Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This past Monday my wife and I stopped at the site of the incident to pay our respects. Sergeant Richard Samuel Howard, III will never ever be forgotten.

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

March 2, 2023

Sgt. Howard,
On today, the 5th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army-especially in Iraq. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 19, 2022

Sgt Howard, I am so, so sorry and sad that your precious life ended due to criminal actions. You were, and remain a hero in the memories held by your family, friends, co-workers, and decent people everywhere. You would be glad to know that the perp who did this to you was given the death penalty. He deserves nothing less than that.

Yvonne Buoncora
A concerned citizen

May 17, 2022

Til' I see You Again. I miss you my friend
-556

556
556

February 17, 2022

Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Don Whicker

November 10, 2021

You are my hero, sir. Rest in peace.

Chief Charlie Vazquez

December 30, 2020

I miss you everyday my friend. Not a day goes by I don't think of you. You were truly my brother. One of my protectors. And everyday for the rest of my life, I will think of you and Matt. We cherish your memory. And all of the memories you provided for us. As you rest. I know I will always have a shining light with you guys up there. I miss you so much. And I pray for this pain to ease.

"You got it Girl" will forever play in my mind when I think of you. I love you so much my friend.

Your Sister
Your Home

October 30, 2020

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

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

August 18, 2020

I think of this night every single day. I hated being on that scene. I wish there was more I could have done for you. I choose to remember the good times though. Your infectious laugh and smile and how fast you spoke during traffic stops. God Speed Sam. You were one of the best.

Deputy Chief (Ret) John S. Lewis
Kissimmee Police

August 18, 2020

all gave some, some gave all, blue lives matter, defend the police

Robert L. Comer
california citizen

July 10, 2020

defend the police, blue lives matter!

Robert L. Comer
california citizen

July 10, 2020

Sergeant Richard Samuel Howard Will never ever be forgotten. I've been keeping track of this case over the past two years they social media, and your presence along with Officer Matthew Scott Baxter are alive and well. The sick person who caused so much turmoil was properly convicted this month, so hopefully he will never cause this type of devastation to a L EO family again. May God keep watch over Howard and Baxter families, especially Ms. Baxter who's continues to serve in Law Enforcement.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

September 18, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Howard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2019

Just a shocking story. i came across it today from a you-tube video. I'm in the Scotland and this assault on Law enforcement does not happen here. It was the name Kissimmee that got my attention. remembering it from road signs while driving around while on a visit to Disney Florida in 2003.
Beautiful country and people being spoilt by a small number of criminals. So sorry for your lose .

Scott Duncan
ex Army UK

December 9, 2018

Sam was an incredible man soldier and in sure father and husband I didn’t know the marrried Sam but I’m sure he was a great one. The last time we saw one another was in Al kut Iraq! There has never been a man of your honor and character that I’ve known that did his duty with such pride. You are one of a kind brother to Mrs. Howard I’m sorry I never got to meet you I am sorry for all you and your child have had to endure.
Sgt. Howard Till Valhalla brother

Spc. Jones Joseph
U.S Army , 3rd I.D Rock Of The Marne!!

November 18, 2018

Rest in peace brother.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

September 21, 2018

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Sam was killed

To the Howard family, fellow officers, and all who call Sam beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Sgt. Howard gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 19, 2017

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 25, 2018

I hope everyone will find comfort in Acts 24:15 - "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Until we see our loved ones again on an earthly Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 19, 2018

My hero my angel why'd you murder him and left him dead in the streets purple heart.....

Front line vet Ginger Rees
27

June 9, 2018

My hero my angel why'd you murder him and left him dead in the streets purple heart.....

Front line vet Ginger Rees
27

June 9, 2018

Riding bicycles 270+ miles in your honor April 9th-13th, 2018. Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten!

FLTDF Volunteer Staff
Florida Tour De Force

March 27, 2018

So sorry to hear of the loss of this fine officer. May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

November 26, 2017

God Bless and Godspeed.

LISA B.
GEORGIA LEO CIVILIAN SUPPORTER

September 27, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 who’s 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 8, 2017