This page is dedicated to the Rhode Island State Troopers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Each individual died upholding the highest traditions of the Rhode Island State Police.
Click on the name of a fallen trooper below to learn more about them.
Every year the Rhode Island State Police holds a Memorial Ceremony. Held during Police Week in May, we pay tribute to every law enforcement officer killed within the past year, as well as remember and honor the sworn and civilian members who have been part of the Rhode Island State Police family who are no longer with us and the law enforcement community.
Photos from the 2012 Memorial Ceremony can be found here: Rhode Island State Police 20th Annual Memorial Ceremony
The Rhode Island State Police is saddened to announce the passing of Lieutenant Richard C. Ryan, Jr., a twenty-two (22) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police, after a five-year battle with cancer.
Lieutenant Ryan was a 1985 graduate of the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. While attending URI he participated in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Upon graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and was named ROTC Officer of the Year. He served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army from 1985-1990. During that time he was an Airborne Ranger assigned to the 6/502nd INF (Berlin Brigade) in Berlin, Germany where he served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader and Battalion staff officer. He was present for the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. During his time with the United State Army Infantry he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant, Battalion Adjutant.
Upon completion of his military service he was accepted into the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. In 1990 he graduated and began his career as a Rhode Island State Trooper. He served the Division at all State Police barracks locations. Lieutenant Ryan was a member of the Rhode Island State Police Tactical Team. He was a Firearms Instructor and Armorer. From 1999 to 2009 he was Assistant Range Officer. He was a Court Officer from 2003 to 2004. From 2009 to 2011 he served in the Detective Bureau on the Violent Fugitive Task Force and at the Fusion Center. As a member of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit, he investigated matters relating to Traditional La Cosa Nostra, career criminals, outlaw motorcycle gangs (Hells Angel's), and militia groups. Most recently he was assigned to the Traffic Planning and Research Unit.
He was promoted to Corporal in July of 2002, to Sergeant in March of 2006, and to Lieutenant in December of 2012. He was the recipient of ten commendations and numerous letters of commendation for meritorious service. In 1995 he was awarded the Department Service Ribbon, the highest award of the Rhode Island State Police, for apprehending the suspect in the shooting of a fellow state trooper. The Service Ribbon is awarded for extraordinary courage, devotion to duty and professional achievement while upholding the finest traditions of the Rhode Island State Police.
An avid runner, Lieutenant Ryan completed ten marathons, including one in Berlin, Germany while he was stationed there with the Army. He also enjoyed watching his children's sporting events.
Lieutenant Ryan leaves behind a wife, Magdalena "Mag" (Patyna) and two children, Sara Elizabeth and Matthew Joseph. He also leaves behind his parents, two sisters, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Recently Lieutenant Ryan expressed that he felt privileged to be a part of the State Police. Likewise, the Division feels privileged to have had him among our ranks. On behalf of the Rhode Island State Police family, we express our deepest sympathy to the Ryan family.
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