South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Reflections for Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks
Dear Colonel C. N. Williamson:
I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks, a brave and dedicated lawman.
The news of Trooper Ricks’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Ricks’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.
In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Trooper Ricks had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
To you, Colonel Williamson, and the entire South Carolina Highway Patrol, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.
Having served 46+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.
May the memories of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.
With deepest sympathy,
Chief (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr. DrE, PGP, PP, PM
August 14, 2025
Rest in Peace Brother.
Captain Arrend Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.
August 14, 2025
Rest Now Brother
Sgt. Harvey -retired
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Az
August 14, 2025
Rest in peace
Retired Chief of Police Michael Bethe
August 14, 2025
RIP Trooper Ricks. Thank you for your service to the state of South Carolina
Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120
August 14, 2025
You made the world a more beautiful place
Onsiér Tómas Ó Gallachóir
Garda Síochána (Ret.)
August 14, 2025
Rest in Paradise Brother Trooper. Prayers for your family and co-workers. Thank you for your service.
Retired M/Sgt Lisa Ditzler
Illinois State Police D-16
August 14, 2025
Rest in peace brother. We have the watch from here. Thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your department.
Officer Tommy Thomason
Security Officer
August 14, 2025
Lord God, I come before You today grieved in heart over the senseless deaths of America's Peace Officers, in the Line-of-Duty, whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that America's Peace Officers have a sacred task to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Please grant Comfort, Hope, and Encouragement to their families, who are left behind to pickup the shattered pieces of their lives. Please make them whole again.
For all those of us who are left behind, our hearts are heavy with grief, and the weight of loss leaves us feeling so vulnerable and alone. There are moments when the sadness feels overwhelming, and we don't know what to do or how to move forward. But I do know that You, O Lord, see our pain and You are close to us in our sorrow.
Hold us in Your loving arms, O Lord, and comfort us in Your Presence. Let us feel Your Peace in the midst of our heartache and the quiet assurance that we are not walking this path alone. Father God, wipe away our tears and remind us of the HOPE we have in You. You, O Lord, are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.
Teach us, Heavenly Father, how to carry this loss of another American Peace Officer, in the Line-of-Duty, without losing HOPE. Help us to release our pain into Your most capable and loving hands, trusting that You are working even in the hardest moments. When the grief feels too much to bear, fill us with the courage to face each day and the faith to keep moving forward.
Thank You for Your unfailing love and for being the God who sees us, holds us, and walks with us. We place our sorrows into Your godly hands and rest in the HOPE that You will bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus' Name, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.
Promises from God's Word:
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4);
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God's children." (Matthew 5:9);
[Jesus Proclaimed:] "The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends." (John 15:13), and;
[Jesus Promised:] "Then he said, "Jesus remember me when you enter your kingdom." Jesus said to him, "I can guarantee this truth: Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained, Independent Police Chaplain Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
August 14, 2025