Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ricky,

I still can't believe this has happened! You were more than just another brother officer, you were my cousin. I was always proud of you and your dad for doing what you do. While on duty, I always looked for you to say hi to while I was on the street. I always mentioned you to any APD officer I met, and asked "Do you know my cousin, Rick Smith? He's a motor officer." While thinking last night about you after leaving your house, I realized that every photo of you I've ever seen is with you with a smile on your face. Even in your APD photo you have a small smile. You'd be proud to know that on Friday, I heard one of your fellow officers say that Rick was the kind of person that if he gave you a ticket, you would thank him afterward for being so kind. I will remember you every day and miss you. As we used to say in the U.S. Border Patrol, "I'd ride the river with you anytime, anywhere." Godspeed, Ricky, til we meet again! I love you.

Senior Special Agent Wes Parker
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security

August 21, 2005

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless them and help watch over them during this time. You made the ultimate sacrifice. Always remember that this family of blue will never forget you!

Wife of a Police Officer

August 21, 2005

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless them and help watch over them during this time. You made the ultimate sacrifice. Always remember that this family of blue will never forget you!

Wife of a Police Officer

August 21, 2005

Sir, it was my pleasure and honor to be on the same department. Rest in peace!

APD Officer

August 21, 2005

Rich,
It has been an honor and a pleasure. Your memory and your family remain in my heart and prayers. Jeff, John, Shawn, Gerarld and the others await you and Mike. They have prepared your new beats and will welcome you with open arms. God Bless You, Rich! Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!

Dean Ferguson
Albuquerque Police Dept

August 21, 2005

Rich,

You trained me back in 1983. The type of officer I became is because of you. You were the best TO a rookie could have. Thanks for helping me to become the person I am today. I will miss you.

Dan Klein retired
Albuquerque Police

August 21, 2005

Rest in Peace brother...you and your family will always be in our prayers.

Former officer/ Joe Shaw
APD

August 21, 2005

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Richard Smith as well as to the Albuquerque Police Department. Rest in peace Officer
Smith, you are gone but will never be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

August 21, 2005

Rest easy brother. May God watch over your family and bring them peace.

Patrolman

August 21, 2005

TO THE FAMILY,FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS OF OFC.SMITH,WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.WHEN WE LOSE A BROTHER OR SISTER OFFICER WE ALL HURT.WE HOPE AND PRAY THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED!YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS.

Cpl.David Hazlett/C-detail
Berry Hill P.D./Nashville,Tn.

August 21, 2005

I thank people like this officer for all he has done to make our streets in Albuquerque more safe. He and his family are in my prayers and I hope this offers some little moments of peace to his family.

Thank you again.

Koren

August 21, 2005

"greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" john:15:13

August 21, 2005

as a soldier I've lost many of my comrades but that is part of being a soldier. police officers are much the same..... at any given moment they too can be struck down in the line of duty. none of this matters!!! what matters is how they lived.....serving their community and country! whether in abq. n.m. or in iraq there lost is heart felt and NOT FORGOTEN!!!!!!!!! you will allways be remembered.....godspeed.

pfc
us army

August 21, 2005

"Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tear,
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
May God Bless You, Your Family, & Fellow Officers. THANK YOU !!!!

Donna Nestor of Los Lunas, NM

August 21, 2005

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of officer Smith and the Albuquerque Police Department and all others who new him. Having just buried one of my friends (cpl. Jay Sampietro MSHP) 11 hours ago, I say to you fear not for you are in great company. You may have fallen but you will not be forgotten. may you rest in peace

Richard Neal
Rogersville Police Department

August 21, 2005

We grieve with the family, friends and fellow officers of Ofc. Smith. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

A. Whitney
Yuma County SO, AZ

August 20, 2005

Rich, God bless my brother. You are a true hero and we will never forget the sacrifice you made. It was a privilege and an honor to have served alongside you. Rest in peace, my friend. I know that you and Mike are now patrolling the streets of heaven with St. Michael our patron. Please watch over us down here until that day we all will meet again. Rest assured that you and your family are forever in our prayers.

Sgt. Michael Geier
Albuquerque Police Department

August 20, 2005

Rest In Peace.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI

August 20, 2005

Rest in Peace

Correctional Officer
Michigan Dept.of Corrections

August 20, 2005

You are a hero to the rest of us here. You died doing the job you loved. I wish I had had a chance to know you better. I remember seeing you in the SE station before. I will try to model myself after your excellent reputation which is apparent from the fellow officers who speak of you. God bless your family and your friends.

Reserve Officer
Albuquerque Police Department

August 20, 2005

Ricky--Our time of knowing each other has span nearly 37 years. I remember when you were 12-13 yrs. old, you always wanted to be a COP, just like your DAD. You went to school to be a mechanic though, but in the end opted for a Law Enforcement Career.It was in your Blood. The city of Albuquerque and its citizens have truely been blessed to have a Warrior such as you patroling and protecting the streets. I remember riding with you on deep nights, sharing stories of police work, yours in New Mexico and mine in Texas. Well now, after making the Ultimate Sacrifice you have been summoned home to Patrol those Streets made of Gold. Ricky, rest assured that I have taken over your watch. Your Family is in our prayers, so until you and I meet again and patrol together, remember I LOVE YOU!!! and you will truely be MISSED!!!- Your Brother in Blue by Proffession-- Your Brother-in-Law by Family..

Detective Michael Meek
Mesquite Police Dept.- Mesquite, Texas

August 20, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Richard Smith and the Albuquerque Police Department
...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Richard... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky
beyond-the-blue

August 20, 2005

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service. God bless.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept.

August 20, 2005

i just want to tell my uncle he has always done a job well done and that he is now with every brave officer that has served our country well. it is a sad day for our family, but we have a hero umungst us and he will never be forgoten. i love you uncle ricky. rest in peace.

Candace Rhea

Candace Rhea

August 20, 2005

Though I did not know you....I mourn for your family. Thank you for your years of service keeping me and my family save. Rest in Peace!!!!!

Friend
Albuquerque, NM

August 20, 2005