{"officer":{"id":"11602","cause_id":"19","agency_id":"3823","rank_id":"210","first_name":"David","nickname":null,"middle_name":"Irvine","last_name":"Rucker","suffix":null,"badge":"Not available","gender":"M","age":"37","is_approved":"1","is_veteran":null,"is_odmp_discovered":null,"race":"C","tour_of_duty_days":"14 years","date_eow":"Tuesday, September 29, 1981","date_doi":"Tuesday, September 29, 1981","incident_state":"TX","weapon_id":"28","incident_description":"Trooper David Rucker was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Highway 100 six miles east of Los Fresnos.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nShortly after he was murdered, Patrolman Enrique Carrisalez of the Los Fresnos Police Department stopped the same man, not knowing he had just shot and killed Trooper Rucker. Officer Carrisalez was shot and mortally wounded as he exited his patrol car. A doctor found Trooper Rucker's body laid out in the traffic lane holding the identification of the man wanted in connection with both murders. Trooper Rucker had never radioed in the stop.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe suspect was eventually arrested and was executed in 1993. During a search of the suspect's home officers recovered the stolen duty weapon of Hidalgo County Constable Ricky Lewis, murdered in 1979. The suspect was never charged with Constable Lewis' murder, which officially remains unsolved.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nTrooper Rucker had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.","extra_incident_id":null,"extra_incident_name":null,"suspect_information":"Executed in 1993","related":"2841 8111","nleomf_panel":"31","nleomf_line":"9","nleomf_dir":"W","odmp_notes":null,"dt_created":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","dt_updated":"2021-09-29 14:32:11","updater":"varner","incident_loc_lat":"26.0656092","incident_loc_lon":"-97.3826157","is_lodd_sent":"1","dt_approved":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","is_felonious":"1","full_name":"David Irvine Rucker","rank":"Trooper","cause":"Gunfire","weapon":"Handgun","extra_incident":"","agency":"Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol","agency_type":"Highway Patrol & State Police","address1":"PO Box 4087","address2":"MSC 0500","city":"Austin","hq_state":"TX","state_abbr":"TX","agency_zip":"78773","state":"Texas","incident_state_name":"Texas","parole_id":null,"parole_date":null,"is_parole_published":null,"is_flagged":"0","flagged_comment":null,"flagged_date":null,"flagged_by":null,"created_by":null,"photo":{"id":"29748","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"11602","filename":"rucker%2C-david-i..jpg","is_primary":"1"},"alt_photos":[{"id":"7563","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"11602","filename":"11602.jpg","is_primary":"0"}],"patch":{"id":"26140","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"3823","filename":"texas-dps-texas-highway-patrol.png","is_primary":"1"},"url":"\/officer\/11602-trooper-david-irvine-rucker","reflection_url":"\/officer\/reflections\/11602-trooper-david-irvine-rucker","ogtitle":"Trooper David Rucker was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Highway 100 six miles east of Los Fresnos."},"cms_content_sign_up_benefits":"","officer_tags":"traffic stop","total_reflections":38,"reflections":[{"id":"1076845","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2025-06-06 17:32:31","content":"My name is Reilly Rucker. I am his great nephew. I never got to meet him but i have heard stories. I even made a video about him on my YouTube channel. I hope to join the TX DPS like him some day.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Reilly Rucker, His Great Nephew ","sender_agency":"Texas youth career readiness | Formerly Middle School Career Readiness","sender_email":"mscareerreadiness.info@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"994339","user_id":"117168","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2022-02-07 14:31:25","content":"Officer Rucker was a friend of my family. He was a great man to me as was his family. God love the Ruckers, they were a big part of my life growing up.","signature":"I am a former US Army 11B1PR and DPS Rucker was a friend of my family.  You are a hero and an inspiration, I will never forget you.","sender_name":"David Permenter","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"insightfulmusic@aol.com","sender_ip_address":"75.82.97.169"},{"id":"978504","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2021-09-30 04:41:02","content":"Trooper Rucker I can still remember like it was yesterday when your were shot. I was 14 at the time, but I still remember the video from the local channel when your fellow troopers were standing there in disbelief. Thank you for service. Rest in peace my fellow Texas peace officer brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Santiago Galvan Jr (Texas Peace Officer)","sender_agency":"Alamo PD, Mission PD, McAllen PD South Texas College PD","sender_email":"santiagogalvan4641@att.net","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"973338","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2021-08-24 23:50:11","content":"My nieghbor, Dave Rucker,... I remember you saying that you had built-up &quot;extra&quot; vacation time so you could spend &quot;a buncha&quot;  time with  boy(re-kids) and you were stoked about beginning your vacation the next day... about a week later I saw your son in the yard playing catch by himself.. the tears still flow. Thank You for your service, and you, and your Family, and for your Ultimate Sacrifice,  SALUTE!","signature":null,"sender_name":"No rank. Shawn Mace","sender_agency":"Nieghbors at the time of Dave's murder. ","sender_email":"agrazingmace.sm@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"933609","user_id":"63200","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved-auto","dt_submitted":"2020-09-29 22:30:08","content":"Rest In Peace always and know that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.","signature":"Detective Cpl\/3 Steven Rizzo\nDelaware State Police (Retired)","sender_name":"Steven Rizzo","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"rizz236@comcast.net","sender_ip_address":"2601:48:c600:23d0:d460:c1ac:9bb2"},{"id":"932121","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2020-09-20 23:54:43","content":"Almost forty years after you went on our final Patrol. I still remember the night you were murdered like it was yesterday. Several of us were at the Pancake House in Brownsville when the Border Patrol Agents sitting next to us had their radios go off it and all call of Officer Down which they thought was a fellow Border Patrol Agent. My friend and fellow Deputy Sheriff were not on duty that night but moments after the BP Agents got their call our beepers went off that there was an officer down on Hwy 100 near the stink plant an wanted all Deputies to call in and report for duty. We all jumped in our personal vehicular and radioed in to receive instruction and description of the vehicle in question,  there were so many of us stopping cars and pulling traffic over.     When the night was over there were so many officers from so many different departments involved in the search for the the guy that took the life of a fantastic human being and also had the nerve to take the life of another great officer Patrolman Henrique Carrizales.  Dave I worked with you at the Brownsville Herald then again in Law Enforcement.  You were a Gentelman\u2019s Gentelman and you left a lasting impression in many officers all over South Texas.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Ben Champion Deputy Constable Ret.","sender_agency":"Cameron County Pct. 8","sender_email":"neblin2002@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"932120","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2020-09-20 23:53:07","content":"Almost forty years after you went on our final Patrol. I still remember the night you were murdered like it was yesterday. Several of us were at the Pancake House in Brownsville when the Border Patrol Agents sitting next to us had their radios go off it and all call of Officer Down which they thought was a fellow Border Patrol Agent. My friend and fellow Deputy Sheriff were not on duty that night but moments after the BP Agents got their call our beepers went off that there was an officer down on Hwy 100 near the stink plant an wanted all Deputies to call in and report for duty. We all jumped in our personal vehicular and radioed in to receive instruction and description of the vehicle in question,  there were so many of us stopping cars and pulling traffic over.     When the night was over there were so many officers from so many different departments involved in the search for the the guy that took the life of a fantastic human being and also had the nerve to take the life of another great officer Patrolman Henrique Carrizales.  Dave I worked with you at the Brownsville Herald then again in Law Enforcement.  You were a Gentelman\u2019s Gentelman and you left a lasting impression in many officers all over South Texas.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Deputy Constable Ben Champion Ret. ","sender_agency":"Cameron County Pct. 8","sender_email":"neblin2002@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"932103","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2020-09-20 19:20:55","content":"I was given a bracelet to wear by a police officer friend of mine. I looked up the number of the EOW ,i found you. \nThank you and your family for your service. I wear this bracelet with much more pride now.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Michele Boyens","sender_agency":"Friend of a friend","sender_email":"Mboyens79@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"907898","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2020-05-17 23:07:33","content":"I miss you.  Having you taken away has over shadowed my life.  We were so close and it hurts so much still.  You loved children.  I have children and grandchildren and I wish you could be here to enjoy them with me.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Christy Rucker Ferrara","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"christy.ferrara@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"895505","user_id":"39838","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved-auto","dt_submitted":"2020-02-14 14:03:07","content":"Rest in peace Trooper Rucker.","signature":"Rabbi Lewis S. Davis","sender_name":"Rabbi Lewis Davis","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"lewisdriver@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"96.71.7.221"},{"id":"821658","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2018-04-19 00:14:35","content":"David was my very best friend and we spent a lot of time together. He was such a good person, and I miss him ... David loved his home that he had built himself at Port Isabel. He loved his kids so much, he was always talking about and about his wife Teresa...I was a locomotive engineer at the tIme and David  was always recruiting me to go to work for DPS...I did eventually get into law enforcement in 1984 and retired in 2009, \n\nDavid, my friend, rest easy and know we think of you daily....","signature":null,"sender_name":"Chief of Police, retired Brady Parker","sender_agency":"McAllen P.D. Combes Police Department ","sender_email":"Brady0606@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":"173.173.195.76"},{"id":"820989","user_id":"85385","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2018-04-12 20:37:30","content":"RIP Trooper Rucker.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous","sender_agency":"31 years of service","sender_email":"pmltrailboss@comcast.net","sender_ip_address":"API_2601:2c4:c780:4d54:6111:a202"},{"id":"718544","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2015-09-03 23:46:55","content":"Trooper Rucker: I just saw the news report on KRGV 5 about your life and that of the other victim, Police Officer Carrizales.  I am not in law enforcement but I have extreme respect for those who serve and protect.  You are a hero to many.  May you be in complete joy now standing with God, our Father.  May God bless your family.  I am a private citizen who does and will honor you for your commitment and sacrifice.  Rest in peace.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Ruben O'Bell","sender_agency":"Texas House of Representatives","sender_email":"ruben.obell@att.net","sender_ip_address":"104.51.252.194"},{"id":"691707","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2015-02-27 19:57:17","content":"I was about 12 years old when I first saw David. He was the best friend of my older brother. We lived in Homestead, Florida at the time. David was about 16 or 17 years old, but I remember his beautiful smile and how handsome he was. It broke my heart to hear of his death. David you were and still are a hero.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Bee Buxkemper","sender_agency":"Friend","sender_email":"beebux@taylortel.net","sender_ip_address":"216.189.199.227"},{"id":"632007","user_id":"64","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2013-08-10 14:55:23","content":"To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death.\n\nYour memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.\n\nTime never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.\n\nRest In Peace.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Phyllis Lasater Loya","sender_agency":"mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater","sender_email":"phyllisloya@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"107.36.223.239"},{"id":"535473","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2012-01-06 21:12:16","content":"David, \n\nYou knew that for the 15 years that we friends, you were always a loyal and true friend. You always treated me as one of the family. Our friendship was genuine and lasting. I can't tell you how much you are missed.  I think I lived more at your place than at my own home. Thelma would know as she also was so kind to me. Just to let you know David, my son Justin also began his stint as a State Trooper in 2006, I am so proud of him. \n\nI just wanted to you to know David how much of an influence you were to me, as I just retired after 27 years in Law Enforcement. \n\nI would love to connect with Thelma and family again. It's been a long time. \n\nBrady Parker Chief of Police (ret)","signature":null,"sender_name":"Brady Parker Chief of Police (Ret)","sender_agency":"Very Close Friend","sender_email":"jparker1@rgv.rr.com","sender_ip_address":"70.124.7.29"},{"id":"520476","user_id":"69318","officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2011-10-29 04:07:27","content":"Honorable Sir, \n\nI never had the honor to have met you.  I met your son in junior high and by then I too had also lost my dad.  He was always a good friend to me.  Soft spoken and well mannered.  Never would anyone have imagined that he had endured such a tradegy.  God only knows I had my issues at having lost my dad to natural causes. His persona, unknown to him, would later help shape my attitude as I would also face such a similiar tradegy in my immediate family.  Only difference was that my loss was not in service.  Sir, your son and one of our other classmates would share a common life altering experience, the loss of a father in the line of duty, just five years later.  I am here to let you know that your service and sacrifice are not forgotten.  I tell your story to my family as we drive on that fateful highway. I tell law enforcement officials from the State Prison, that bears your name and that of Officer Carrizales, that I know your son and that your sacrifice is a poignant reminder each and everyday whether I am on duty or not.  The same remains with that of the Segovia-Lopez Unit near Edinburg.  It is my hope my children will tell their children your story, I know they will.   ","signature":null,"sender_name":"Blindfaith","sender_agency":"U.S. Marines","sender_email":"marinemason@hotmail.com","sender_ip_address":"67.11.91.57"},{"id":"517107","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2011-09-29 12:49:16","content":"Wish I could have met you, believe me when I say you have lived on in stories and in the hearts of many. 30 yrs ago my family lost a great man.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Theresa Rucker","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"kayerucker@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"24.155.185.195"},{"id":"516344","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2011-09-21 19:28:33","content":"I personally know Debra, one of the daughters of Trooper Rucker.   I know its not easy growing up with a parent not in the picture, and its a challenge everyday.  \n\n I know that your father would be very proud of you, not only as a daughter but as a mother as well.  God bless all officers regardless of service branch.  RIP trooper Rucker.  ","signature":null,"sender_name":"pat cole","sender_agency":"friend of family","sender_email":"pcole@telecom-america.com","sender_ip_address":"207.119.7.23"},{"id":"503391","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2011-06-09 23:40:08","content":"The 30th Anniversary of Trooper Ruckers murder is coming up soon.  I have much respect for him and the men and women who protect us.  I would like to personally pay my respects to him.  Can anyone tell me where he is buried?","signature":null,"sender_name":"Lionel Alva, Jr.","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"gooney12582003@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"69.171.166.95"},{"id":"428569","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2009-12-01 02:02:09","content":"Trooper Rucker your grave lies 5 feet from my grandfather's.  I often go and see my grandpa after a long night of taking calls and I always go to your headstone and say a prayer.  Whenever I see a trooper on a stop in my city I stop and make sure they are Code 4.  Sometimes they are grateful, sometimes they are annoyed and sometimes I'm a Godsend.  Either way we are all brothers...until that day Trooper Rucker.","signature":null,"sender_name":"R.G.","sender_agency":"San Benito Police dept","sender_email":"jaunt10@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"44ce439f"},{"id":"419618","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2009-09-29 09:38:15","content":"Remembering you on this anniversary.  You would be so proud of your beautiful grandchildren.  New baby boy this year named after you. Love You! Your daughter, Debra Rucker McGonagill","signature":null,"sender_name":"Anonymous","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"drmcgoangill@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"18ad0ae3"},{"id":"419543","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2009-09-29 00:35:04","content":"Rest in peace brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Trooper II","sender_agency":"Texas Highway Patrol","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"4141342b"},{"id":"416711","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2009-09-07 10:39:14","content":"Trooper David Rucker, Friend and Brother;\r\n\r\nI was the Pastor at St. Andrew's By The Sea Church, Port Isabel, Texas, as well as part time Cameron County Park Ranger detailed to Cameron County Parks on S.Padre Island during your \"watch\".  Our church was down the street from your family's home.  \r\n\r\nMonday morning September 28 1981 we gathered at the cafe in the Sea Ranch Hotel for coffee and conversation with other \"locals\" and it was always a treat. You shared that you were seriously considering teaching law enforcement and criminal justice but felt that you would long for your patrol duties if you did teach.  You were talking about taking time \"soon\" and spending time with your children and ponder your choices.  The next evening these dreams were changed tragically and fatally.  \r\n\r\nYour loss to your family, our community and our lives still resinates today twenty-eight years later.  You and our brother Enrico Carrizales from Los Fresnos, Texas shared the same fate from the same hate-filled man.  Two brothers, one night, families changed forever.\r\n\r\nPrayers and Blessings for your family and for all who treasure your optimism, courage and selfless sacrifice every day of your patrol.  \r\n\r\nRest now in peace and may you now possess the hearts and spirits of so many of us.\r\n\r\nThe Rev. Robert W. Mikol\r\nPort Isabel\/So. Padre Island and New Jersey","signature":null,"sender_name":"The Rev. Robert W. Mikol","sender_agency":"Former Pastor St. Andrew's By The Sea, Port Isable, Texas","sender_email":"heartlight1@msn.com","sender_ip_address":"98850681"},{"id":"367840","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-09-29 18:51:14","content":"Many years have passed but your memory lives on. Rest in peace brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Trooper II","sender_agency":"Texas Highway Patrol","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"cc41e66b"},{"id":"335560","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-04-03 14:21:52","content":"WE'LL MISS YOU DAVID RUCKER, AND NOT JUST WHEN YOU WERE ON PATROL.  BEHING OUR TEARS WE'RE SMILING, WE KNOW THAT GOD HAS CLAIMED YOUR SOUL.  YOU HAVE MILES OF SANDY BEACHES UPON WHICH YOU LOVE TO PLAY.  AND, DAVID, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A PICTURE QUITE LIKE YOU SEE TODAY?  YOU DON'T SEE THAT ASPHALT JUNGLE, ONLY STREETS OF SOLID GOLD.  NOT ONE SINGLE RED LIGHT FLASHING, NOT ONE SINGLE TROOPER ON PATROL.  THERE ARE NO BARS UPON THE WINDOWS, AND NO LOCKS UPON THE DOORS.  THE TEARS HAVE TURNED TO LAUGHTER, CRIME AND PAIN YOU'LL SEE NO MORE.  YOU SEE THE SOULS THAT LOVE YOU, WHO HAVE ALREADY REACHED HEAVEN'S DOOR, AND BECAUSE YOU LIVED AMONG US EACH DAY, YOU'LL SEE MORE AND MORE.  SHAKE HANDS WITH THOSE JUST LIKE YOU, WHO MADE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE.  WE THANK YOU, DAVID RUCKER, YOU FOUGHT SATAN FACE TO FACE.\r\n\r\nTHIS WAS READ AT MY DADDY'S FUNERAL","signature":null,"sender_name":"DEBRA RUCKER","sender_agency":"DAUGHTER","sender_email":"drmcgoangill@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"18ad0ae3"},{"id":"330474","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-03-03 06:56:27","content":"\"The Badge\" \r\n\r\nHe starts his shift each day\r\nTo respond to calls unknown.\r\nHe drives a marked patrol car.\r\nA police officer he is known.\r\n\r\nHe's paid by the citizens' taxes\r\nTo make it safe on the streets.\r\nBut he usually has a second job\r\n'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.\r\n\r\nNow he doesn't know a holiday\r\n'Cause he works all year round.\r\nAnd when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive\r\nAt his home he cannot be found.\r\n\r\nHe's cursed and assaulted often,\r\nThe one whos blood runs blue.\r\nHe seldom ever gets a thanks,\r\nTo some he's just a fool.\r\n\r\nHis friends are always other cops\r\n'Cause people just don't understand\r\nThat underneath his badge and gun,\r\nHe's just another man.\r\n\r\nHe knows there might not be a tomorrow\r\nIn this world of drugs and crime.\r\nAnd he gets so mad at the court system\r\n'Cause the crooks don't get any time.\r\n\r\nAnd each day when he leaves for work,\r\nHe prays to God above.\r\nPlease bring me home after my shift\r\nSo I can see the ones I love.\r\n\r\nBut tonight he stops a speeding car,\r\nHe's alone down this ole' highway.\r\nIt's just a little traffic infraction.\r\nHe does it everyday.\r\n\r\nWell, he walks up to the driver's window,\r\nAnd his badge is shining bright.\r\nHe asked the guy for a driver's license,\r\nWhen a shot rang through the night.\r\n\r\nYes, the bullet hit its mark,\r\nStriking the officer in the chest.\r\nBut the Department's budget didn't buy\r\nEach officer a bullet-proof vest.\r\n\r\nSo he lay on the ground bleeding.\r\nHis blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.\r\nAnd briefly he thought of his loved ones\r\n'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.\r\n\r\nIn the news they told the story\r\nOf how this officer had died.\r\nAnd some who listened cared less,\r\nBut those who loved him cried.\r\n\r\nWell, they buried him in uniform\r\nWith his badge pinned on his chest.\r\nHe even had his revolver,\r\nHe died doing his best.\r\n\r\nWritten By:\r\nDavid L. Bell\r\nSergeant \r\nRichland County Sheriff's Department\r\nColumbia, South Carolina\r\nUsed with Special Permission of the Author\r\nCopyright \u00a9 1993 - All Rights Reserved \r\nand may not be duplicated without permission","signature":null,"sender_name":"Investigator David L Bell","sender_agency":"Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC","sender_email":"DBell@rcsd.net","sender_ip_address":"42c215c8"},{"id":"330284","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-03-02 15:08:43","content":"i was working that night in port isabel,and remeber talking with you at our station. i was the first officer at scene with const rosales.i was a cop for approx month,and we visited alot. i thought wow a trooperand better a great man. your death almost ended my career,but you memory kept me going.i was in washington dc,and traced your name from the wall,along with another dear lost freind.\"david\" you did texas proud,and was the ultimate trooper.i am retired from michigan law enforcement,and i still have those bad memories of that night,but knowing your safe takes care of it, and to the dirt bag dope dealer,remember god had the last say,and im sure your not in a cool place.it's sad to think that our lives aren't worth alot to alot of the public, as we are lumped in with the disgraceful ones. you will alway be remembered by me,along with another fellow fallen officer steven ruther milan police,milan michigan. god's past your torch to another line of defenders. tom peters muskegon michigan","signature":null,"sender_name":"retired dep\/michigan\/frmr port isabel po","sender_agency":"port isabel police 1981-1985","sender_email":"tommuskegon@aol.com","sender_ip_address":"d86dcf14"},{"id":"284531","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2007-10-07 19:37:19","content":"I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your tragic and brutal murder. Thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May all your family & friends take comfort in knowing you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten!  The slime ball that murdered you was a cop hater in the worst way, and I am glad that TX put an end to his reign of terror in 1993 at Hunstville!","signature":null,"sender_name":"DET SGT, Retired","sender_agency":"AR","sender_email":"retdetsgt066@cox.net","sender_ip_address":"445f70fd"},{"id":"224369","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2007-02-22 13:09:10","content":"I was in Los Fresnos Texas visiting my parents the day you were killed.  I heard the shots fired that ultimately caused the death of the Los Fresnos Police officer who stopped your killer.  I attended your funeral and cryed as the poem you wrote was read in church.  I have always remembered you and your sacrafice.  It carried through the remainder of my career. God bless you and your family.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Retired Sergeant Richard S. Bond","sender_agency":"Florida Highway Patrol","sender_email":"bond0239@aol.com","sender_ip_address":"4696ae03"},{"id":"184080","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2006-08-21 12:25:22","content":"I knew David Rucker, he was always professional and polite.\r\nBut I also remember how David and James Turner used to joke and laugh so much! I think of you often you have never been forgotten.  Thanks for the support and encouragment when my family needed it the most.  When James fell on the line of duty, I was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, her name is Jamie. To your family, my deepest regrets.  I know the pain.  God Speed David.\r\nMadel Turner-O'Neil","signature":null,"sender_name":"Madel turner O'Neil","sender_agency":"friend","sender_email":"moneilcw@sbcglobal.net","sender_ip_address":"45dad088"},{"id":"173752","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2006-06-19 11:34:38","content":"Rest in peace, Sir!  You are not forgotten.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Police Officer","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"dshort1892@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"4435d2da"},{"id":"169911","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2006-05-26 08:30:24","content":"I knew David when I was a rookie officer in Brownsville, Tx.  I would often see him at the Cameron Co. Jail.  He was always nice to me and was always trying to get me to join the DPS.  He was murdered shortly after I left Texas in July of 1981 to become a police officer in Huntsville, Al.  I think of him often and remember how much I enjoyed his company.  God bless you David.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Patrolman  Mark Hastings","sender_agency":"Huntsville Police Dept., Al","sender_email":"taco71@comcast.net","sender_ip_address":"443ea4af"},{"id":"138586","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2005-12-23 19:13:03","content":"Daddy,\r\n\r\nYou must have known in your heart that you would not be with us for long because you filled us with enough love to last a lifetime.  I miss you so very much.  Love,  Christy","signature":null,"sender_name":"Christy Rucker Ferrara","sender_agency":"daughter","sender_email":"mcsea@grandecom.net","sender_ip_address":"425a8140"},{"id":"123393","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2005-09-29 16:53:11","content":"Today, on the 24th anniversary of the passing of Trooper David Rucker I would like for the family to know that he will forever be remembered as a true American hero.....thanks in part to the ODMP.\r\nMay God keep safe from harm the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety. They are among the best that law enforcement has to offer.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Patrolman Doug Hutchison","sender_agency":"Irving Police Department, Texas (Retired)","sender_email":"hutch7hl@ntin.net","sender_ip_address":"3fa09c6c"},{"id":"101661","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2005-04-29 14:04:18","content":"TO MY DADDY, WHO I MISS VERY MUCH. I LOVE YOU AND AM VERY PROUD TO BE YOUR DAUGHTER.\r\n\r\nDEBRA RUCKER","signature":null,"sender_name":"DEBRA RUCKER","sender_agency":"DAUGHTER","sender_email":"DRMCGOANGILL@YAHOO.COM","sender_ip_address":"1899d78c"},{"id":"74588","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2004-09-29 09:46:10","content":"On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.\r\n\r\nA hero never dies.....\r\n\r\nRest in peace, hero.","signature":null,"sender_name":"","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"4278e201"},{"id":"60728","user_id":null,"officer_id":"11602","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2004-05-31 12:27:35","content":"Rest in peace brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Dep. Eric Thoresen","sender_agency":"Marion County Sheriffs Office","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"d1281921"}],"agency":{"id":"3823","name":"Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol","state":"TX","address1":"PO Box 4087","address2":"MSC 0500","city":"Austin","zipcode":"78773","hq_state":"TX","phone":"5124242000","current_agency_id":null,"agency_type_id":"10","chief_exec_name":"Director Freeman F. Martin, Colonel","chief_exec_phone":"5124242110","chief_exec_email":"luis.gonzalez@dps.texas.gov","benefits_poc_name":"Ms. Laurel Remmele, HR Compliance","benefits_poc_phone":"5124242392","benefits_poc_email":"laurel.remmele@dps.texas.gov","benefits_poc_cc_name":null,"benefits_poc_cc_email":null,"benefits_notes":"Director Steven McCraw- retired","agency_uri":"https:\/\/www.dps.texas.gov\/section\/highway-patrol","agency_lat":"30.3269720","agency_lon":"-97.7225730","dt_created":null,"dt_updated":"2025-09-16 20:19:39","agency_type":"Highway Patrol & State Police","state_name":"Texas","hq_state_name":"Texas","lodd_count":"96","k9_lodd_count":"1","current_agency_name":null,"patch":{"id":"26140","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"3823","filename":"texas-dps-texas-highway-patrol.png","is_primary":"1"},"component_agencies":false},"related_officers":[{"id":"8111","cause_id":"19","agency_id":"1670","rank_id":"60","first_name":"Ricky","nickname":null,"middle_name":"Steven","last_name":"Lewis","suffix":null,"badge":null,"gender":"M","age":"22","is_approved":"1","is_veteran":null,"is_odmp_discovered":null,"race":"C","tour_of_duty_days":"730","date_eow":"1979-02-17","date_doi":"1979-02-17","incident_state":"TX","weapon_id":"47","incident_description":"Deputy Constable Ricky Lewis was found shot to death near his patrol car in Misson, Texas.\n\nHe had just dropped his partner off at home and was heading home himself when he stopped an unknown person. During a scuffle, the suspect gained control of Constable Lewis' handgun and shot him with it. When other officers found him his body was laying on top of a .357 caliber handgun.\n\nNo suspect or motive was ever identified in the case. However, Constable Lewis' stolen duty weapon was later recovered in a search of the home of a suspect who shot and killed Trooper David Rucker and Patrolman Enrique Carrisalez in 1981. That suspect was never charged with Constable Lewis' death but was sentenced to death for the other two murders. He was executed in 1993.\n\nConstable Lewis had served with the Hidalgo County Constable's Office - Precinct 3 for two years. He was survived by his parents.","extra_incident_id":null,"extra_incident_name":null,"suspect_information":"Case never solved","related":"2841 11602","nleomf_panel":"3","nleomf_line":"11","nleomf_dir":"W","odmp_notes":null,"dt_created":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","dt_updated":"2021-09-29 14:50:00","updater":"saundra","incident_loc_lat":null,"incident_loc_lon":null,"is_lodd_sent":"1","dt_approved":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","is_felonious":"1","full_name":"Ricky Steven Lewis","rank":"Deputy Constable","cause":"Gunfire","weapon":"Officer's handgun","extra_incident":null,"agency":"Hidalgo County Constable's Office - Precinct 3","agency_type":"Constables (Municipal & County)","address1":"730 N. Breyfogle Road","address2":null,"city":"Mission","hq_state":"TX","state_abbr":"TX","agency_zip":"78572","state":"Texas","incident_state_name":"Texas","parole_id":null,"parole_date":null,"is_parole_published":null,"is_flagged":"0","flagged_comment":null,"flagged_date":null,"flagged_by":null,"created_by":null,"officer_id":"11602","officer_type":"officer","related_officer_id":"8111","related_type":"officer","entity_type":"officer","url":"\/officer\/8111-deputy-constable-ricky-steven-lewis","photo":{"id":"36264","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"8111","filename":"deputy-constable-ricky-lewis.jpg","is_primary":"1"},"patch":{"id":"14797","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"1670","filename":"1670.jpg","is_primary":"1"},"officer_image_url":"https:\/\/www.odmp.org\/media\/image\/officer\/8111\/300\/deputy-constable-ricky-lewis.jpg"},{"id":"2841","cause_id":"19","agency_id":"2223","rank_id":"141","first_name":"Enrique","nickname":null,"middle_name":"L.","last_name":"Carrisalez","suffix":null,"badge":"302","gender":"M","age":"25","is_approved":"1","is_veteran":null,"is_odmp_discovered":null,"race":"H","tour_of_duty_days":"330","date_eow":"1981-10-07","date_doi":"1981-09-29","incident_state":"TX","weapon_id":"26","incident_description":"Patrolman Ricky Carrisalez was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding at the intersection of Texas 100 and FM 1847.\n\nAs he exited his vehicle the driver of the other vehicle also exited and opened fire on Patrolman Carrisalez. Patrolman Carrisalez returned fire but did not strike the subject. A civilian who was riding with Patrolman Carrisalez was able to call for help and gave a description of the vehicle.\n\nUnbeknownst to Patrolman Carrisalez, the suspect had just shot and killed Trooper David Rucker during a traffic stop less than five minutes earlier. Responding units found Trooper Rucker's body several miles away, holding the identification of the man.\n\nPatrolman Carrisalez succumbed to his injuries several days later but was able to identify the suspect in a photo lineup before he died.\n\nDuring a search of the suspect's home, the duty weapon of Constable Ricky Lewis was located. Constable Lewis had been murdered two years earlier. The suspect was never charged in Constable Lewis' death and the case officially remains unsolved. The suspect was sentenced to death for the murders of Trooper Rucker and Patrolman Carrizales and was executed in 1993.","extra_incident_id":null,"extra_incident_name":null,"suspect_information":"Executed in 1993","related":"8111 11602","nleomf_panel":"2","nleomf_line":"15","nleomf_dir":"E","odmp_notes":null,"dt_created":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","dt_updated":"2021-09-29 15:31:37","updater":"chris","incident_loc_lat":"26.0716988","incident_loc_lon":"-97.4762375","is_lodd_sent":"1","dt_approved":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","is_felonious":"1","full_name":"Enrique L. Carrisalez","rank":"Patrolman","cause":"Gunfire","weapon":"Gun; Unknown type","extra_incident":null,"agency":"Los Fresnos Police Department","agency_type":"Police (Municipal & County)","address1":"200 N. Brazil Street","address2":null,"city":"Los Fresnos","hq_state":"TX","state_abbr":"TX","agency_zip":"78566","state":"Texas","incident_state_name":"Texas","parole_id":null,"parole_date":null,"is_parole_published":null,"is_flagged":"0","flagged_comment":null,"flagged_date":null,"flagged_by":null,"created_by":null,"officer_id":"11602","officer_type":"officer","related_officer_id":"2841","related_type":"officer","entity_type":"officer","url":"\/officer\/2841-patrolman-enrique-l-carrisalez","photo":{"id":"24811","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"2841","filename":"c_enrique-l.-carrizales.jpg","is_primary":"1"},"patch":{"id":"15344","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"2223","filename":"2223.jpg","is_primary":"1"},"officer_image_url":"https:\/\/www.odmp.org\/media\/image\/officer\/2841\/300\/c_enrique-l.-carrizales.jpg"}],"related_k9s":[],"hide_add_hero":0}