South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Reflections for Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks
My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks.
Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04
August 14, 2025
Rest in peace my Brother. We take that chance everytime we exit that cruiser. Thank you for your service and go rest high on that mountain. May God give comfort and peace to your family and to our State Family. Our thoughts will be with all who continue the battle to keep our streets safe.
L/CPL JR Nettles
SCHP Retired.
August 14, 2025
Thank you for your service.
Dmytro Goloborodko
August 14, 2025
Trooper Ricks, a police officer, should be remembered not by how he died but by how he lived! A brave man has left to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you for your 2 years of commitment to law enforcement, your family, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace, Brother!
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
August 14, 2025
Rest In Peace Brother.
Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired
August 14, 2025
Rest now, brother
Officer/EMT Shannon Yates
Collins Police Department (MS)
August 14, 2025
Requiescat in Paces
Sergeant (Retire Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD
August 14, 2025
My deepest condolences to the entire Ricks family, especially to his wife and to his loving parents. May his soul forever rest in Heaven.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
August 14, 2025
may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face
Chief Jim Allen (retired)
Mobile County Child Support
August 14, 2025
Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.
Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY
August 14, 2025
May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Trooper Ricks.
Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department
August 14, 2025
Thank you Trooper Ricks for your dedicated and selfless service to the people of and visitors to the State of SC. Your life mattered! May you rest in peace. Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family, friends and coworkers. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God!
Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem NC Police Department
August 14, 2025
RIP Brother, Our prayers and thoughts for your family, friends, and coworkers.
Bud Stilwell
Franklin Township F. D.
Columbus, Ohio
Former volunteer Firefighter
Former Dispatcher
August 14, 2025
Thank you for your service Trooper Ricks. May God's grace bring peace to your family and fellow troopers during this tragic time. Rest in peace brother.
Sgt Wm C Elliott (retired)
Campbell County Sheriff's Office VA
August 14, 2025
RIP warrior! Thank you for your service!
Retired Sgt. Cathy Lapsley
Montgomery County Police
August 14, 2025
Into Jesus arms. Thank you for your service
Debbie Trinckes
Daughter of a retired police chief
August 14, 2025
Thank you for your courage and dedication to the citizens of South Carolina. May your family find peace and comfort during this difficult time. RIP Trooper Ricks.
ReBecca Scott Thompson
US Army Brat ❤️
August 14, 2025
May God be with the family and they find comfort in his blessings. North Carolina troopers, please support his family as well as your own family. Thank you Trooper Rick’s for your service! May peace be with all.
Chief Deputy (Retired)
Uintah County Sheriff’s Department
August 14, 2025
Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.
Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York
August 14, 2025
RIP
Assistant Chief Robert Jenkins
North Bay Village PD
August 14, 2025
Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time
LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD
August 14, 2025
Rest in Peace my brother.
Captain (Ret.) Bernard Flint
Department of Defense / Police Division
August 14, 2025
RIP Trooper Ricks. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, South Carolina is proud and will always remember you.
Master Trooper P.A. Nielsen
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
August 14, 2025
Thank you for your service Trooper Ricks. Prayers to your family and the men and women of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Chief William M. Renye
Grand Blanc Township Police Department
August 14, 2025
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

