Master Trooper David Edward Rich
Dave: I cannot believe it has been almost four years. Your death helped me to make an important decision in my own life, and that is to follow your lead and become a protector of the victims. I wish you were still here to help, but I know you are in spirit. I would have enjoyed working with you in fighting the evil. Until we meet again dear friend you will continue to be in my thoughts.
Dave and I shared many good times on duty with the department as well as off. Being best friends, there are a lot of memories that only he and I shared. We confided, trusted and counted on one another as only the best of friends can do.
It was such a tribute at DaveâAos funeral that the theme was not how great of a police officer he was, but how great and loving a person he was. Although Dave took great pride in his job; it was his family and friends that meant the most.
DaveâAos greatest treasure was easy to recognize, it was his family. Connie and the kids were his life. Everything revolved around them. I remember how nervous and emotional he was when he proposed to Connie on the double ferris wheel at the Bluffton Street Fair. He was so proud and honored to have her as his wife. When Lauren was born, Dave treated her as a princess. I remember even before my daughter, LanaeâAo was allowed to hold her for the first time, Dave asked if she would wash her hands before doing so. After the twins, Carson and Connor were born this went out the window. It got to be an inside joke, that the boys could have eaten their food off of the floor. Dave loved the boys, they were to be âAumenâAu. Dave was going to show them how to hunt, fish and play sports and all the other âAumanlyâAu things in life.
With his kingdom being set, Dave had his Queen Connie, Princess Lauren and PrincesâAo Carson & Connor. But this wasnâAot a monarchy it, it was a âAufamilyâAu. With DaveâAos death, Connie lost a husband, the children a father, Jack & Linda a son, Bob & Kim a brother, I a best friend, the State a great Trooper and the world lost a Great Person. Why did it happen, only God knows. Perhaps he saw Dave and thought Wow, he is such a great person who loves and cares for so many. But even more importantly, perhaps he saw a person who is loved and cared about by so many. IâAom sure God must have thought, DaveâAos done his job well on earth, I will now bring him home as this is the type of person I want with me in Heaven.
Dave will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Because of GodâAos mercy, and JesusâAo sacrifice, we will meet again.
Dave and I shared many good times on duty with the department as well as off. Being best friends, there are a lot of memories that only he and I shared. We confided, trusted and counted on one another as only the best of friends can do.
It was such a tribute at DaveâAos funeral that the theme was not how great of a police officer he was, but how great and loving a person he was. Although Dave took great pride in his job; it was his family and friends that meant the most.
DaveâAos greatest treasure was easy to recognize, it was his family. Connie and the kids were his life. Everything revolved around them. I remember how nervous and emotional he was when he proposed to Connie on the double ferris wheel at the Bluffton Street Fair. He was so proud and honored to have her as his wife. When Lauren was born, Dave treated her as a princess. I remember even before my daughter, LanaeâAo was allowed to hold her for the first time, Dave asked if she would wash her hands before doing so. After the twins, Carson and Connor were born this went out the window. It got to be an inside joke, that the boys could have eaten their food off of the floor. Dave loved the boys, they were to be âAumenâAu. Dave was going to show them how to hunt, fish and play sports and all the other âAumanlyâAu things in life.
With his kingdom being set, Dave had his Queen Connie, Princess Lauren and PrincesâAo Carson & Connor. But this wasnâAot a monarchy it, it was a âAufamilyâAu. With DaveâAos death, Connie lost a husband, the children a father, Jack & Linda a son, Bob & Kim a brother, I a best friend, the State a great Trooper and the world lost a Great Person. Why did it happen, only God knows. Perhaps he saw Dave and thought Wow, he is such a great person who loves and cares for so many. But even more importantly, perhaps he saw a person who is loved and cared about by so many. IâAom sure God must have thought, DaveâAos done his job well on earth, I will now bring him home as this is the type of person I want with me in Heaven.
People come and go in your life sometimes not knowing how they deeply touched your life until it is too late. Dave touch my life and I am so thankful that he was a part of my life. He gave me the courage to love again without consequences and to go after dreams. I had always hoped that I would be able to thank him for how he touched my life. That day never came so thank you Dave for being the kind hearted person that you were. May God bless your soul!
May God bless Trooper Rich and may God be with the family, friends and fellow law enforcement. I attended the funeral services today as a law enforcement officer and what a great tribute it was for Trooper Rich. God bless.
Today I stood with countless others for 4 1\2 hours to pay my respects. I always knew how special you, your family & the Indiana State Police have been in my life. It seemed that all your neighbors, friends from school & church, the whole town of Mexico, every law enforcement agent past & present & many other people I didn't recognize were willing to wait as well. We saw touching pictures from birth through out your life. Your love for your family & life was so evident. We all had stories of special memories of you that we are left with. Thank you.
Back a few years ago I had the privilage to go Deer Hunting with Sgt. Matt Rebohlz and Dave Rich. That Day I had went hunting with one friend and made another. I never wil forget that time in my life. Dave was a swell man to get to know we had alot of fun. He had a Heart of Gold in my book, and would do anything for you he could. Our thought's and prayers go out to his family from my family. And God Bles all of the State Trooper's at this time.
I'll always remember your smile Dave. It seem to never leave your face.Quick to extend a hand for help or welcome. You'll sorelly be missed. My prayers to your family, friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know all of Trooper Rich's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for all law enforcement and their 24/7 watch.
With love,
Renee
I worked a child abuse case with Trooper Rich a year ago and can speak from experience that he was an excellent law enforcement officer and caring human being. It was clear to me that he was in the law enforcement field to protect and serve others, particularly those young a particularly helpless victims of crime. I was not surprised to hear Trooper Rich lost his life while reaching out to help someone in need. I mourn the loss of Trooper Rich--truly an exceptional police officer and person.