“Rick” was born in Los Angeles, California on June 16th 1943 to James and Virginia Reed. He was the oldest of six and had a twin sister. Rick graduated from Paramount High School in 1961. His first job was as a “jerk” at the full-service 76 gas station in Paramount. Here he learned how to work on cars which continued to interest him throughout his life; and that he taught me when I first started driving. In the mid-60s he served in the U.S. Army as Military Police - stationed in Germany. He continued his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department, exiting the academy and on the streets during the Watts Riots. In the early 70s Rick began a 31-year career with the California Highway Patrol, advancing through the ranks and retiring as Captain of the CHP office in Riverside. He was a recognized and respected instructor of management and supervisory P.O.S.T. courses (Peace Officers Standards Training) including Concepts of Communication and Communicating for Productivity at the CHP Academy for over 15 years.
He was a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (175th session Quantico, VA) where he completed the professional 10-week course of study for law enforcement managers taking coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. Nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities, the program served to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. With this, Rick helped establish the Ben Clark Training Center for Riverside County law enforcement and public safety training for emergency services, becoming the primary P.O.S.T. training facility in Southern California. In retirement, Rick became a certified golf club maker and took turf management courses; and was an avid bicyclist. He was a member of the Elks Club (#1740 Hemet, CA) and a member of E Clampus Vitus (Ch 1864 Virginia City, NV).
At age 69, Rick unexpectedly experienced a heart attack and passed away Tuesday evening November 13th 2012, at his home in Banning, CA.
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