Det. Claude Richards

Fallen at the World Trade Center
September 11, 2001

Detective Claude D. Richards. 46, was appointed to the NYPD on January 3. 1983, and began his career on patrol in Neighborhood Stabilization Unit 14.

Known as "Dan," he was a veteran of the United States Army where he was an Airborne Ranger, as well as a member of the elite Presidential Honor Guard.

Prior to being assigned to the Bomb Squad in October 1991, he served in the 6 Precinct and the Arson and Explosion Squad. He was promoted to detective in July 1989 and elevated to second grade detective in December 2000. In 1993, he assisted in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center bombing. A graduate of New York University, Det. Richards also served as a volunteer with the International Police Task Force in Bosnia for one year. His job was to offer the United States assistance in disarming land mines throughout the country.

He is survived by his sisters Debbie, Helen and Linda; and brothers Jim and Tom.