Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Constable Ryan was shot and killed as he attempted to confiscate two mules on which a levy had been placed. The mules were owned by two brothers who owed money to a local business. As a result, the local justice imposed the levy on the two mules.
The city's constable had arrested the two brothers and as he tried to collect the mules one of the men threatened to shoot him. The constable and the local justice deputized Deputy Constable Ryan, who proceeded to confiscate the mules. After walking a short distance with the mules one of the brothers appeared and opened fire on Deputy Constable Ryan. The two then exchanged several more shots until Deputy Constable Ryan was struck in the chest and killed.
The two brothers escaped but were apprehended the following day.
Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 31st, 2020
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NV-12A65FF1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
159 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Constable Ryan served with the Ophir City Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ophir community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable Richard P. Ryan is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 65.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard P. Ryan's cause is highlighted.
How Richard P. Ryan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard P. Ryan is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard P. Ryan was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ophir City Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.