Sergeant Ricky Dever
Boston suffered a chink in its armor after
the senseless slaying of Suffolk County
Sergeant Richard Dever. An immensely
popular man, Ricky’s tragic loss is surely
reverberating around metropolitan Boston in
all circles of life. Ricky was a
picture perfect Boston guy—the pride of
Dorchester. He possessed all the
ingredients of a winner: a devoted family
man, an undeniable lady’s man and the
consummate man’s man. His affable
manner, cool gait and Hollywood smile were
all part of the Ricky Dever package.
He seemed ageless, full of so much vitality
you’d think he’d always be around to
offer a helping hand or just provide a
laugh.
Words
such as exemplary and gregarious have
recently been used to characterize Ricky
Dever. They are true—but in
truth—the list of adjectives and accolades
are endless. Ricky had an intangible
quality—an air—that few people have.
It’s called presence.
On
the night of March 18, 2005, two worlds
collided. In Ricky there was loyalty,
virtue, righteousness, and courage. In
the other corner were despair, addiction,
and evil. His slayer was, in effect,
the anti-Ricky. His heinous actions
robbed Ricky of life. What the slayer
doesn’t know, however, is that he can’t
steal the fresh breath of life that Ricky
instilled in everyone he touched.
That, along with his memories, is priceless.
Ricky Dever was a man of honor, and Boston
should know.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Donahue
Deputy
Sheriff, Suffolk County Sheriff’s
Department
Boston,
MA
