U.S. Air Force · United States 
Leaward Rich
1974
Leaward Robert Rich served the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. Leaward served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Patrolman Leaward Rich and Patrolman Edwin Stephenson were killed in an automobile crash while en route to assist another officer who was chasing a stolen car. During their response at 12:30 a.m., in an attempt to avoid another car in the intersection, the unmarked police car left the roadway. It struck a tree at Brook Street and Westwood Avenue, causing fatal injuries to both officers. Patrolman Rich was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Richmond Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, fiancee, sister, and two brothers.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1965 – 1968
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Richmond Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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