Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Smith, I'm sorry for what happened to you and your partner 20 years ago, as it should've never happened, and that the man who took your lives was and still is a truly sick individual. For one, the man who took your lives was a lost cause, since he clearly never learned in life on having self control, and judging by the looks of it there was no redeeming him. He not only took away your life and Officer King's, he took away 3 other people as well, and if that doesnt describe how evil and unhinged he was, im not sure what will, but rest assured, he's been caught and permanently sealed away from society. But honestly, I think he should've been put down before he even had the chance to do what he did on that day, since he was a dog that needed to be put down beforehand. I've seen plenty of dogs who've been put down, and that man is one of them. He didnt just take away a police officer, but he took away a Husband, a father, a son, a friend, and a hero to the public who was fresh from retirement. Speaking of which, i learned that you and King had both been retired for a short while until returning back to the job, which tells me how much you both loved your career as a police officer and was highly dedicated to doing your part. To spend not only your time in retirement after being in the game for so long, but to come back to it says how brave and dedicated you were. You spent over 20 years of your life as a police officer in the grand state of New Mexico, where alot of crime and stuff goes on, especially in the city of Albuquerque, which im sure at the time you already knew the drill and weren't effected by the crime rate and people there, and you weren't shaken at all. From what I read in the reflections, is that your daughter became a police officer herself with the same PD you worked for, aka APD. To know that your daughter has followed your footsteps and carried on your legacy says alot, and that means that when others encounter your daughter on the job and learn that you were her father, they'll see you shine through her, knowing she got it from you. Although its been well over 20 years and I personally don't live in New Mexico, I know how dangerous it is over there, but im sure that with you and King's sacrifices on that day, it serves as a reminder for others to know that good men and officers like you both have roamed the streets of Albuquerque and have made the city safer, even if by a small portion of it. But im sure that with your 20 years on your belt, that means that you pushed the safety of the city upwards and have made people feel safe and protected knowing that they could go home with officers like you ready to step in and help, even if that means you're fresh on the job again after coming back from retirement. In cases like these where an individual murders other individuals, and when confronted by police and attempt to stop him, that individual in return takes the officers down with him. Sometimes you have to ask yourself why? Why did he do what he did that day? What was going through his mind in that moment where he felt it was right? Judging by the looks of it, we'll probably never know since that man is gone from society, as he should be. It's odd to think that man is so far gone that even now, he's still incompetent to stand trial. You would think that fast forward nearly 20 years later he would have a sense of change and growth, but as it turns out, he never got that and instead stuck with what he had. Overall, we know that man will probably never be competent to stand trial, since he let himself go to the point that he's unable to explain why he did what he did, considering he was filled with so much sin and hatred that he took it all out on those unsuspecting people and you both, but we know that when judgment day comes for him, only God can decide what to do with him, but we probably already know where he will be going once he finally passes. Although I dont personally condone death on others, I know that with a man like him, he should've been put down the moment he took those people's lives. I think that despite all this, it won't ever change the fact you were one of the well-known and decorated officers within APD, and to top it off, your daughter is now carrying your legacy and continuing where you left off, as it was unfortunately put on pause because of a worthless scumbag who already set himself up for failure. I'd like to believe that you're up with Officer King, and you're now one of God's soldiers in heaven serving alongside King. I believe that as of now, as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, along with the fact that you're the guardian angel of your daughter, who just like you did, is now on the same streets you were on, and you're ensuring that she does not have the same fate you like did as you protect and watch her in spirit. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your 22 years is forever appreciated, and that the people of New Mexico and Albuquerque know that you once protected them during your time alive, and that they can keep you in their thoughts even if they never knew you or met you. Rest Easy Mr. Smith.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

August 27, 2025

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

Well Rick, it's going to be 15 years since you left this Earth. Really miss our conversations, also miss you on your motorcycle, when you thought that was the way to travel! Those patrol cars are much better though. You had a unique insight into the job, and the toll it takes. I remember hearing that Brianne got a job at APD ... hope she's really doing well. Then again, I'm sure she is. Coming back to the job, was really a brave thing. I know you thought it was just to help out but... It really was a brave thing to do. God bless you man.

Steven Smith
Friend

August 17, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2018

Still think about you regularly 14 years after an expired registration and $13 in unpaid fines caused our paths to cross. Wish I'd spent the ride out west talking to you more instead of just being angry at the situation. But the words we did share gave me a really good idea of who you were. Definitely someone I would want on my side. Then a few months later I was sitting on the couch watching tv a few houses up the street when I heard the shots, and the sirens. Then I saw your picture in the Journal and my heart just sank. I'm thankful I got to know you just a little bit on that 30 min ride out west in the back of your squad car 14 years ago. I had a few before and a few after, but thats the only one I've never had any regrets about. RIP Officer Smith, you are not forgotten.

Mike
A kid who made a few bad choices

August 4, 2018

Rest easy my brother. You and your partner have paid the price, and all of us are greatful for your service as well. Keep on the watch for your family, and all your members of your department.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 18, 2017

Rest in peace Officers Smith and King.

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Handler
El Cajon Police Department

August 18, 2017

I was younger when you where with us, We have a picture of you on our wall of a bunch of APD officers and my family when my older brother Jacob had cancer, and you all escorted us the airport for his make a wish trip. Thank you and we will NEVER FORGET you.

Brandon Maez, Supporter of APD
Son of an APD officer

October 27, 2015

Rest in peace brother, you served well.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

August 18, 2015

We still have a picture of all of the guys and you when we where escorted to the ABQ SunPort when my older brother had cancer. We all miss you, God Bless.

Police Officers Son Brandon Maez
Civilian

May 29, 2015

This broke my heart, Officer Smith,Officer King thank you for all your years of service and returning after retirement, it is tragic your lives were taken in such a manner that didn't have to happen. All the victims I hope your families know that you all are still with them everyday, even though they can't see you your there, I hope it gives them some peace.

Kerie
Wife of a DOD Police Officer

November 29, 2013

I just watched a show on ID about you, your partner and three civilians getting killed. It was heartbreaking - what a shame - it was your last call of the night. I cried along with the two wives and the father of the young 17 year old man. Rest in peace and thank you for returning to service to keep our streets safe.

Donna
Law Enforcement Civilian

March 12, 2013

I also cried my eyes out...God Bless these two Heroes; esp. considering this could have been avoided. When that Monster went to Hospital-why did no one see/listen to him?
It brought back memories in a situation very close to me.
My only sibling wasn't feeling quite right and went to his Doctor and told him he really wanted to be admitted ASAP. The Doctor denied his desperate request and my brother promptly walked to a highway overpass, jumped and took his own life. In another instance, years ago, my best friend's Mother was mistakenly released from a Mental Health facility and went to the home where her 3 children were living and stabbed my best friend's younger brother to death. Mental Illness is soaring and it still sits as nothing but a stigma.

Elaine

March 12, 2013

Thank you for your service. I just watched a show about you and your partner. I cried as much as your family did. Enjoy your time on the golden highway sir. God speed!!!!!

heather
ross county ohio deputy sheriff

January 27, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 27, 2013

The sad thing about the death of Richard and Mike is that they both had retired and then returned to the department after spending 22 years on.Bill Middleton

Bill Middleton
Retired APD

December 24, 2012

Its been seven years that's really hard to believe. I didn't get to know you as well as Mike but you made waiting at court easier. Thanks for making me laugh so hard I cried (even caught cranky ol' Barnhart's attention). You are missed, a hero, dearly missed.

S. Gold
retired

August 18, 2012

To my brother Rick or Ricky as we called him your sacrifice made 7 years ago on august 18th is still fresh in our hearts and your memories always linger with us everyday. I lost a great brother and friend that day. You will never be forgotten. What a hero you are. We love and miss you

Becky meek
Sister

August 18, 2012

Today is 05/28/2012, Memorial Day, and while we remember those soldiers who have fallen while protecting our freedoms I remember my friend who gave his life for the preservation of these freedoms. The sacrifice is great and will never be forgotten as along as there are people who never take for granted what it means to be free and one nation under God. Rest in peace my friend.

Retired Police Officer Tom Perea
Albuquerque Police Dept. Albuquerque, New Mexico

May 28, 2012

RIP Brother..You are in God's Hands now..God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Retired Sergeant..Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

November 29, 2011

Richard,

Your name and memory will live forever. God bless you my brother in blue.

Lt. Mark Garcia
Albuquerque Police Department

September 1, 2011

Rich, miss you out on the San Juan. Your not forgotten buddy!!!

Sgt. Montano
APD

September 14, 2010

To Officer Richard W. Smith Jr, his family and his fellow officers with the Albuguerque Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Smith’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Smith and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

August 18, 2009

I was thinking about you and Mike today.

Thanks for all those years making my neighborhood safer, and giving me advice at the 7-11 on Yale over coffee.

Kim Rowland
just a friend

May 5, 2009

Thinking of you and your family today! Thank you sir for your sacrifice.

Jennifer Mayo, sister of
Deputy Hilery A. Mayo Jr. STPSO La. E.O.W 6/9/07

August 18, 2008