Vigil Held For Fallen Chitamacha Police Officer

Posted: Jan 28, 2013 10:56 PM by Steven Albritton
Updated: Jan 30, 2013 11:09 AM

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Vigil Held For Fallen Chitamacha Police Officer

A community broken by tragedy came together Monday to honor Sgt. Rick Riggenbach. He was known throughout the community as a friend and someone many could look to for help.
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"He was always there for me whether I needed a friend or I needed a cop. He always just had a smile on his face. He was very genuine, had respect for everyone," Bailey LaGrange said.

"He was amazing. I seen him the day before he died," Danielle Trosclair said through tears, "he was just an amazing person."

Police officers from around the area came out to show their support for members of the Chitamacha Police Department. Those who worked with Riggenbach, spoke highly about a man they considered family.

"We are confident in our our heart that he did what he loved. He served the community with integrity and with dedication and with love," Officer Joe Garrison of the Chitamacha Police Department said.

Chitamacha Police Chief Blaise Smith was with Riggenbach during his final moments. He says he'll never forget him or the service gave to the department. Ultimately, losing his life in the line of duty.

"If he had not done what he had done, I'm horrified to think of what would have happened. I have no idea how many lives he saved, but it didn't matter to him. To him the only thing that mattered was to protect those people who were by him."