Lee County Sheriff's Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Monday, February 2, 2026
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Richard A. Haggard
Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard,
My deepest condolences to your family, friends and to your department as they grieve your loss. Thank you for your service to all of us. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department
Leesburg. FL
February 4, 2026
My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard 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 Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard.
Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit Police Officer Jennifer T Fettig eow 02/16/04
February 3, 2026
Thank you for your service. Prayers for your Family and Department.
Sergeant Monica Veney
Baltimore Police Department
February 3, 2026
Rest in Peace Deputy Haggard. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haggard Family and the Lee County Sheriff's Department.
Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey
February 3, 2026
Dear Sheriff Jim H. Johnson:
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 Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard, a brave and dedicated lawman.
The news of Deputy Haggard’s death has deeply saddened me. 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 my thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Haggard’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 Deputy Haggard 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, Sheriff Johnson, and the entire Lee County Sheriff's Department, I want to express my 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 45+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, I stand with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.
May the memories of Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard 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 of Police (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr.
February 3, 2026
May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends
James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian
February 3, 2026
Deputy Haggard,
Thank you for your service to the people of Lee County. Rest in peace. I will pray for your family, friends, loved ones and colleagues.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. – Matthew 5:9
Daniel Ryan
Private Investigator (Retired)
February 3, 2026
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 Police Department, New York.
February 3, 2026
Rest Brother
Officer/EMT Shannon Yates
Collins Police Department (MS)
February 3, 2026
Thank you for your service Deputy Rick Haggard. Prayers to your family and the men and women of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Stassi and the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office
Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office
February 3, 2026
Rest in Peace my brother.
Captain (Ret.) Bernard Flint
Department of Defense / Police Division
February 3, 2026
Thank you Deputy Haggard for your dedicated and selfless service to the residents of and visitors to Lee, Co, MS. Your life mattered! Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family, your friends, and your coworkers. May you rest in peace! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God!
Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem, NC Police Department
February 3, 2026
Thank you for your selfless dedication in protecting the citizens of Lee County, Deputy Haggard. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family and friends and the brave men and women of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Taylor Ramerth
Supporter of Law Enforcement
February 3, 2026
may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face
Chief Jim Allen (ret)
Mobile County Investigation and Recovery (Child Support Enforcement)
February 3, 2026
Im very heartbroken over Deputy Haggard being taken from us. His will to stand between us and danger and to protect the students and staff of the school makes me eternally Grateful. Everyday this Deputy put his life on the line. Lord surround His Family, Fellow Officers, The School Students and Staff, and Friends with your care and love. This Blue Line these men and women walk, becomes thinner everyday. God Bless You All!
Former Police, Forever In Christ!
Tennessee Spiritual Caregiver
February 3, 2026
Thank you for your service Deputy Haggard. Prayers to your family and the men and women of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Chief William M. Renye
Grand Blanc Township Police Department
February 3, 2026
RIP 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
February 3, 2026
May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Deputy Haggard.
Patrolman Kenneth Collins #18
South Amherst (OH) Police Department
February 3, 2026
Rest in peace Brother Haggard
Cpl Jesse Cook - Retired
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division
February 3, 2026
We at Nevada Office of Emergency Management extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard. His dedication, courage, and service will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hero.
Statewide 9-1-1 Coordinator, Tawanna Wade-Gerchman
February 3, 2026
Prayers & Condolences
Rest in Peace Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard
Sgt. Randy Keenan (ret.)
City of Alameda, CA Police Dept.
February 3, 2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC) Retired
Federal Air Marshal Service
February 3, 2026
Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.
BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher
February 3, 2026
God rest your soul, Deputy Haggard. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
Investigator Christopher Port (Ret)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Division MAIT
February 3, 2026
Heavenly Father, God of Life and Death, You are with us from the moment we are conceived to the moment we leave this earthly life. We know from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 13:1-5, that America’s Peace Officers have a sacred task, to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. It is my desire that the family, friends, and comrades of the following Fallen American Peace Officer will find encouragement, hope, comfort and peace from this prayer.
Now, our hearts feel heavy with grief because of the loss of another American Peace Officer that leaves us feeling so alone once again. There are moments when the grief feels overwhelming, and we find it difficult to move forward. But we know You see our pain and feel our loss and sorrow.
Lord God, hold us in Your loving and most capable arms and comfort us with Your presence. Let us feel Your peace in the midst of our heartache and Your quiet assurance that we are not walking this path alone. Wipe away our tears and remind us of the hope we have in You. You are our refuge and our strength, our ever present help in trouble. Teach us how to carry this loss of another American Peace Officer without losing hope. Help us to release our emotional pain into Your merciful and compassionate hands, trusting that You are working even in our most difficult moments. When our grief feels too much to bear, fill us with the courage necessary to face each day and the faith to keep moving forward.
Thank You, Lord God, for Your unfailing love and for being the God who sees us, holds us, and walks with us as we endure the wickedness of evil humanity.
In commemorating the death of this fallen hero, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God! We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation.
Lord God, if You are willing, have Your warrior servant, Michael the Archangel, Your Defender and Protector Against Evil, who successfully defeated Satan and his fallen angels in heavenly battle because of his unwavering faith and courage, according to the Book of Revelation Chapter 12:7-9, welcome America’s Fallen Peace Officers into Your Eternal Light and comfort their loved ones and all those left behind who mourn.
Finally, Lord God, we place our trust and sorrow into Your loving and most capable hands and rest in the hope that You will ultimately bring “Beauty from the Ashes”. In Christ Jesus’ mighty and holy Name, and by His Power, Authority, and Sacrificial Blood, I believe and pray. Amen.
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained, Independent Christian Minister of the Gospel
Michael the Archangel Prayer Ministry
“God’s Defender and Protector Against Evil”
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department
February 3, 2026