Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never had the privilege of meeting Richard, but as a former Marine and current police officer myself, I can attest to his character. I know the committment it takes to achieve and hold both titles. My deepest sympathies to Richards family & friends, and a parting thought; When I graduated boot camp I had a drill instructor tell me..."there will be wars and Marines will die, but as Marines you will live forever in the name of the corps". Richard was a member of not one but two very special fraternities...The US Marine Corps & Public Law Enforcement (East Palo Alto Chapter). He may be gone from our world, but he will always be with us. Whenever you hear the Marine Corps hymn or see an East Palo Alto PD car glide by on patrol....HE IS THERE!!
From your extended family here in Michigan...God speed brother & Semper Fi Marine.

Cpl Keith VanValkenburgh
Dearborn Heights PD (Michigan)

August 19, 2006

You will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace brother we have the watch from here. Please watch over us and guide us. To all police officers please wear your vest.


SEMPER FI, one day we will meet.

Doug Savarino (former USMC CPL)
k 9 handler, Braidwood Police

August 19, 2006

Officer May will be remembered for being the hero that he is and always will be. My deepest condolences to the May family.

August 14, 2006

My deepest sympathies go out to Officer May's family and friends. This to me is the hardest part of the job is dealing with the tragic moments that haunt us for the rest of our lives. My sympathies also go out the the 14 year old rider that was with Officer May during his last moments. I hope that he has been comforted and help to try and understand what happened (as much as we understand). This line of work is a hard one to fill because of the risk involved and the stress that comes to our families because of the job. The chilren of today are our future peace keepers.

Cpl. Brian McDuffie
Waynesboro Police Department

August 6, 2006

Officer Richard May,

Last month the Explorer Post made it to the national conference in Flagstaff Arizona. My team won 3Rd place in the traffic investigation. as i heard the judge annouce our police department's name we all cheered. as i cheered i also began to cry. Having a Role Model like you in my heart is priceless and dedicating the trophy to you Sir it's a beautiful thing.

Thank you Sir,

Walter Recinos (EPAPD Senior Explorer)

Walter Recinos

August 6, 2006

Hi Rich

We were talking about you yesterday at Oakwood...just want to say hi and tell you that we miss you. I know that you are still watching over us even though you are not physically here. We miss you like crazy..Diana we hope you and the kids are doing great.If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call. Rich, We have not said good bye but see you later. We love you dearly and you are in our thoughts.

The Nijem Family

Nijem Family

August 4, 2006

You are not forgotten.

Anthony

July 31, 2006

Dear Mrs. May,

I wish you comfort in your memories and in your children.
I will never forget the day I heard of the tragic event that took your husband away from you.

I am very touched by your courage and love for your husband. You and your family are in my thoughts. Please take care.

Kate

July 28, 2006

Officer May,
We just arrived from Arizona. We went to the National Explorer Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona. My team participated in two competitions, bomb threat and traffic investigation with a fatallity. The bomb threat went horrible. But the traffic accident went great. We won third place and we are dedicating the trophie to you, For being such a great officer and supporting the explorer post.

Explorer Gilberto Soria
East Palo Alto Police Department

July 21, 2006

I didn't know officer May,but I feel he gave something that we all can apperciate. He gave his life trying help a community that was hundreds of miles from his own.I know is's a job,but for men who take that oath it is a calling. To do more than just stand around while others are suffering,but to do something about it,no matter what the consequences.For this I say thank you. I was at officer May,s funeral,I cried ,it is a sad thing to see.GOD BLESS YOU ALL! THE MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE 1* From my heart to all of yours MICHAEL BEALE

Mike Beale

July 17, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of fallen officer, Detective Jared Jensen

July 14, 2006

Wow, it's been over six months and it seems like we spoke just a few days ago. I think about you everyday.

July 10, 2006

I've been a police officer my entire adult life (26 years). On June 29, 2006 I lost a very dear friend and fellow officer to gunfire.
I have no words that I feel can comfort you, if I did I would love to speak them to you and I would love to have them spoken to me.
I am so sorry for your loss and I want you to know that HERO's are never forgotten. We all lost a brother and we continue to share in your grief.

Sergeant Poteet
DeKalb County Police Dept

July 8, 2006

Hi Rich,
I miss you so much!! I can't believe next Friday it will be 6 months since you were taken from us. It still seems so unreal. Sometimes I still think you are just away at work for a few days and will walk through the door any minute. Brittany will be going away to school soon and it will only be me and "the baby". We try to see Deanna as much as we can. Whoever said time heals is wrong. The more time goes by the more I miss you. I'll never understand why you were taken from us. I will always love you.
Diana

Diana May
Wife of Rich May

July 1, 2006

I am sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Alison Moeller
relative of Cory Ricks EOW 1/13/06

June 16, 2006

Officer May,
Happy Fathers Day!!! I will always remember that day. You are my inspiration to become a police officer. I will follow under your example. I still get flashbacks of all the good days we had. I still remember what you told me that same morning. You always made me laugh. I know you are watching and protecting me from up there. You are always on my mind. Rest well!

Explorer Soria #16
East Palo Alto Police

June 15, 2006

My fellow Marine and Officer, I wish you and yours a blessed Father's Day. Take an extra moment out for your children every day, you DO have time...semper fi.

Ofc. Brown
sfpd, bayview mids

June 15, 2006

I had the honor of meeting your father this weekend. You are sorely missed and will always be remembered. Thank you for your service. God bless.

Police Officer
Jupiter Police Dept, Jupiter, FL

June 14, 2006

Godspeed Brother.

Jim Adams PO III
Boise Police

June 12, 2006

wishing you a blessed Memorial Day...to those who have gone before us...semper fi. thank-you for your service.

ofc. patty brown, former marine sgt.
sfpd, bayview mids

May 29, 2006

Rest easy brother. Semper FI

CPL Tindal
United States Marine Corps Military Police

May 25, 2006

All I can say is thank you - for reaching across the miles; we are in this together - forever under the careful watch of our angels in heaven and their family in blue here on earth...

Natalie Jensen
Wife of Officer Jared Jensen, EOW 2/22/06

May 23, 2006

I would just like to say that you did a wonderful job protecting the streets of East Palo. I think you are a hero in my book.

Explorer Lt. J. Katz

Explorer Lt. J. Katz
HPD

May 23, 2006

Diana,

I saw the reflection that you left this morning for Natalie, Jared Jensen's wife. I just wanted to say that I think you are a testimate to your husband's courage for taking the time to reach out to others even in your hour of need. I cant imagine things in your life are anywhere close to normal now but please know what we are all here to support each other as family. We all wear that badge with honor and pride as wives and family members of these brave men and women who have made our lives better and our streets safer.
Thank you for having the courage to reach out to other wives who need support also. YOU are a hero too!

P.S. Congratulations on your daughters graduation! Im sure he will be there.

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

May 23, 2006

Dear Rich
It has been almost five months since you were taken from us and it hasn't gotten any easier. I still miss you like crazy. I keep expecting you to walk through the door or to call and say "hi dear" like you always did. The girls will be graduating soon, I know you will be watching. Your baby talks about you all the time. I miss you so very much and will alway love you.
Your loving wife

Diana May
Wife of Rich May

May 23, 2006