Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ricky and I were childhood friends through elementary school and Jr High at Tomlin.

We rode our bikes to school every day and hung out after school.

Ricky was my absolutely BEST friend and at 13 years old, my stalwart leaning post after my Dad died in a truck accident right before Thanksgiving 1964.

We remained friends even after his Collie, Tiger, bit me when I came flying into his yard on my bike.

I moved away to Tampa after 8th grade and didn't make it back to Plant City until 1974. Never got to see him again, but not because I didn't try.

Rest easy, Ricky. You were my very first BEST FRIEND.

James K Stinson. MMCS/SS USN (ret)
Best friends

July 27, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

May 19, 2021

Never to be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

January 1, 2021

Rest in peace Detective Childers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2019

Detective Ricky Joe Childers will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for your services to the people of Tampa Florida. May your soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless your family. Again, thank you for your services. RIP.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 17, 2018

Rick, I worked with you for years in the juvenile division of the courthouse as you placed yourself in harms way every time a violent offender wasn't happy with a judge's decree. All of us working there knew that were it not for you, we would not be safe.
In later years I saw you testify in homicide cases you investigated. Continuing to serve the Tampa Bay community you investigated these cases to make sure the guilty offenders were brought to justice. I am so SORRY that you were taken so young by the gunfire of a deranged offender. A few months after it happened our family was vacationing in the beautiful mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, and I just happened to run into your brother. He said your Mom was having a difficult time handling it all. He had tears in his eyes himself. You will NEVER be forgotten Rick. THANK YOU for making the world a better place.

Barbara Mueller
Co-worker

July 1, 2017

I just was able to read my deceased mother's homicide report. My mother was raped and murdered in 1988. In reading her report, I saw that Detective Childers truly enjoyed his job. He stayed with my mom during the medical examining and really took his time to streamline every evidence that he could find, every witness he could find and talk to, everything to find the killer of my mother. My mother's body was found dead behind a lounge in 1988. I was a few months shy of turning 13 years old. Every minute and every day, I think of my mom. After reading the report, I sought out to find who Detective Childers was because I wanted to personally thank him. But unfortunately, I found out that he was one of two detectives that were killed by that jerk.
So, I really want to say Thank you to his family in his name. THANK YOU.

Rasheda
Daughter of a homocide case Childers commpleted

May 21, 2017

I worked with Rick Childers on the Selective Enforcement Unit in the early 1980's. When I got to SEU he trained me. He made things clear, would always be there no matter what happened, and when I went to make a Case, he watched me like a hawk. You could have no better back up. Many times I did not see him, but when the Bust went down he was there to help effect the arrest. It was very dangerous work, made safer with his professionalism. He was the kind of guy that you want to be a Police Officer.

Officer Mitchell Henderson
Tampa Police Department, Co-Worker

March 25, 2017

Detective Rick Childers took the time to stop and backed up officer who were by themselves on traffic stops. Not only did I see him back up other officers but he backed me up too. I was hired in 1996. I was impressed that a detective took the time to stop and backup a slick sleeve. It impressed me so that whenever I see a LEO by themselves, I take the time to stop and back them up. It does not matter the color of their uniform, they all bleed the same - blue.

Senior Corporal Skyp McCaughey
Tampa Police Department

May 19, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 19, 2015

So Sorry for your loss, this has gotten so out of hand

private citizen
family of police officer

December 21, 2014

Missing you and Randy. I'm sure you two are still looking out for us. I miss working with you guys at Jai-Alai, those were some great fun times. Thank you.

Berty Jardine

October 12, 2014

Thank you for your service and for all those that serve and protect us. It's such a shame that the heroic people of our community have to give their lives. God bless their families.

Tonya Wonderlie, citizen
greatful citizen

July 19, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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. Thanks to your 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

May 19, 2012

Rick and I went to Plant City High together where we shared alot of great times. I remember the day that he was murdered by a coward like it was yesterday. You are in my thoughts and you WILL never be forgotten my friend. RIP buddy !

Deputy Sheriff Tom Turner
Palm Beach County Deputy/ Classmate & friend.

March 13, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Childers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Its been thirteen years since an act of cowardice took the lives of Ricky, and Randy. It was no doubt one of the saddest
days in the history of this city, what's even more disturbing these vicious acts continue. May Ricky, Randy, Jeff, David and Michael rest in peace and may their families celebrate their lives everyday.

Anonymous

July 8, 2011

The memories of your impact on my life and career go on. As my first training officer and our softball days, to winning the gold. May you and Randy never be forgotten and God Bless. See you again one day Chilly !!

Ret. Detective John Yaratch
Tampa Police

May 20, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Virginia

May 19, 2008

Det. Childers your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 19, 2008

Detective Childers, Detective Bell and Trooper Crooks have all served as an inspiration to myself and I will never forget you all.

Thank You for your service... Rest Easy

Citizen
Tampa

May 18, 2008

I knew you as a partner to my father. Someone who would always look over me at the movies on your off-duty job. I always looked up to you and Randy as uncles. May you rest-in-peace.

Deputy Rick Burton Jr.
HCSO and Friend

November 1, 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

October 8, 2007

That was a horrible day, I will never forget it. I was was one of the Motor Officers at the service for you & Randy.
And I'm not ashamed to admit we all made that escort in tears.
The things your freinds said about you guys said it all.
I was a police officer for 10 years at the time and think of that day often.
God bless you & your familys.

Sgt. Phil DeNiro
Sarasota Police Dept.

October 1, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family and friends.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

September 20, 2007