Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dave, Congratulations!!! I know how happy & proud you are about Addison on the 7th. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

November 9, 2025

Hey Dave,
18 years!!! So hard to believe it has been that long. It is so impressive so many remember, a true testament of the character of a person you were.

A lot of changes have occurred. Some sad but mostly happy ones. Kids are all grown up & doing well, Deanna and I are both now retired, and I know your happiest and proudest would be Lauren & Victor are expecting later this year.

You are still part of everything as you are talked & thought about often.

I know where you are all is well with you. We are doing good as well.

I've got this!!!
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2025

Heavenly Father, I come before You today grieved in heart over the divisions in our country; the United States of America. I grieve for every life lost to violence, regardless of color or creed. And I especially grieve this day over the senseless deaths of America’s Peace Officers whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. Please grant comfort and hope to their families. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that Peace Officers have a sacred task, to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. I pray that You will protect them as they serve us. Give them wisdom, discernment, and a deep desire to serve You. Please surround every Peace Officer in our nation, the United States of America, with battalions of warring angels to protect them from harm. I stand in the powerful and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ against every work of Satan intended to inflict injury and death on our Protectors. May Satan’s power be thwarted, in Your mighty and holy name, and his plans exposed by Your Light. In the mighty and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer, and the Mediator between us, Heavenly Father, in prayer, and by His authority, I pray! Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained/Licensed Independent NACM Minister
The I'M PRAYING MINISTRY - "An Intercessory Prayer Ministry"
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 4, 2025

Master Trooper Rich, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day nearly 18 years ago, as your murder was uneccessary, and that the person who killed you was nothing short of a coward, and was somebody who couldn't pay the consequences for their actions. I'm not sure why that man took your life, but other than that, that is a million-dollar question that may not be answered, other than the fact it was a very senseless and vile act that didn't need to happen. There's alot of things i could say about the man who killed you and how it was horrible that it happened, but i'd like to focus on the other things. You as a man spent nearly 20 years in law enforcement, specifically as a trooper for the Indiana State Police, which says alot to how dedicated and courageous you were. You were so good at what you did that you reached the position of Master Trooper, which in itself is a very high rank and takes a strong sense of hard work and bravery that got you there. Some people in this world and in society today can't even bare to reach the rank of Master Trooper, which takes alot of hard work and passion to get there, and you were one of the strong and brave men to be able to reach it, and show their people what it means to be not just a Master Trooper, but a trooper aswell with being a cop, as you were one of many who set the example to others that didn't know how to lead. I think with the way you were courageous and selfless with your work means alot to many, even for people that had a chance to meet you or were even possibly stopped by you by chance, for them to see what type of person you were behind the uniform and badge, since you had the character to show who you were at heart. I think with the fact you were a trooper for nearly 18 years, that means that there's alot of people that knew you and have spoken to you before, even if it was a small moment that made it better. And even if you count the small moments that people had with interacting with you, it would mean that you were well-liked and respected among many, since you had it in you to light up the small interactions. But however, what is a shame is that you were unfortunately taken away too soon, as that evil scumbag didn't take away a police officer, but a husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. It means that your children didn't get to know you as much as they do now, which is downhearted in itself. But on the bright side, they now know who their father was and the legacy you once had and carried with you your whole life, which is enough to backup evidence of you being a father that did the best he could to provide for his family, and a man who was working long and busy hours while dealing with the severity of the world at the same time and risking everything going out there and ensuring that people make it home safe to their own loved ones, since you too had a wife and children to think about and raise, like many other people. And although i myself am not a police officer, but someone who loves and supports the blue line, i know that not every officer or trooper makes it home to their loved ones, which is a shame but it is true, even though i wish it wasn't. I'd like to say that as of now you're a guardian angel for your wife and children, as you watch over and protect them, just like you did with your community and state for nearly 20 years. Speaking of which, i learned that a few years ago your boys graduated high school, and the Indiana State Police were there to support them since they too knew that their father was a hero and someone who provided protection and service to those in the community. Although i personally don't know you nor your family, i'm sure that as of now your children have grown up to achieve wonderful things in life, and that they honor you in everything they do everyday, because you're up in heaven watching over them and are proud of them. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service will forever be cherished, and that your memory will live on as people drive past the memorial sign that is on the side of the freeway and learn about who you were, and that as long as your name is said and remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others. But also, knowing that your killer is receiving his punishment in the afterlife for what he did to you, as there is a price to pay for anyone who willingly harms and kills an officer, as Karma catches those who do wrong and make them pay by force. Rest Well Mr. Rich

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 25, 2025

God Bless you Brave Warrior.

Sergeant Kevin Waters
Indiana State Police

April 24, 2024

Dave, 16 years, just seems like yesterday. Know you were smiling for Lauren getting married. Lot of changes, yet a lot the same. Still got this!!!

Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2023

Dave,

Happy Birthday!!!

Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2023

Hey Dave,
Fifteen years; hard to believe!!! There have been so many events; so many changes. Your family, friends, co-workers and even the general public still remember.
You and your family my friend have not been forgotten. Because of God's grace, mercy and sacrifice, we will catch up later.
For now, I got this, take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2022

Hey Dave,

Wow, 14 years!!! Family, friends, co-workers & community still remember & reflect. Very blessed!!!

We got this!!!
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2021

Hey Dave,

Boys' graduated, very impressive young men!!!

I know your proud!!!

Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

June 6, 2021

Hey Dave,

Happy Birthday. What a gift having Esta with you now!!!

Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

April 8, 2021

I miss you my friend

Master Trooper/Detective Kevin Getz
Indiana State Police

February 4, 2021

Rest easy in heaven

Mark Mottola

July 5, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Rest In Peace always.

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

July 5, 2020

Dave,

Thirteen years, wow!!! Where has time gone? In some ways it just seems like yesterday; and in another it seems like it has been forever.

Been a tough year so far. Losing Cody is just so hard to comprehend; he was such a great kid. Feel so sorry for Bryan & Sandy.

Seems like the “family” has had so many dealings with “passing’s” the last thirteen years; just doesn’t seem to get a break from them. With Cody’s passing as quickly as it occurred; just brought back so many memories from the time of your own. For Connie and the kids to go through those “feelings” again; it’s tough. And poor Carson, no one that young should have to experience such tragedy. Again, I can’t imagine what Bryan & Sandy are going through; it is just so sad & tragic.

But life goes on; things will get better; Prayers will be answered. If you had anything to do with it, thanks for bringing Remmy home. Think everybody needed that. Unbelievable the community out pouring for Cody, and then again all the help to find Remmy. Truly a reflection on how the community views & feels about the “family”. A large part in which you were and still are a part of.

We are hanging in here, we will get through this. We know God has a plan and we accept it. Take care of Cody and the rest of our loved ones that are with you; as well as continue to look over all of us still here.

I’ve got this!!!
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2020

Dave,
Please look out for Cody!!!
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

June 14, 2020

Dave,
Twelve years today; doesn't seem possible. So much has changed; yet July 5, 2007 remains frozen in memory. Family, friends, coworkers and even the public still recall and remember. It is an amazing reflection on how you were and still are perceived as a husband, father, brother, friend, police officer and person.
I personally really miss our friendship times together, they truly are some of my best memories. Still, life and time goes on. So many changes in the past 12 years with the passing of my Dad and nephew, and your Mom, Dad and most recently Bob; but again life goes on. It just gives me a feeling of comfort to know that you were there in Heaven to help greet each of them.
Because of God's grace & mercy & Jesus' sacrifice, I know we too will someday continue our friendship in each others company.
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2019

Rest in peace Master Trooper Rich.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2019

Dave, your Dad passed away early this morning. He was brave and strong to the end. I know you and your mom were there to meet him. Deanna and I saw him earlier last night. Connie was with him when he passed peacefully early this morning. He will be missed here; but I know he is happy and is treasured there with you. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

December 28, 2018

Dave, just came home from memorial service on your behalf. Unbelievable!!! It was really great. Family, friends, co-workers and just private citizens were all there. Again, just unbelievable the turnout. I know you would be so humbly ebarrased; but so appreciative. Know you are so proud of Connie, Lauren, Carson and Connor. 10 years; hard to believe still tough. Remember, I've got this. Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2017

I have written my essay for the Andrew P. Winzenread Scholarship over the life of David Rich. During this process I was eventually moved to tears over this tragedy that has occurred. The state lost a good trooper and the world lost a great person, and I hope that my writing reflects that. God bless.

Trevor Gress

February 21, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 13, 2015

R.I.P. Brother Rich. Prayers to your family. Thank you for your service.

Lieutenant Phil Parmelee
Southport, Indiana Police Dept.

July 6, 2015

Dear Family of Master Trooper Rich,
I didn't know your loved one, but I know he had to be a caring, loving person to put his life on the line to protect and serve. None of us knows when God will call us home. My prayers for strength for all of you during the coming months and years.

Thank you for your service Master Trooper Rich RIP

Citizen Beverly Evansans
My cousin's son is an Indiana State Trooper

July 6, 2015

Dave,
Eight years. Hard to believe. Where has time gone. So much has changed, yet so much remains the same. Connie & the kids continue; as do we all. You would be so proud of them. Connie has showed so much strength, and the kids are growing into the great kids I know you would & are so proud of.
It is still amazing after eight years how much you are still spoke about. I knew your family & friends would not forget; but it is the "general public" that amazes me. It clearly shows the type of person you were. I won't say it has been easy my friend; but we all continue on.
It is just so self assuring to know that you are in a better place than we. Thank the Lord. So eight years and counting. Time continues, but we all know in reality time means nothing. Because of God's grace & mercy & Jesus's sacrifice, we will all be together again just a little time down the road.
Take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2015