Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Richard Dean Harmon of the Stark County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

September 3, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Harmon,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Stark County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 3, 2021

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

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

September 3, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Richard Dean Harmon of the Stark County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

September 3, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Richard Dean Harmon of the Stark County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.


End of Watch: Thursday, September 3, 1981

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

September 5, 2017

I was on my way to Canton that day, and this happened just after we passed the cars. We stopped to assist, and within minutes, officers arrived from everywhere. It certainly leaves you shaken. Every time I pass that stretch on 43, I think of that day.

Elisabeth Moser

December 19, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013

Deputy Sheriff Harmon,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Stark County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

September 3, 2008

"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

January 8, 2008

Deputy Harmon,
A lot of things at the SO have changed since you departed this world for your reward. A new jail and an addition of an Honor Guard top the list. At our first training session, a moment of silence was observed in your honor. On behalf of the Honor Guard and all the members of the SO, we would like to thank you and your family for your sacrifice, dedication, and service. We shall never forget.

Deputy Sheriff C.D. Newman
Stark County Sheriff's Office

December 27, 2007

Dick, its been a long time since you left us, but I will never forget the times we shared together and worked together along with fellow officer Andy Vertolli, you will always be remembered.

Deputy K.L. Fetters
Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office West Palm Beach Florida

June 15, 2005

You are not forgotten. Not now nor ever. Rest easy, brother.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)