The family of and United States Air Force Veteran and San Bernardino Police Department Captain Larry Joe Richards have asked the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his committal service and to honor his service to our country and in the Police Department. We are honored to do so.
Larry served this nation in the U.S.A.F. for 13 years, from 1958-1970, Larry had reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and had been assigned to USAF bases in Germany, Texas, France, Africa, New Mexico and at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, Ca.
Larry was in the Security Police Force while in the USAF. While deployed to Vietnam he was assigned to a forward operating base. The base had been under attack, was being overrun and was ordered to be evacuated. Because of his actions during this evacuation of personal and the attack on the base, Larry was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor as he was one of the last to leave the base, putting his own safety after those he helped evacuate.
Larry was discharged on October 6, 1970 and began his law enforcement career with the San Bernardino Police department the very next day on October 7, 1970. During his 27 years with the S.B.P.D. Larry rose to the rank of Captain. He was assigned to Patrol, Detectives, SWAT and the Narcotics division in most of the ranks he achieved. Larry worked there his entire career.
Larry retired from the S.B.P.D. in 1997 after 27 years of service. During his career he had received a Unit Citation Award for his actions of the Norco Bank Robbery in 1980 and The Police Star for his actions saving the lives of another officer and a suicidal subject. An item of note, he retired from the S.B.P.D. without ever having received complaint or a discipline.
He enjoyed bowling, softball (in his younger years) and most importantly his grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife Precilla, his sister Linda, his sons Robert and Larry, five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his extended family from the San Bernardino Police Department and other family and friends.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, this will be a Flag Line only at RNC. Please see the time table if you would like to attend.
Time table for Thursday, 08 MAR 18:1145 – Stage at RNC, PGR to stage just north of Staging area 8 (subject to last minute change)
https://goo.gl/maps/yNdWg9jpAMH21200 – Mission briefing
1220 – Est KSU to shelter (shelter not yet determined)
R/C Ernie "Casper" Kopasz
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
USAF/CaAirNG Vet, LEO (Ret)
ErniePGR@aol.com
760-963-8971
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
