Bryan Scott Rickards

Bryan Scott Rickards, of Warrington, passed away on August 6, 2018 at the age of 48 after battling ALS for nearly 2 years. Bryan is survived by his beloved wife Cynthia (nee Chiarella); his loving children Gavin, Emily, and Abigail; his sister Jacqueline Pomper, his in-laws Eugene and Linda Chiarella; sister-in-law Angela Weeks (Mark); brother-in-law Joseph Chiarella (Cammie); nieces Trudy Pomper and Romy Chiarella; nephews Mason Weeks, Adam Weeks, and Luke Pomper; and many friends. Bryan is predeceased by his mother Kathleen Zema (nee Diringer). Bryan was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. During his years with the Coast Guard, Bryan served as a medic and a rescue crewman. Four years after he was honorably discharged from active duty, Bryan joined the Abington Township Police Department, where he served for 21 years. In November 2006 Officer Rickards was assigned to the K-9 Unit, where he served honorably until 2016. In this capacity, Bryan trained with the New Jersey State Police and received certifications in PD1 Patrol, Narcotics Detection, and K-9 SWAT operator. Officer Rickards also served as a Field Training Officer, DARE officer, Emergency Vehicles Operation Instructor, a member of the Honor Guard, the county Major Incident Response Team and a member of Montgomery County Narcotics Task Force. Over the course of his career, Officer Rickards has been recognized with numerous commendations for valor and going beyond the call of duty. He also has been recognized for his commitment to his community and the Department, having had nearly 17 consecutive years of service without a sick day. In fact, Bryan continued to work during the early stage of this horrible disease. Bryan was a devoted father, and above all, loved spending time with his children. Bryan was a licensed pilot, enjoyed woodworking, scuba diving, and working around his house and rebuilding cars. Bryan was the life of the party and was sure to make you laugh. While we are all sad that he left us way too early, he has been an inspiration to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He left this world a better place. Relatives and friends are invited to share in Bryan's Life Celebration Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 6:00PM- 9:00PM at John F. Givnish Life Celebration Home 10975 Academy Rd. Phila, PA 19154. Bryan's Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 11:00AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940. Interment Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Bryan's name to the ATPA Ofc. Bryan Rickards Memorial Fund, PO Box 211, Abington, PA 19001. All donations will be used to fund his children's education and support other families struggling with ALS. Family service by Craft/Givnish of Abington. 1-800-GIVNISH