- Date Of Birth: March 6, 1961
- Date Of Death: September 16, 2013
- State: Maryland
Michael Ridgell Leaves Legacy of Honor and Love
Richard Michael Ridgell. Father, Son, Brother, Friend, Coach, Patriot, Hero. Mike Ridgell was all of these, and more. He died of a fatal gunshot wound during the tragic events at the Washington Navy Yard on Sept. 16th. He died doing what he loveda”protecting others.
Born and raised in Brooklyn Park, MD, Mike played football for the Brooklyn Park Bees and played in the Drumline of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band, before joining the Maryland State Police in 1983. During his 17 proud years as a State Trooper, Investigator and Supervisor, Mike earned numerous recognitions and awards, including being twice named Trooper of the Year. Mike left the State Police as a Corporal in 2000.
Mike then spent five years as a Sr. Corporate Investigator at Johns Hopkins University. This was followed by three years of service in Iraq, first assigned as Forward Operating Base Commander of Q-West, then as Inspector General Advisor to the Ministry of Interior. His dedication, ingenuity, and leadership were recognized with numerous accolades and honors, including a Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Department of State and the International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Agency. He also received the Combat Action Badge and a Certificate of Appreciation for heroically engaging and killing the enemy in defense of his post.
