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
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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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 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
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.