Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I've been sitting here remembering the time you and I sat in that booth at Candlelight Inn and had dinner. You thought I was treating and I thought you were paying, and how we laughed and laughed when we realized neither one of us could pay. Of course you and your bright ideas of flipping the old coin trick...I lost and had to go find an ATM and hurry back.
I remember when we walked out it was dusk and you watched me walk to my car and I looked back at you and you smiled and said, "bye, I love you Mom" how did I know that was the last time I was going to hear those words?
How I miss that beautiful smile of yours. Miss you so much but I am so amazed at all the guys at DFW. They really are trying hard to keep your memory alive and not let your sacrifice be forgotten. I have gotten close to some of them and it feels so good to see them and just be around them. This anniversary is special to me because I get to help plan some of it and to participate is such a comfort to me. Well, you know. I am so thankful for everything and anything they do in memory of Corporal Rick Barreda. Thanks for the messages. Know that you are thought of often and even those that never knew you that are employed at the airport have come to know who Rick Barreda was and his passion for his work. I am going to be an "honorary member" of the DFW FOP next week. I am so excited. I know 804 will be by my side, and again for May 9th. Friends are good Ricky. Friends help me daily. Hope I see you in my dreams tonight. Love you mijo. mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
President, Metroplex Concerns of Police Survivors

February 8, 2012

A letter to a very special person that I only met once, but will always be proud of and never forget.

Rookie Officer Rick Barreda attended Carter Junior High as I did in Arlington, Texas and we met at a career day event. The junior high was trying to let their students know that someday they also could be police officers and leaders in the community. Little did we know at the time, that they were meeting a true hero in Ricky. I went back to that school just recently and talked about his life and the family that I have known for over 40 years and told the students about Mary, his mom, and Phil, her husband. The students left that meeting with a proud feeling and some even asked me how old do you have to be to be a police officer.

The legacy that Mary is working on for all fallen heroes is not a hobby or just something to keep busy, but a passion in her heart. Ricky was doing what he loved as almost all officers do and Mary will always put the same love into the C.O.P.S. Program as she does everything she has done all her life.

I am so proud of officers like Ricky and families of those heroes.

Thank You So Much For What You Are Still Doing For All Of
Us.

Bobby Callas
Retired Texas Peace Officer

Retired Chief Bobby Callas
Liverpool Police, Arlington Police, Willis P.D.

October 20, 2011

Reminiscing about some special things today Ricky...
I'm elated over the work that the DFW guys are doing for the 15 year anniversary.
15 Years and it still feels like yesterday. I have come to understand the waves of pain a little more. The talking helps, the C.O.P.S. families help, Jackie helps, Ron Barzak, Nathan Dera and Michael Schreake helps, Floyd helps, yeah, it's a little uplifting to my spirits. I thank them all for what they do so you are not forgotten.
I wish I had a say so and could get that street named Barreda Drive. I've had a dream about it becoming a reality. Ha.
I love the new person in our family that you sent us. So glad I had that talk with Butch. He is awesome Ricky. Thanks for the gift. I am thrilled. You always did like to surprise me, didn't you?
I miss you so much.
I am working hard and C.O.P.S. is thriving with some great leadership and volunteers that know the true gift of caring for others. I see it daily and it is a comfort.
If you can add another task to your "Special Assignment" please add your brother, okay?
Thanks for all the signs, the songs, and the lights but please stop with the alarms okay? ;=)
And yes, Kyle told me about the dream. What a gift! Thank you!
Loving you & missing you. Mom

Maria Alvarado
Mother

September 28, 2011

Hey there Rinky-do- Was thinking extra special thoughts of you today, so stopped by to say Hey.
The Range is looking great thanks to Ron and what he has done with the face lift we have done at the entry way. They put up a new portrait light he tells me so I will stop by and see it. Your plants have survived I've been told. That's good.
May was really busy for me with all the memorials. I'm glad I went to DC though. Our chapter of C.O.P.S. is doing very well. Great people that love to volunteer and help us. Remember the dream you had about the Texas Rangers and police night? It is coming true July 23rd. Very exciting. Wish I could get Floyd to sing the National Anthem!
I also have heard all kinds of new things from the motor guys. Nathan never met you, but let me tell you, he has been wearing your bracelet and I made sure Nicole and Brittnee met him when they flew in. He is keeping your memory alive and others too. You will never be forgotten my son. I love you and miss you terribly, but I know I will see you again. Thanks for the dream and the statement. I found so much comfort in it! Later, Ricky
Love Mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mother

June 15, 2011

You were on my mind today. I just wanted you to know that. :)

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

ride on moterman!! blessed are the ones wohm are not forgotten !!

"When God Made Peace Officers"
Unknown Author
When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one"

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order?" A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform."

He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day."

He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems." said the Lord, "It's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the bulge in a pocket before he asks, 'May I see what's in there sir?' (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of the head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in the front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say. 'You'll be all right ma'am.' When he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't" said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident, and feed a family of five on a civil service pay check."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet." said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crime scenes; recite Miranda warnings in his sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and still keeps its sense of humor."

"This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell; coax a confession from a child abuser; comfort a murder victim's family; and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her fingers across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak." She pronounced. "I told you that you are trying to put to much in this model."
"That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a tear."
"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's for bottled-up emotions; for fallen comrades; for commitment to that funny piece of metal called his badge; for justice."
"You're a genius." said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there." he said.

Craig Burcham
Irving citizens on patrol 1791

February 15, 2011

My heart aches for your little one and all who missed having you in their lives.

You are not forgotten sir.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 14, 2011

On this, the anniversary date of your EOW, we think of you and your family. I have gotten to know your family and I know you would be proud of them. You are still missed by many.

Cheryle

February 14, 2011

Hi Mijo, just thinking of you and your sweet smile and quirkly little laugh.
I spoke with Floyd yesterday. Brittnee called me this morning. We talked for quite a while. She surprised me with your laugh in the middle of our conversation. Nice.
Then Michael did the same thing while ago!m m
I have a meeting with the chief on Monday at 3 o'clock.
Things are going strong with our C.O.P.S. organization and I am very pleased with all the work this group is doing.
Miss you so much son. See you in my dreams. Help Fil this coming week. He needs it dealing with your mom. :=)

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mother

February 9, 2011

Hey Brother, Thur out the years I have thought of the time that I was blessed to be your friend. You will always be in my heart and in my mind. Ride in peace brother..

Steven
Friend

January 5, 2011

Rick you are Never Forgotten. 519 will patrol with pride and courage forever.

Larry
friend

December 22, 2010

Hey dad!.....i never met you but i heard you at least got to see me once... when i was threee weeks old. you seemed like a really good guy and i wish i would of known you...i never kneww the feeling of having a dad.. but im glad Brittnee got tooo..I miss you even know i dont know you...I feel like i do beause i feel like a little part of you is in me ..everytime i look in the mirror i see my dark eyes aand i know i had to have gotten them from you.. I hope you know that i always thought of meeting you and when i as 18 i was aall excited to maybe find you....but then i heard you had passed aaway...i was heartbroken and crushed... but i know you are in a better place and we will meet again someday love you!

Kami Hight
Daughter

September 25, 2010

hey dad...I know i never met you but you seemed like a really good guy! I love you

Kami Hight
Daughter

September 25, 2010

Hello Ricky,
Thanks for the help the other day. Gets a little crazy down here as you can tell.
Enjoyed seeing Robbie and Kyle last night. Who would have thought that I would see Robbie playing drums and Kyle with a guitar strapped to his back playing "loud" music upstairs in my library! How bizarre, how bizarre...
Fil is having fun with his new toys. I'm glad he has the interest though.
I haven't started my book yet, I do have notes, and some starts here and there, but I have to bunker down and do it I know.
Drove by Kelly Terrace a couple of days ago. I could still close my eyes and see you riding that big red and yellow big wheel down the sidewalk barefeet and in those brown buster brown shorts and tshirt. *smile* I miss you so much son...
Peace, Mom

Anonymous

July 11, 2010

Wow...it is so great to see that my father has left such a special impact on so many lives. It is so great to see that loved one still write to him 13 years later. wow, 13 years.
Dad,
It is hard to think that it has been 13 years since I have seen your face. I never go a day without thinking about you. I hope you are looking down at me and are proud of everything I do. Someone special to me is currently writing a speech about you, and I am thinking about every special thing about you and how you continue to touch so many people. I am so very proud of you. I miss you. I hope to see you in my dreams.
I love you forever and always!
Brittnee
(Punkleboy)

Brittnee

February 26, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace. I pray for the solace of all those who love and care for you.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

My brotheren, its been 13 years, you are missed by many! and remembered by many more. You touched many lives and some you didnt even know. Those who walk in the ways of the LORD are rewarded the blessing of eternal life. so mote it be!

Craig Burcham
Irving citizens police academy alumni assn.

February 14, 2010

I was a verry green officer that faitful day on my way to work when i saw the ending of this tragedy and was the one trying to get help to "rick", as the first on the scene. i am so glad i found this site and that people still share. i have NEVER forgotten what i saw that day. nor will i ever forget. our lives and the lives of many have been changed forever. tho i never knew rick personally i still feel the loss every day. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, till one day we meet again.

Craig Burcham
Former officer Roanoke Police Dept

January 16, 2010

I'm glad that Kyle contacted me about Sam Houston's 20 year reunion coming up. Angie has added your photos and information to the website. It makes me feel good that your classmates can read about your life and your family. It was nice reading what Lee Gorder wrote and the others too. I can't ever read enough and learn things about you that I was not aware of. Love never dies only people do.

I know some of those pictures I scanned were probably not your favorite, but you have to know that any and all are your mother's favorite. My first born son--how I miss you.
Cissy has done a great job with C.O.P.S. and Michael is now talking about the Air Force. I know the guidance will be there. I am really happy for Kyle. Isn't Marina beautiful? Brayden is a carbon copy of Michael. Enjoyed having Brittnee here with me for the week. It just went by too fast. So proud of her accomplishments and level head. We had a great time and felt you near us. Thanks for the sign. Mom

Maria Barreda-Alvarado
Mother

July 21, 2009

Hello brother. I'm sure you are well aware we ride to see you every Feb. 14. There are not many of us left in motors who knew you but it makes me proud the new guys honor you and find it just as important to visit you. I had the honor of showing your daughter around out here a few months ago, she wanted to see all the places you worked again before she went off to school. Be very proud. We tell your stories and have great laughs often. God bless your loved ones, we miss you.

Sgt. Greg Potter
DFW Police

June 25, 2009

Hello mijo,
I'm sitting here reading the things written by others and it warms my heart so. It is such a blessing to read what you meant to so many and how they continue to remember you. That is like a hug around these shoulders that long to hold you and see that smile of yours once more.
I still leave your card when I talk to people about you. I miss you so much!

Anonymous

June 10, 2009

When Rick came from Irving, I was one of his training officers. Rick was a wounderful person and a natural police officer. After all these years I still think of him every day. As time has past, I realize now that God picked Rick as a Pathfinder to show us all the way to glory!

Johnny L. Wilson Retired Police Officer
Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety

March 24, 2009

Rick, I never knew you personally but have been positively affected by your memory daily. I started working at your department a few years after your tour of duty ended. I am very proud of your service with our department and in the ways we are all reminded of that on a daily basis. God Bless You Brother!

Anonymous

February 14, 2009

Cpl Barreda,
Sir, on today, the 12th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 14, 2009

Rest in peace motorman!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx.

January 22, 2009