Patrick Allen "Smiley" Richards, 61, of Hughesville, MD, formerly of Brandywine, MD passed away on March 2, 2013 in Waldorf, MD. He was born on September 25, 1951 in Bethesda, MD to Edna (McCracken) and John Francis "Sam" Richards of St. Inigoes, MD.

Pat devoted more than 35 years to his law enforcement career. He served ten years at the Prince George's County Sheriff's Department, before moving to the Prince George's County Police Department. During his tenure as commander of the training academy, he implemented non-lethal techniques for detaining suspects; the community lauded his work as a means of minimizing use of force by the department. He retired as a Major from the department in 2001. For the last ten years, Pat worked for the Department of State, Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance. He was an experienced firearms enthusiast, and enjoyed fitness, history, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Patrick is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Petria Lynn Richards of Hughesville, MD; daughter and son-in-law, Kelli Lynn Horn and Carl William Horn, II of Chesapeake Beach, MD; son, Kyle Stuart Richards of California, MD; mother and father in-law, Norman B. Walker and Patricia Walker; and his grandchildren, Ryan Alexandra Horn and Carl William "Liam" Horn, III.

Family and friends will be received for Patrick's Memorial Life Celebration Gathering on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. There will be a Memorial Service beginning at 5:00 PM, here at the funeral home. Rev. Martha Bonwitt will officiate.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093 (or) Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ATTN: Donor Services, PO BOX 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.