Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a young Private, I remember what a physical stud Cpl Rickman was! He broke or sprained his ankle only two or three days before he was supposed to go to one of the Army's toughest schools at the time, Recondo school. Our Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leader called me in and asked if I wanted the spot?
I didn't want to disappoint them, but I remember thinking, damn, Rickman is a stud, I don't know if I can do what he could do.
Cpl Rickman came to my barracks room, talked to me and reassured me that I could. Even if it's only on two days notice.
I went and graduated, largely because of David Rickman's leadership and encouragement. He was a true leader!

MSG (r) Steve Szwajkowski
US Army

February 19, 2024

Drinking some TN moonshine & raising a mason jar to salute you Brother. Raign's "knocking on heavens door" playing on the speakers.
If you have any sway up there please see if you can saddle up and ride with St. Michael. The world is going to shit. No respect for Blue lives anymore. So much evil. So much pain. We need a miracle to save our country from the democrat party nazi's who preach hatred and violence towards all law and order. Hope to see you again someday and ride with you and St. Michael with God's blessing. This we'll defend! To serve and PROTECT !!!

SP4 Robert (Benny) Schmidt
Fellow Paratrooper 82nd MP Co. Patrol partner, 82nd Airborne Division

May 17, 2022

Seems like just yesterday. Rest in peace.

Capt.(Ret.) Edward Kirk
Roanoke City Sheriff's Office.

April 12, 2022

I miss you as much as the day you left me

Linda Kelly

April 13, 2021

34 years that is what a calendar says. I miss you I love you. Not a day goes by. You were a wonderful brother and friend.

Linda Kelly
Sister

April 12, 2020

Oh my dear David, sitting here crying over another senseless killing of an officer in Arkansas this weekend. Of course all I can do is think of you. So young, 23 and we were just starting to learn how to really love. That fateful night we went out and had such a wonderful time. I’ll never forget as you drove me home you said that it was time for another officer to be killed in the line of duty....I was incredulous as you calmly explained statically it was simply a fact. You were so analytical as I asked you to just stop trying to explain percentages. Such a sweet sweet man as you kissed me goodnight and promised to call in the morning as always when your shift was over. You never did.

Jennifer Hilton
Girlfriend

December 10, 2019

David
Thank you for your service to our great nation and to your city. You left us much too soon. As an ex-paratrooper myself, I applaud your service and sacrifice. When you died I was a young detective sergeant in Reno. "All the Way".

Jim Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)

April 12, 2019

Can it be 30 years? Not possible, as it is still so real and still hurts so much.

There are so many details of that time that are still so vivid, but know also how very special it was for me years later to sit and watch the Major League All-Star game in my home with your son Chad there with me. He was just starting to walk when you left. Chad has grown into a fine man and I am pleased that I got to see him grow. I wish you had that opportunity.

Early spring flowers were blooming then in April of 1986 and they always return in April. And it is a sign of Hope.

Captain Bill Althoff (ret.)
Roanoke City Police

April 12, 2016

Thirty years ago today you lost your life. You are still remembered and loved.

Linda Kelly
sister

April 12, 2016

David, I’m on terminal leave now after a long and proud career with the US Army and in the Police Academy. Started Domestic Violence this week and immediately thought of you. Know you are remembered, missed, and that everything you taught me “way back when” is still being used. All-The-Way and Airborne my good friend.
SGM Collier

SGM Collier
82nd Airborne Division Provost Marshal Office

August 14, 2014

You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace Officer Rickman.

Rhonda Wickline
Security Officer
Carilion Clinic

December 30, 2013

I had only ETS'd a month or so before CPL Rickman was killed. The news seemed surreal. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I heard SGT Watkins say it to me a few times over the phone but I still didn't half way believe it.
Still trying to get used to civilian life, I sat at home thinking about the friend and fellow paratrooper who we teased for getting sun poisoning on his head during our 1983 Grenada "Urgent Fury" deployment. We would do our "elephant man" imitations at him because his head was deformed from the sun. He would laugh and then suddenly cringe as he smiled and say "Stop making me laugh, this shit hurts when I laugh!"
We were M60 gunner and A-gunner. We always jumped together it seemed. When he was PFC Rickman he hated that M60 and the T&E and told me his immediate goal was to get CPL and a M203 and leave that whole pig in my lap. . .he did just that.
He was my Sr. partner on the road and we worked alot of midnight shifts together. He taught me alot about paperwork, and good patrol habits. I fully trusted David Rickman to have my back at all times, he was a top notch MP.

GS platoon was like a family.
We will miss you brother Rickman. God bless.

SP4 Robert (Benny) Schmidt
Fellow paratrooper, patrol partner, GS platoon 82nd MP Co

August 1, 2012

Another year has come and gone. I seat here to let you know you will never be forgotten I still miss my brother and my friend.

linda kelly
Sister

April 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 12, 2012

I was there that night and it still haunts my thoughts today, his backup to the call only seconds away. It seemed so routine, the call was really over, then that woman came outside with a handgun a revolver. She took the smile you just had minutes ago talking about your sons birthday party and how it would go. I the dispatcher who will never forget his smile, and this small tribute poem to all who read regile, he was honor, justice, patience, and funny. I'm sure he was understanding a great a father, husband and friend, one I'm glad to and speak of still. In 1984 I was a dispatcher, more importantly I was his friend. God Bless you David W. Rickman.

Enforcement Removal Asst. Sherry Johnson
Department Of Homeland Security/Friend

September 28, 2011

I don't have many memories of my uncle David since I was only nearly five when he passed away. The memories I do have are fond. On behalf of my father, who remembers him every year since his birthday is only two days away from this sad anniversary, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has shown their respect and appreciation for David. He was a wonderful man who was taken too soon. I'm proud to be his niece and am so grateful for those who keep his memory strong and proud in the state of Virginia.

Heather Rickman
Niece

April 13, 2011

25 years has not erased your memory from my life. You are still in my thoughts even if it is just my memories. For that is all I have left now. I miss you maybe I always will. I love you my Brother and my friend. We will meet again someday.

Linda Kelly
Sister

April 12, 2011

David my Police Academy classmate. Much of our 29th Basic Academy is retired now but we have never forgot you. Our careers were a tribute to you, we miss you my friend.

Bill Boucher Patrolman
Roanoke City Poice (ret.)Bedford PD

March 17, 2011

My friend My brother I miss you. You will never be forgotten as long as I am here. I visted your grave today and put flowers there. I know you are not there but I go to remember you. I just wish you were here with me. I know one day I will be with you. I love you always and a day.

Linda Kelly
Sister

April 12, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 12, 2010

David
As days turn into months and months to years you are still in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I wonder who you would be today. Whatever it would be,I know it would be special. I love and miss you baby boy .

Linda Kelly
Sister

January 17, 2010

I was assigned to the 82nd MP company, 82nd Abn Div. 1984-1987. I remember David coming to the arms room to sign out his weapon, he was always pleasant and smiled a lot. Everyone took his passing hard. God Bless.

SPC4 Michael Greer
Fellow Paratrooper

September 8, 2009

CPL Rickman, you were an inspiration to me as a leader when I was new in the 82nd MP Co (Abn), then you became a friend. Well friend, you continue to aspire me today, those of us that knew you and the man that you were know how deeply this world misses you. Airborne!

SSG Bennett
Fellow Paratrooper

October 21, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

August 26, 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

April 7, 2008