Abington Police Chief Announces the Loss of a Great Officer and Man

On August 8 Chief Patrick Molloy of the Abington Township Police Department announced, “It is with deep sadness I announce the passing of Officer Bryan Rickards. After suffering with ALS and battling courageously for nearly two years.” said Chief Molloy. Officer Bryan Rickards passed away peacefully on Monday August 6 surrounded by his family and best friend, Officer Thomas Nyman.

Officer Rickards will be laid to rest on Wednesday August 15. Below are the funeral arrangements:

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, Officer Rickards 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 recieved numerous commendations for valor and for going above and beyond the call of duty.  He also was recognized for his 17 years of commitment to his community and the Abington Police Department. Officer Rickards never took one sick day. without a sick day.

Chief Patrick Molloy’s announcement included the statements below…..

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., said Chief Molloy.

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 Officer 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.