Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman David Rickman was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call at 5 a.m. The officers were in the process of arresting the female subject's ex-boyfriend when she came to the door with a handgun and discharged the weapon. The round passed through Officer Rickman's left arm and entered his chest through an opening in his vest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The woman claimed the gun discharged accidentally. She was convicted of manslaughter and received a 10-year prison sentence. Patrolman Rickman was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Roanoke City Police Department for less than one year.
Survivors
He is survived by his son, father, mother, two brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-B0B94BEE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Rickman served with the Roanoke City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
David W. Rickman served in the Army (1982â1985) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman David W. Rickman 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Roanoke City Police Department, 12 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David W. Rickman's cause is highlighted.
How David W. Rickman Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David W. Rickman is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David W. Rickman was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Roanoke City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
