Mike Ridgell

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.

After working as the Director of Operations for Special Response Corporation, Mike most recently served as a senior security officer for HBC Management Services, posted guarding the Headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard. He was performing critical security duties in defense of that facility at the time he laid down his life.

Although he excelled throughout his career, even more than for his exemplary service and leadership, or even for his unmistakable pride in country, Mike would want to be remembered for his unfailing devotion to his three daughters, to his family, and for his genuine compassion for people. The impact of his warmth was far-reaching, and his memory resonating. He will be sorely missed.

Mike is survived by daughters Megan and Madison Ridgell, and their mother, Tracey Lyons Ridgell, of Westminster, MD; daughter Heather Ridgell Hunt and husband Justin, of Martinsburg, WV; her mother, Linda Feather Grove, of Middletown, MD; his parents, Shirley and Dick Ridgell, and grandmother, Juanita Ware, of Lewes, DE; and brother, Todd Ridgell, of Brooklyn Park, MD.