Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Asten, I was one of the many officers who were fortunate enough to work under your command. You always gave compliments to your officers and left us all feeling that we were doing a fine job. We all gave you such a hard time. One evening you wanted to check several pedestrians that were suspected of selling narcotics. While doing so one of them had several warrants and you asked Officer Buehler and I to do the arrest report. I replied "I'm going to write that Shaky Jake dumped an arrest on us", we all laughed and you let it bounce off. Now that you are gone I sometimes regret the comments that we all made. I hope that you know they were all in good humor. I respect who you were, what you were and am proud to say that you were my friend. We will miss you!

Patrolman Rance P. Quinn
Kansas City, Kansas Police Department

SGT Asten was a go getter enen after he got his stripes. He died doing something he loved to do. I feel sorry for the new officers on the department that did not have the chance to meet and get to know him. My heart goes out to his family and I want them to know that SGT Asten will always be remembered as a HERO on the KCKPD.

officer Dustin Dungan
KCKPD

It was very shocking news when I found about Rick being killed in the line of duty. I was in Kettering Ohio in a three week Driving School. I remember feeling sick to my stomache and very sad. It was very hard for me to handle not being around fellow officers and being so far away from home. I never worked in the same car with Rick but did ride in ajoining districts, and he was one hell of a back up, friend and Fellow officer. There wasn'g anything Rick wouldn't do for his fellow officer. What I remember most about Rick is he liked to play a good practical joke and had a good sense of humor. I think when you loose your sense of humor on this job it's time to move on. Rick I'll miss you, but will join you some day.

Patrolman Steven Thoman
KCKPD Police Academy

Rick, know this,i will never forget you or the time you chased my police car with yours while shooting a roman candle at me.{mid-nights down town 91} You held a secret to living life that most people never take the time to learn. Thank you for always taking the time to say hello and having those" mini" conversations as our paths crossed out in the field...it has been over a year and i still miss you. enjoy your peace ... you earned it brother.

patrolman william s. carpenter
kansas city kansas police department

Sgt Richard "Rick" Asten was a true HERO and the members of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department will NEVER EVER forget him.

Patrolman Johnell Daniels
Kansas City Police, KS

Rick, where do I start? I remember you buying me the beer at Johnnies after my final FTO phase, and even what you said to me." Next time I'm buyin " I guess we'll have to wait a little while now brother, my fault not yours. I was in court that June morning when your life was taken, I remember all the cops spilling out of the courtroom when there was news of what happened. I wish I could have been there, out there with you that day. People recognize different dates in their lives, I have had to add June 11, 1998 to mine. That's the day that I lost one of my true friends. Peace Rick..

Officer Shannon P. Clarke
Kansas City, Kansas Police Department

I was fortunate enough to have Sgt. Asten as my first Sergeant when I was released from the Police Academy in 1997. I was the only female officer on the West Patrol midnight shift and Sgt. Asten never treated me any different than the other officers on the shift. Sgt. Asten was a very thoughtful and giving person. One night he gave me a small green plastic vitamin box that had a cover. He told me that it would make a good sewing box for me. At the time I didn't know what to do with the box but now every time I look at it I think of Sgt. Asten and can't help but smile. I will always treasure that green plastic box! He was even the person who taught me how to spell the word 'argument' correctly! I will never forget the morning he was killed. He called me into the Sergeant's office for my six month evaluation and told me that he was proud of me and that I was doing a good job. On the bottom of the sheet had his signature and date: 6/11/98. At the time I didn't think about it but that was the last time I saw him and his smile. I will always have the utmost respect for Sgt. Asten. The dedication he had to the officers of the department and to the citizens of our community should be envied by others. Sgt. Asten always loved a pursuit and he was killed doing what he did best: helping the other officers and protecting the members of our community. Thank you for the memories I will treasure forever and I will see you again some day, Sgt. Asten!

Kellee Ball, Patrolman
Kansas City, KS Police Department

The memories that we shared will last forever. In memory of you.

Patrolman Steve Rios
Kansas City Police, KS

Sgt. Asten, I cannot even begin to thank you for your leadership, effective training methods and friendship. I remember speaking with you about officers safety as we checked an alarm. After reflecting on the many memories that I have of you I can still hear you attend roll call..."Be careful out there"....and remembering your professionalism as you dealt with each one of us. You will never be forgotten Sgt. Asten...We love you.

Officer Michael E. Howell

Patrolman Michael Howell
Kansas City Police, KS

I'm very sorry to hear about Sergeant Asten's murder. So many officers have been killed this year in 2003 setting up stop sticks, like he was. His final actions were truly an act of valor and I hope that his killer ends up getting the death penalty like he should. When I see police officers along the road, and sometimes even pursuing a vehicle, I think of officers like Sgt. Asten and the price they paid. God bless his family, I hope to one day serve like he did.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

I recall speaking with Rick one morning in the office of West Patrol during a rain storm. He was telling me how he had been in contact with a family member that he had lost contact with. Druing our conversation, he was so happy and up beat.

Little did I know that same morning would be his end of watch...

I glad he shared some of his final thoughts with me.....

Master Trooper Larry E. Roland
Kansas Highway Patrol

If only you could read what has been written......You are lucky to have the family that is. I feel sick as I write yet know that you are in peace and watching those of us who put out the flames of hell. God speed.

Dep. Michael Moore
Warren County S.O.

Not a day goes by that he is not thought about and/or talked about in our home. He was an awesome, caring and lovable husband and friend. Kansas City Kansas' not forgotten hero. He lives on in our thoughts and in our hearts.

Wife, Margie Asten Hunter
Kansas City, Kansas