Chief Molloy Announces the Loss of a Great Officer and a Great Man

It is with deep sadness I announce the passing of Officer Bryan Rickards. After suffering with ALS and battling courageously for nearly two years. Officer Bryan Rickards passed away peacefully on Monday August 6th surrounded by his family and best friend, Officer Thomas Nyman.

We will be laying our brother in blue to rest on Wednesday August 15th. Below are the arrangements:

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Viewing:
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
John F. Givnish Funeral Home
10975 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

Funeral Service:
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Andrew Catholic Church
81 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 189340

Officer Bryan Rickards served in the United States Cost Guard from 1988 through 1992 and was assigned to Coast Guard Station Beach Haven.  During his years with the Coast Guard, Bryan served as a medic and a rescue crewman.  Four years after he was honorably discharged from active duty, Bryan joined the Abington Township Police Department, where he was assigned to the Patrol Division.  In November 2006 Officer Rickards was assigned to the K-9 Unit, where he served honorably until 2016. In this capacity, Bryan trained with the New Jersey State Police and received certifications in PD1 Patrol, Narcotics Detection, and K-9 SWAT operator. Officer Rickards also served as a Field Training Officer, DARE Officer, an Emergency Vehicles Operation Instructor, a member of our Honor Guard, the county Major Incident Response Team and a member of Montgomery County Narcotics Task Force. Over the course of his career, Officer Rickards has been recognized with numerous commendations for valor and for going above and beyond the call of duty.  He also has been recognized for his commitment to his community and our Department, having had nearly 17 consecutive years of service without a sick day. In fact, Bryan continued to work during the early stages of this horrible disease. He refused to concede, as he put the needs of his community, platoon and the Department before his own.  Officer Rickards was a warrior until the end, and he served as an example of the consummate public servant. While we are all sad that he left us way too early, he has been an inspiration to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He left this world a better place. Please keep Bryan’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.  May he Rest in Peace.

Officer Rickards is survived by his wife Cindy, his 10-year-old daughter, Abigail, his 12-year-old daughter, Emily, and 15-year-old son, Gavin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bryan’s name to the ATPA Ofc. Bryan Rickards Memorial Fund,  PO Box 211, Abington, PA 19001. All donations will be used to fund his children’s education and support other families struggling with ALS.

Approved for release by:
Chief Patrick Molloy