Lieutenant Richard "Rick" Drake II

I want to express my sincerest thank you to everyone that has posted here, facebook or anywhere else. I want to thank all that have called our station. If I haven't spoken to you personally, know that I have been told of your call and it is appreciated. The out pouring towards the family and members of our department is something we thought was only seen in movies. You have proven that the movies have it wrong - it is more overwhelming than ever portrayed in theaters. I want to give special thanks to this site, Eric Johnson, Terra and our Indiana Memorial Team consisting of Chief David Carlson, Chief Mike Tyler, Ray Kindred & IDHS Gary Robison (forgive me if I have left out someone or misspelled a name). I also want to especially thank our surrounding neighbors for all their support and assistance during this very trying time - AS ALWAYS, YOU ARE THERE! Rick would be so proud of everyone. Thank you all, God Bless and Stay Safe! - Chief West

rick, you were an azaging person. you will be missed.

i didnt write this but i thought you would like it.

Call To Duty

Brother when you weep for me Remember that it was meant to be Lay me down and when you leave Remember I'll be at your sleeve In every dark and choking hall I'll be there as you slowly crawl On every roof in driving snow I'll hold your coat and you will know In cellars hot with searing heat At windows where a gate you meet In closets where young children hide You know I'll be there at your side The House from which I now respond Is overstaffed with heroes gone Men who answered one last bell Did the job and did it well As firemen we understand That death's a card dealt in our hand A card we hope we never play But one we hold there anyway That card is something we ignore As we crawl across a weakened floor For we know that we're the only prayer For anyone that might be there So remember as you wipe your tears The joy I knew throughout the years As I did the job I loved to do I pray that thought will see you through

Rick (Lieutenant 807),

It has taken me a few days to be able to write this and review it with somewhat clear eyes. In all my 43 years on earth, the next couple of days will be among the hardest I have had. But, for you and your wonderful family, and because of you, I will get through it. It takes a special person to do what we do, and you sir, were the cream of the crop. Even in your passing you have taught us many things one of which is how our small department is truly a tight knit family and also just how big our national fire family is. I will miss your always present smile, especially as you were complaining about the low gearing of our old brush truck last Friday...while restarting it. I will miss your "Can Do Chief" positive attitude. I am PROUD to have served WITH you. I am HONORED to have called you friend. Watch over us and know that we (GTVFD) have your back watching over Christy, Andy, Elizabeth (Cadet 833), Eric and Abby. Keep our racks in order as I look forward to serving with you again. God Speed My Friend. You will never be forgotten and we will never be the same without you. - Chris (801)

I only had the privilige or working with Rick for a short time, he will be missed. Prayers and thoughts are with with the family though these difficult times. God Bless Rick.

This is to the family of-- Richard Drate-- Please except are heart felt sorrow for the lost of your Husband, father, and friend. I know that there is a special place in Heaven for firefighters and he is now called to a higher duty, We will have a moment of silence at are fire station during his funeral. Again please except are heart felt sorrow for your loss. Chief Gaddis

Our Thoughts and prayers are with the Drake family at this tragic time. Words don't seem to be enough but knowing that we are thinking of them hopefully will help ease the pain.

It saddens my heart to hear that we have lost one of our own at such a young age. I can not imagine what you are going through at this time. My department and I will pray that the lord will help you through.

God bless you and your kids.

Fowler-Center Twp. Fire Dept.

Fowler, Indiana

Chief

Bill Burton

So sorry to hear of your loss. To both Lt. Drake's family & his FD family. You all are in our thoughts & Prayers through this rough time and in the days,weeks & holidays to come.

May God Bless & hold You All close to him

Rick was a good supervisor. He always had a smile on his face no matter what was going on. He will be missed by ALL. God Bless Rick and the whole Drake family. Our prayers are with you.

Daddy, I can't remember how many times I would text you after you left for work or a run telling you to be careful, and that I loved you. Nothing will ever be the same without you here. I keep reminding myself that I will be spending eternity with you soon but it just doesn't feel like soon enough. I don't want to go through life without my daddio. I'm going to miss your smile and how nerdy I think you are. I'm going to miss going on runs with you but I will still go. You won't be able to walk me down the aisle or see the grandbabies that I know I will be having plenty of. I miss you so much and won't go a day without thinking about you. I can't wait to see you. I love you so much and I will always be your baby girl.