Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lauren was my brother. The last words he spoke to his family was to me, a thirteen year old babysitting for his young son. He called and said, "Sis, get my breakfast ready, I'm on my way home, but I have a stop to make first". Now we know what that stop was. That day is just as
clear in my 86 year old mind today, as it was the day it happens. The tears are still just near the surface. I'm the last of the immediate family, and I make sure to let his nieces and nephews know what happened. Make God give to Lauren eternal rest, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Your sister, Gladys Ridge.

Gladys Ridge
Sister

July 14, 2023

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 14, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper First Class Ridge.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 14, 2019

He was my father! Today on the 69th anniversary of the date when he was killed, I reflect on the sacrifices he made for his country and the state of Maryland. Almost no one in his home town of Hagerstown, MD remembers him or cares today. As the local newspaper said, "No one today wants to here about that old stuff". I tried to follow my father's footsteps, spending over 20+ years in the United States Air Force (he was in the Army Air Corps) and perusing higher education. I received a BS degree, Masters degree and my Doctorate. May Father always tried to learn all he could and had the dream of going to college. After my father's death I gained many new fathers from the Maryland State Police, many of which taught me many things about my father and how to grow up.

William M. Ridge
My Father

July 14, 2019

TFC Ridge,
Sir, even though it has been 63 yours since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during WW II. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 1, 2013

Lauren was taken from our family, before I was born, but his memory continues to live on. My mother was his sister, and until she got sick last year, could vividly remember the day that he was taken from our family. She often talked about how proud he was of his small son in his bib overalls. Thank you all for continuing to remember him, even though it has been over 60 years. Every time an officer is killed, I have to stop and think of the ones that were left behind. Thank you for all that you do, and be safe!

Christa A. Hoover
Niece

February 7, 2013

Lauren died before I was born; however, he and my father were great friends. My father stops by Lauren's grave almost weekly, salutes, and says "God Bless You". My father, served during WWII as did Lauren. It is a shameful thing when an officer is killed. It is a wonderful thing when they are remembered and honored.

Thank you to all of the law enforcement officers whom have dedicated their lives to protecting the homeland.

Patrick K. Ridge
Second Cousin

November 7, 2008

Sir,

Your picture has been nicely framed and hangs on the wall at the entrance to the troopers room at the Hagerstown Barrack, as a reminder of your sacrifice...and so that you may watch over these young troopers. Thank you for your sacrfice.

PCS DJ Bennett
Maryland State Police Brk O

January 6, 2008

I had the absolute fortunate, pleasure of being taught the art of Investigation & Interrogation at the now closed Naval Base at Bainbridge Md. The Teacher was former MSP trooper Milfred Bodt who was at the time, the civilian chief of Investigations for the base.He was a former friend/co-worker/classmate of Ridge. (Bodtleft MSP shortly after the Ridge incident when The NAVY was hiring experienced Police officers/investigators for the base)Time to time he would wistfully talk about THEM... you could easily tell that he held Ridge in nothing but the highest esteem as he talked about them ....then he would hang his head and shake it slowly and I would leave his office for awhile. I took his teachings and their standards to follow in their footsteps.Trp Ridge rest easy and assured that you did your best and left many friends that still talk about you and get a tear in their eye when they do..."All gave some and Some gave all" RIP TPR RIDGE and THANK YOU Trp BODT!!!!!!!

Bob Hayden
Ret dep sheriff , Pensacola fl

July 30, 2007

Your sacrifice will alays be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 14, 2007

You are a true hero sir! Thank you for service, rest easy, we'll take the watch from here.

Delaware State Police

August 25, 2006

Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

April 29, 2005

Trooper Ridge you are not forgotten. God speed.

December 25, 2004

For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrafice the protected will never know.

Anon

PO 3 Lee Guzinski
Montgomery County Maryland