February 2018 – Special Edition

This week Richardson lost two of its best citizens and community servants:

Veteran police officer David Sherrard and multi-time city council member and past mayor Martha Ritter.

Richardson Police Department Officer David Sherrard (37 years old) was shot and killed in the line of duty Wednesday evening (02/07/2018) while responding to a disturbance. Officer Sherrard was a 13 year veteran and member of the RPD SWAT Unit. He was the first officer lost by the RPD in the line of duty in its 63 year history. He exemplified the professionalism, heroism, and strong character inherent in all Richardson police officers. In a recent public comment, Chief Jimmy Spivey said, “We are grieving and deeply hurt by this loss. We are grateful for the outpouring of support by the public and continue to ask for prayers for Officer Sherrard’s family and friends. Officer Sherrard is survived by his wife of 20 years and two children. We extend our sincere condolences to his extended family.

A candlelight vigil honoring Officer David Sherrard will be held on Sunday, February 11th at 5:30 pm. This event will be at the Richardson Civic Center’s Fountain Plaza. More information on Officer Sherrard, the vigil, funeral and donations CLICK HERE.

Former Mayor and City Council member Martha Ritter passed away this week.  Martha was a great friend to Richardson and to the Richardson Coalition. She will be missed by Richardson for all of her many years of varied service for our community and by many as a wonderful friend. There is no information available at this time on plans for services. We offer our sincere condolences to Martha’s family and friends.

Martha’s services and recognitions include:  City Council of Richardson, Texas, 1973-1983 [Mayor: 1983 – 1987]; Justice of the Peace, Dallas County Precinct 3, Place 2; Richardson Chamber of Commerce’s Ernest J. Randall, Jr. Economic Development Leadership Award*, 2005; Chairman of Richardson Chamber of Commerce, 2002, Richardson Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, 1995; Richardson Central Rotary Citizen of the Year, 1990; Richardson Y. W. C. A. Woman of Achievement Award; and North Central Texas Council of Governments Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Management, 1987.

* “In recognition of her many contributions to the city of Richardson; for her vision, courage and perseverance in preparing the Highway 190 Corridor to ensure Richardson’s future economic prosperity; and for the spirit of enthusiasm and dedication which she continues to demonstrate towards the city she loves — Richardson, Texas, we present the Ernest Randall Jr. Economic Development Leadership Award to Martha Ritter.”