End of Watch: Wednesday December 21, 2011

About Officer Scott Richardson

The greater Aiken community is mourning the loss of an officer who was killed in the line of duty following a shooting Dec. 20. Master Public Safety Officer Scott Richardson, 33, died after being shot in the head by a suspect on Brandt Court. Richardson and 28-year-old Officer Travis Griffin were trying to make a traffic stop when the gunman opened fired, shooting both officers. Richardson died early Wednesday morning at GHSU after he was shot in the head. Griffin was shot in the chest, but his bulletproof vest saved his life. He was treated at a local hospital and later released. The Aiken Department of Public Safety has released this statement following Master PSO Richardson's death: "Master PSO Richardson was a beloved husband and proud father. His constant smile was a pleasant sight at this office and to all those who knew him. Richardson was a graduate of South Aiken High School and University of South Carolina Aiken. He started working at Aiken Public Safety on Sept. 27, 1999, as a cadet. He worked his way up to driver operator and then became a public safety officer in early 2005. Richardson leaves behind his wife and three young children.

Statements from the family

Dec. 22, 2011
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for the support we have received from Aiken and the surrounding communities. One can never be prepared for a tragedy like this, but it is comforting to know that Scotty was loved and respected by so many people. "Members of the law enforcement community, especially the Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS), have been awesome. Scotty's brothers and sisters at ADPS have been with us since this nightmare began and they have never left our side. You will never know how much each one of you have meant to us. "We would also like to thank the trauma team at Georgia Health Sciences University. Each one of you showed tremendous care and compassion while working with Scotty. "It is hard to understand why Scotty was taken from us by this cowardly act, but we know that he died doing what he loved and that was being a police officer serving the public. "In the coming days we will lay our Scott to rest. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and especially his wife, Amely, and three precious boys, Zander, Chase and Maddox. We would also ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of Scotty, a public servant and hero."

Dec. 29, 2011
"Words cannot adequately express the love and support our family has felt since our Scotty was called home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning of Dec. 21.

"The Aiken community has been with us every step. "The acts of kindness have ranged from cleaning our yard, erecting tents so that family and friends would not be subjected to the elements, helping with the children, clothing family members for the funeral and providing food. We have not wanted for anything. "It is always dangerous when you start publicly thanking people because you do not want to leave anyone out, but we must say thank you to the staff at O’Charley’s and Houndslake Country Club. On Christmas night, these folks prepared a wonderful meal for our family. The reason we mention this is because a lot of us had not left the house since Dec. 21. We were able to gather in a private setting and enjoy Christmas as a family. "Throughout this ordeal, the support from the Aiken Department of Public Safety and other representatives from the City of Aiken has been overwhelming. You should know that Scotty would be proud, but he would also be embarrassed by all of the fuss over him. To his brothers and sisters at ADPS, you are always welcome in our home and we count it an honor to call you family. "Scotty’s funeral service was conducted in a very regal manner. Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, you were caring and compassionate during this entire process. When we arrived at the Convocation Center, the sight of all of the public safety personnel was jaw-dropping, but we were equally astounded when we began our journey to Bethany Cemetery seeing the citizens lining the streets while braving the windy conditions. "We have many friends that have been with us during this trying time and all we can say is thank you! We would have never made it without you. As the days, weeks and months pass, please keep us in your prayers because only time will heal this deep wound. "In closing, it is our hope that Scotty did not die in vain. Let’s all reach out to the children of our community and make sure that they stay on the right path. Encourage and love them because that is what Scotty would do."

God Bless,
The Richardson Family