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HOLLADAY — Friends, fellow officers and family who eulogized Unified police officer Jon Richey on Saturday described him as a "selfless hero," "mentor," and a beloved father, brother, friend and spouse.
Richey, 52, died at his home on Feb. 11, but the cause of his death remains under investigation. Initial reports said there was no indication of foul play.
More than a year ago, Richey was shot in both legs by man who fatally wounded officer Doug Barney on Jan. 17, 2016. Richey recovered from his injuries and returned to work with Unified police.
Richey's funeral service was conducted at Olympus High School Saturday morning with Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder officiating.
Fellow Unified officer Greg Smith said Richey applied to become a police officer at age 19, which meant he was one of the youngest officers in the state at the time.
"Jon was not old enough to go into bars, even if he got called on a bar fight. He wasn't old enough legally to go in. He wasn't old enough to buy a handgun or ammunition," Smith said, reading Richey's obituary.
After serving with the West Jordan Police Department, Richey moved to the Salt Lake City Police Department, where he served in numerous capacities and was eventually named a sergeant in the K-9 unit in 2003, Smith said. Richey also worked as an investigator working in the burglary, homicide and narcotics units.
In 2007, Richey retired from the Salt Lake Police Department and joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, which later became the Unified Police Department.
Smith, who knew Richey more than 20 years, said he had a knack for bringing together people of diverse backgrounds and could "make them feel at home. He (made) them feel loved. He (made) them feel valuable. He (made) them feel interesting."
Many people knew Richey as an accomplished and decorated officer. He won international K-9 competitions in Germany and Canada, and he received numerous work-related citations and dozens of letters of commendation.
For Smith, Richey was a friend who saw him through "a divorce I didn't want," the death of his son in 2010 and other difficult times in his life.
"Jon was there. When I didn't know what to do in my life, Jon was there," he said.
Addressing the incident that claimed Barney's life, Smith said Richey "ran toward the gunfire." His devotion to duty, fellow officers and community "almost cost him his life."
Barney's son, Jack, was one of Richey's honorary pallbearers.
The funeral service, attended by hundreds of officers, family, friends and community members provided a glimpse into Richey's expertise as a dog trainer and handler. There were several K-9 officers and their canine partners in attendance.
Salt Lake City officer Cale Lennberg said training police dogs was "a religion" for Richey, who researched everything he could about it.
The cover of Richey's funeral program depicted Richey and one of his canine partners, Molly. At times, the sound of dogs barking cut into the solemnity of the service, which was likely a fitting tribute to Richey.
"Jon was a consummate professional at everything he did, but he always had an element of humor," said Unified Sgt. Chad Reyes, of the department's K-9 unit.
Reyes said he learned a great deal about handling and training dogs from Richey, but he also understood he has only scratched the surface compared to Richey's vast knowledge.
"I'm going to miss Jon, his instruction and the influence he had on my life. Most of all, I'm going to miss his friendship."
