased that although you have not been forgotten, as the police station is named after you, it is always nice to see something current happening to remember all of you and to make those who did not know you become aware of your sacrifice.

Hero's of the City of Manchester, NH that is what you are. Please keep watch on all our other officers.

Thank you for your service Sir.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Mancheter, NH
October 14, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA
October 2, 2007

Officer Miller was not only survived by his wife, but also by 2 children; one of which, was my best friend growing up. Her mother was pregnant with her at the time, so she never had the opportunity to meet her father. However, as children, we always knew that he was a hero, and Ralph Miller's service is still memorialized today in Manchester.

A Family Friend
March 8, 2007

On this day, where another Mpd officer was shot down, I can only remember the sad moments when Officer Miller was shot and killed. I met his brother Art 4 years prior, as we worked together for the New England Telephone company. All my prayers go to the Briggs family on this sad day.

Friend of his brother
October 21, 2006

I was a 12 year old kid from Manchester when Officer Miller was murdered. This type of thing didn't happen in our quite little city. It's amazing to look back now, as a 42 year old man with kids of my own and realize the senseless loss of life. Officer Miller was a "kid" himself who was simply serving a community. May God continue to watch over and bless him and his family.

T. W.
October 18, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Brother of A Deceased LEO - NH
October 17, 2006

Officer Miller, today marks the 30th anniversary of your murder, from what Patrolman Gallant said, this was either a bad kid or a very troubled kid. Either way, what happened to you should never have happened. You are remembered and mourned by your extended family.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
October 2, 2006

I remember Ralph well, and moreover and sadly remember the day we lost this fine young officer. He was a fine police officer, a friend, and a great colleague. Two days earlier I arrrested the young man who would murder Ralph, at McDonald's Restaurant, South Willow Street, in Manchester, at the age of 17, drunk, disorderly, and resisting arrest. May we remember Ralph, the officer that was with him, Pat Doherty, when Ralph was killed, and may we remember the innocence we left long behind us, many years ago. Most respectfully with un-ending condolences....
Jeffrey D. Gallant
Patrolman, Manchester Police Dept.
Manchester, NH 03101
April 1972 to April 1980.

Patrolman Jeff Gallant
Then.. Manchester Police Department
April 14, 2006

God bless this brave man... You shall always be missed and remembered.

Khalif Khalif
Student Vancouver, British Columbia
May 30, 2005

God bless this hero. He is nor forgotten.

a MN cop