Greenfield-Central High School Class of 1993
“We are nominating Richard Silcox Jr. because of his commitment to his community.” With that statement, Richard’s family summed up the driving force behind the many accomplishments and contributions he has made through his service as a member of the Indiana State Police (ISP) and as a husband, father, neighbor, and friend. His willingness to put others’ needs before his own has been demonstrated in myriad ways throughout his life since graduating from Greenfield-Central High School in 1993.
Richard studied criminal law at both Indiana State University and IUPUI in Indianapolis because he knew, “I wanted a career that served a cause bigger than any one of us.” He entered the Indiana State Police Academy in January 1999, graduating six months later. He noted that the ISP academy prides itself on academics, and those academics would be difficult to pass without a solid education and upbringing. Richard adds, “Looking back at my graduation from the ISP Academy, I credit my teachers and coaches who challenged and taught me the importance of education and hard work.”
Richard began his service with the Indiana State Police in Connersville patrolling the eastern and southeastern part of Indiana. He was a ISP Trooper there for seven years before he jumped at the opportunity to return to his hometown community of Greenfield. While in Henry County he led the department multiple years in drunk driver arrests. He received the Crimestoppers Award in 2001-2004 and both the Crimestoppers Award and the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Award in 2006.
In 2006, Richard’s role changed from patrolling roadways to a tactical position when he joined the SWAT team. In 2018 he earned the rank of Sergeant and was promoted again in 2021 to Lieutenant. During his career, Richard has served the state police as a field training officer; on the mobile field force; control tactics instructor; underwater search and rescue team diver, tactical flight officer; strategic planner; and S.W.A.T. officer. He currently serves as the SWAT Commander in the ISP’s Special Operations Division where he oversees tactical operations for the S.W.A.T., SCUBA, Tactical K-9 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
Richard, as part of the Planning Division for Special Operations, was placed in charge of the Indiana National Stockpile (the Strategic National Stockpile contains large quantities of medical supplies such as pharmaceuticals to be used in the case of a public health emergency). In this role he coordinated the distribution of Personal Protection Equipment while working with the Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana DOT, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The ISP bestowed on Richard its Commendation Award for his work on the National Stockpile in 2021.
The Indiana State Police Department has also honored Richard with the Life Award in 2006, the Silver Star in 2008 and 2021, the Commendation Award in 2021, and the Lifesaving Award in 2022.
The Indianapolis Star and WTHR have both written stories which highlighted the response and investigation work of Richard at different points of his career. In one a kidnapped boy was rescued and reunited with his father. In the other, the life of a man who was accidentally caught in the crossfire of a shootout was saved by Richard and his brother, Brian, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer, who also happened to be on the scene. That man was quoted as saying, “I owe them my life, there’s no doubt about it. Given a second chance has just been amazing. My wife and son and I, we couldn’t repay them enough.”
States Richard, “My Indiana State Police career has sent me all over the United States from serving in Mississippi during hurricane Katrina to protecting the President of the United States. Throughout my 24-year career, I have humbly been put in multiple situations where I was able to positively affect people’s lives. I am grateful and blessed to have been a part of that.”
Throughout his life Richard has given back to youth. He emphasized, “I always enjoy coming back to our community to speak with the youth about the importance of education and service.” Richard has coached youth at the Henry County Youth League for at-risk kids, the Knightstown Optimist softball league, and the St. Michael Catholic School basketball team. He has been a part of the Special Olympics ISP team. He is a member of the St. Michael parish council and co-founder of the St Michael Church Safety Committee. He’s also been scorekeeper for his daughters’ basketball games.
Reflecting on his formative years from childhood to young adult, Richard recognizes how important his schooling at Greenfield-Central was in preparation for adulthood. Says Richard, “As young adults, you don’t really understand the impact that teachers and coaches have on you. As an adult, you do. I can remember my English teacher Mr. Potter asking me to stay after class to go over a test and talking about football. I know he did this because he cared.” He says that Mr. Fox made him get a haircut and wear a belt as a subtle way to teach him professionalism and paying attention to detail. “In my career, paying attention to detail is crucial to saving lives. I thank Mr. Fox for that.” Mr. McBride and Mr. Watkins had a huge impact on Richard and his brother in middle school. They often demonstrated their concern and care for their student and the Silcox brothers.
“Greenfield-Central has, no doubt, prepared me for life through my education and through providing me life skills. I credit the leadership, teachers, and coaches that focus on the cause that is much greater than any one of us,” concludes Richard.
Richard and his wife, Kelli (also a G-C graduate), have three daughters: Grace, Lauren, and Elizabeth. Two daughters are Greenfield-Central High School graduates and the third has just begun her high school journey there. As Richard’s story, memories, and successes – along with his other family members’ – inspire and shape others, he can be proud of the Silcox legacy.
Congratulations Richard for your service and commitment to help others.