Trooper Richard F. Champy, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire

Trooper Richard F. Champy

New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire

End of Watch Friday, February 3, 1978

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Richard F. Champy

Trooper Richard Champy suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a hit-and-run suspect.

He initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 89 in Lebanon after receiving a report of a vehicle running another vehicle off the road and not stopping. During the stop, Trooper Champy and another trooper struggled with the driver and passenger. During the altercation, Trooper Champy collapsed. He was unable to be resuscitated and died at a New London Hospital.

The driver pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated, was sentenced to 30 days plus a $500 fine, and was fined $100 for failing to stop after an accident. The passenger was found guilty of resisting arrest and intoxication and was sentenced to 30 days and fined $220 for resisting arrest and $27.50 for intoxication. He was found innocent of assaulting Trooper Champy.

Trooper Champy was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and had served with the New Hampshire State Police for eight years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and brother.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack

hit-and-run, Impaired Driver, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Trooper Champy,
On today, the 47th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 3, 2025