I am an active Law Enforcement Officer; Detective Lieutenant at Chitimacah Tribal Police Department. My career took an unforeseen but always knew the possibility on January 26, 2013. That day became my D-Day as I call it; a day that would change me forever and destroy my normal. On that January morning, Sergeant Frederick "Rick" Riggenbach would pay the ultimate sacrifice as he was doing what he loved protecting and serving.
I remember after that just being in a haze and going from memorial service to memorial service, but mostly just existing in life. The day Rick was killed I remember a couple showing up and did not know what they were talking about when they said Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). We went to Police Week and members of C.O.P.S. were there helping us navigate the week, I remember being so overwhelmed and it must have shown on my face because a Survivor would swoop in and guide me.
As time would move forward in my journey and I attended a Louisiana C.O.P.S. there were a few people that kept in contact and kept mentioning an on hands program, Co-Workers retreat. I recall not thinking that I really needed to go to a retreat, I was doing fine on my own. Reluctantly I decided to go, more so to get them off my back by saying I went.
It was at Co-Workers that I realized how much my life had changed and how important C.O.P.S. would become to me. My pivot in my journey or as I say my Life-Saving Change, it was where I also came to terms that I was not just a Co-Worker but a Survivor. I would return and become active in my State chapter and remain in contact with the connections I had made at retreat.
I now go around the State and share Rick's story with other Law Enforcement Agencies and let them know what C.O.P.S. does fro Survivors and active Law Enforcement Officers. Last year I was invited to attend a Law Enforcement Liasion training and became the National Liasion for the State of Louisiana.
As I start this new journey as a Louisiana C.O.P.S. Executive Board, I want all Survivors to know that I am here for each of you and if you need anything from me, please reach out. To the Law Enforcement Agencies across the State of Louisiana if you need anything for me; becoming more familiar with C.O.P.S., services provided, payroll deduction do not hesitate to call me.