Behind the Badge
Hundreds of family members, friends, co-workers, and associates gathered at Crossroads Church in Corona on Friday May 12th to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Anaheim Police Detective Dave Richards. For his friends and family who reside out of the area, countless others watched the service live online via their computers and devices.
The family of Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards, center, gathers with Anaheim Police officers under an Anaheim Fire & Rescue and City of Corona Fire American flag at the conclusion of a memorial service at Crossroads Church in Corona for APD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
They were all there to honor Detective Richards not only because he was a good cop but an outstanding human being who impacted hundreds of lives.
Erik and Shantel Johnson talk about their father and father-in-law during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Detective Richards served the Anaheim community as a loyal public servant for over 30 years before his untimely passing from Stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was diagnosed in 1999, and had valiantly battled cancer twice before this last bout.
Wife Marilyn Richards and their son, Jarett Richards, share some tearful thoughts about Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards during a memorial service for David at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Dave began his law enforcement career in 1986 at the Merced County Sheriff’s Department and was hired as an Anaheim Police Detention Officer in 1992. In 1995, he became a full-time Anaheim Police Officer. He served in a number of assignments, including patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Counter Sniper, Family Crimes Detective and lastly, as a detective in the Anaheim Resort Detail, assigned to the Disneyland resort.
Anaheim PD Det. Greg Lawson talks about his friend during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Those in attendance ranged from family, long-time friends, over 200 sworn and civilian professional staff members of the Anaheim Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and cast members of the Disneyland Resort.
Family members takes a look at a wreath for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards before the start of a memorial service for David at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Stories and eulogy were shared by his wife of 33 years – Marilyn, daughters and son-in laws Shantel and Eric, Kaleigh and Brian, son Jarret, along with close friends and his church pastor. He was described as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, with Dave being affectionately called “Pop-O”. His dedication to his Christian faith was foremost to him and was his source of strength during his battles with cancer.
Anaheim PD Officer Chris Arellano stands during the closing prayer at the conclusion of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
During the service, a picture was painted of a man who was brave, kind, hard-working, and compassionate. He was full of life, and lived it with integrity, strength, and a positive attitude. Even as he bravely fought cancer, he never complained, nor did he take “the victim mentality”.
Brian and Kaleigh Shockley share memories about their father and father-in-law during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Throughout the service, there were tears and moments of laughter as people recalled his “Tom Selleck mustache”, his “old age” compared to the age of his work partner, and numerous unusual and humorous stories of policing Disneyland.
Jarett Richards talks about his father, Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards, during a memorial service for him at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
At the completion of the church service, a 21-gun salute was performed by the Anaheim Police Honor Guard, in honor and recognition of his law enforcement service.
Anaheim Police gives a 21-gun salute for the family of Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at the conclusion of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Along with his wife and children, Dave is survived by his mother Patricia, and five grandchildren.
Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros talks about Det. David Richards during a memorial service for Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Capt. Eric Trapp speaks during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Erik and Shantel Johnson talk about their father and father-in-law during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Honor Guard Andrew Dao stands watch during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Los Alamitos PD SGT. Terry McCarthy (Ret.) plays the bagpipes at the start of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The cremated remains of Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards are displayed in a box at the front of Crossroads Church in Corona for his memorial service.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Sgt. Mark Brucks (Ret.) speaks during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Pastor Michael Lantz shares some thoughts, with Pastor Shane Lantz, right, at the conclusion of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Capt. Eric Trapp speaks during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Officer Chris Arellano stands during the closing prayer at the conclusion of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Pastor Shane Lantz sings at the start of a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards at Crossroads Church in Corona. Pastor Michael Lantz is left.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Brian and Kaleigh Shockley share a hug as they talk about their father and father-in-law during a memorial service for Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Jarett Richards talks about his father, Anaheim PD Det. David Thomas Richards, during a memorial service for him at Crossroads Church in Corona.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
