Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Richard was my cousin. I miss him every day of my life. So handsome. So nice. So cool. Driving his motorcycle or surfing. He could do it all. There will always be a piece of my heart that died the day he was killed. I will love him forever.

Kathleen Sylvester
Cousin

February 28, 2013

God bless all those that serve and protect. Your supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten by your brothers in blue. Rest in eternal peace.

PO Michael Collins (ret)
Nassau County Police Dept

December 29, 2012

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, as rookies we were reminded of your supreme sacrifice. We happily honored you at annual memorials, while grieving for your family and what could have been. Each tour I spent on S. Main Street your loss and a prayer were on mind. They can take away the precinct, restructure the shopping centers but never remove your legacy. Rest in Peace, you will never be forgotten.

Det. Larry Gordon
Retired 8th Precinct-NCPD

December 29, 2012

Went through all the tests with you for the police dept. We aced the physical part. You aced everything. I didn't make it through the neighbor interviews. We had some fun though. Lost track after you joined. Still remember when I heard you were killed. Senseless.

Joe Picone
Friend

October 24, 2012

Richie,
I remember you as one of my brothers friend. You were the quiet one. I remember as a kid how tall you were when you stood in my mothers kitchen. You have always been our prayers. I now have 2 sons that NYPD police officers. Please watch over them for me.

Nat Zappia
Friend

July 26, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 21, 2012

My Dad and I both worked with Richie. He was a true gentleman and a truly a brave officer who is still missed to this day. Rest in peace on yur 40th anniversary in heaven.

Det.Sgt. Gregory T. Quinn
Nassau County Police Dept.

December 29, 2011

My Dad and I both worked with Richie. He was a true gentleman and missed by his family and friends.
Rest in peace on your 40th anniversary!

Det.Sgt. Gregory T. Quinn
Nassau County Police Dept.

December 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace

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

December 29, 2011

I think about you and the night this all happen. WE all miss you and God bless you !

Police Officer John Tessitore
Nassau County ,8th and 7th pct.

November 1, 2011

No one on the job,or from Island Trees will ever forget that tragic day, or your service. May God bless your soul, R.I.P.

DFC W.M. Cornaz
Orange County S.O.

May 25, 2011

Your bravery inspires others. God bless you. You will never be forgotten.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 29, 2010

It's been 39 years, but Richie is not forgotten.

Tim Ivers
Retired NCPD 8th Pct

December 29, 2010

Officer Rose,
I did not know you personally, but I grew up in Farmingdale and I still remember when you died in the line of duty. I was just 23 at the time...you were just 22.
You are remembered by a citizen for your sacrifice.
Bless you and Rest in Peace, Officer Rose.

Robert Lucas
Citizen

April 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU YOUNG SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

"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 19, 2007

Richie and I were classmates from the Police Academy class of September 1, 1967. He was appointed as a cadet and went into "blues" in 1970. Was a friendly, quiet type of person who kept to himself and never had a bad word for anyone. A real gentleman always. I was working the night this incident happened and being relatively new on the job myself, it took some time to get over the fact that a fellow classmate and friend was gone. You are still remembered by the other members of the class. God Bless.

Detective John LaBarbera
NCPD - Academy Classmate

February 22, 2007

I remember the day you left us and I pray our God in Heaven will sustain, protect, and bless all you left behind.
"Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for another."

Patrolman retired Robert Dietrich
Hempstead Police Dept/

January 1, 2006

May you rest in peace,dear brother officer.........Barbara

Ret. Lt.B.Beckerman
NCPD

December 29, 2005

I never knew you, but today is 24 years since your murder. My heart goes out to your family.

PO Mitch Blau
NCPD

December 29, 2005

Went to the academy with Rich when he was a cadet. Always will remember Him as a brave Officer who loved his job.
Rest in Peace.

Willy Bivona

PO William Bivona Ret.
NY State Parkway Police

November 2, 2005

Cousin, I am now 22, your bravery pushes me to be strong. God Bless your soul in Heaven and those in our family with you. My father has spoken highly of you, I only wish I had known you too. -Jennifer

Jennifer Rose

March 15, 2005

Every time I pass the location of that tragic event my thoughts and prayers are with you Officer Rose. You are not forgotten.

Detective Retired Albert Balsamo
Hempstead

October 9, 2003