Richard K. Day, 63, of Salt Springs, FL left us on Friday, July 2, 2021 after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Rick is survived by his brother Greg Day and Sister-In-Law Kim Day (Punta Gorda, FL). Rick’s mother, Dorothy Carruth, was born and raised in rural Liberty, Mississippi where Rick was born in 1957. His father, Alexander Day, was a prominent businessman who conducted our nation’s business overseas.
The Day family moved to Ocean City, MD where Rick quickly took to the water naturally. Summertime lifeguard work as a student led to firefighter duties before settling into police work in MD.
Not long afterwards, Rick went to work for the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) where he progressed from Patrol Deputy to Motorman to Marine Unit assignments. He became a recognized subject matter expert on police diving with his PBSO work as well.
Later, Rick was selected for a federal position with the Border Patrol in New Mexico. In the 90’s, the US Custom Service (USCS) was taking note of Rick’s maritime enforcement abilities during his previous patrol duties while working with Operation Blue Lightning and hired him.
Rick became a Marine Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) working with other detailed and permanent staff to conduct the Marine Law Enforcement Training Program (MLETP) and other maritime training programs.
Rick finished out his career with various federal assignments including National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for an assignment in Bellingham Washington and a supervisory position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency. His legacy USCS agency had been reorganized by the newly formed Department of Homeland Service (DHS) following the 9-11 attacks. DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brought him aboard where he could resume instructor duties at the MTB. Upon federal retirement Rick took on duties as a Process Server for Flagler County until his second retirement from the state of Florida.
During his career, Rick had countless honors and distinctions. Rick was also a part time actor, professional pirate entertainer, drum major for the Coastal Pipe and Drum Band and, most of all, a loyal and genuine friend to the many privileged to know him.
Those closest to Rick knew him to be larger than life itself. He was a big man, but his heart was even bigger. He leaves behind a legacy of good times, great memories and a world that will forever miss his booming voice, caring heart, sage advice and outsized sense of humor.
Fair Seas and Following Winds Captain Rick. You are forever in our hearts.