Officer Down Memorial Page

My son was attending Virginia Tech when this tragedy happened. It was a terrible day for the university and the surrounding community. Thank you brother for being there to protect my family. Rest in peace brother. You will not be forgotten.

Officer David Akers
Wilton Manors (FL) Police Department
December 12, 2012

So sad my fallen brother. We were honored to participate in your funeral. You will not be missed.

Captain Gary Ladin
Richmond Police Department
Honor Guard Commander
December 8, 2012

It seems like yesterday day Sir, when I heard the news all over the radio. It's been a year and it's still fresh in my head. You were a Hero Sir and thank you for your service watching over the campus keeping it safe for the young adults. RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
December 8, 2012

R.I.P Brother We will never forget!!!

Sgt. Robert Thomas
McDaniel College Police
October 3, 2012

To the Crouse family,

Unfortunately, I cannot say that I had the honor of meeting Deriek, but after having read his story, I can say that I know enough about him to know that he was a great man that put others ahead of him, regardless of what that may cost. Not only did he protect our freedom when serving in the Army, but he continued to give to this nation by serving as a law enforcement officer. Although I do not know him personally, I will never forget him or his story. On behalf of my Criminal Justice class at the University of Phoenix, thank you for all that you have done for our great country, Deriek. Rest in peace. You were taken too soon…

Mike Strickland
University of Phoenix Student
September 8, 2012

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the citizens of your community...

Lt. Ron Bayne
Scottsdale Police Department
September 7, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now, you will not be forgotten

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 23, 2012

RIP thank you for your service.

Officer C. Jones
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office
February 11, 2012

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Crouse. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Deriek he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Deriek's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Deriek's life was about so much more than the way he died. Deriek will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Crouse, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been nine years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
February 2, 2012

Officer Crouse, you put your life on the line to protect our country and then our community. For your ultimate sacrifice we are solemnly grateful. Your family is in our minds, our hearts, our prayers.

Ron Oliver
Hokie '94
January 30, 2012

Officer Crouse, Crouse family and VTPD: Your ultimate sacrifice to protect our VT students and VA community will never be forgotten. I will be riding my bicycle in your honor on the Police Unity Tour, May 10-12, 2012, with the Virginia Chapter IV.
God Bless,
PUT Rider Kevin Whalen

Senior Special Agent Kevin Whalen
U.S. Treasury - FinCEN
January 17, 2012

Officer Crouse,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO, but also for our Country as well when you served with the USAR in Iraq as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP
December 30, 2011

What is the world coming to when an honest man trying to make a positive change on the lives of folks is ambushed while doing his job. This world is full of sick people. My condolences to you and your family... RIP Brother of the shield.

SPO R Moore
Pinehurst PD
December 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for your service to Virginia Tech and the greater higher education community. We will continue to pray for you, your family and Hokie Nation. God Bless.

Scott Burnotes, Director
University of Miami-Office of Emergency Management
December 28, 2011

Thank you for serving our community. You took the job as an officer knowing the dangers but you put your life on the line every day for our community, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and Montgomery County. Thank you, you will never be forgotten by anyone here.

We pray for you and your family, wife, children, parents, everyone who loved you. You made the ultimate sacrifice protecting us. Rest in peace Deriek.

Kelsey, Linda, Brian, and Vick family
Blacksburg citizens and VT faculty
December 21, 2011

Officer Crouse -
Thank you for your bravery and courage. You are an inspiration.

Lesha Gardner, Detective's daughter
Criminal Justice Grad Student, Appleton, WI
December 19, 2011

To the family and friends of Officer Deriek Crouse, his fellow officers, and most especially to Officer Crouse:

We honor your service to your community as a police officer and to your country as a veteran and you will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Deriek was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To Deriek's family, you are in my heart's embrace today.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Deriek gave to his community and the citizens of Virginia, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 8, 2011.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 19, 2011

Your Family is in our prayers. Thank you for your service.

Retired Sgt.James C. Powell
Norfolk Police Dept.
December 19, 2011

May you rest in peace Officer Crouse. Thank you for your service and commitment to Virginia Tech and to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends and with the VT community, I am so sorry for their loss. You will not be forgotten. God bless.

Lisa Rookard
Hokie Parent
December 17, 2011

Deriek you will be missed. RIP and may God bless and keep your family.

Off. Candice Johnson
New River Valley Regional Jail
December 16, 2011

Not only has VTPD lost a great officer, but Hokie Nation has lost a friend. We as a Virginia Tech community will forever be indebted to you for your service and sacrifice. May God bless you and your family. I cannot say "thank you" enough.

Anjelica Smith
Virginia Tech student
December 15, 2011

Deriek,
Thank you for your service to the community! Your service is unmatched and will never be forgotten by anyone. You truely lived by the motto.. UT Prosim.. that I may serve. You will be missed and loved by many! My thoughts, prayers, and heart go out to your family and the VTPD and they have lost a son, brother, husband, father, and friend! Please continue to patrol the streets up in heaven and continue to watch over us all! None of us will truely know what your family is going through. We all lover you and will NEVER forget you!!

Heros live FOREVER.. "Greater hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend" -John 15:13 "Heros live forever, but legends never die"

Rest In Peace Officer Crouse

Taylor Hauschildt
Daughter of a Blacksburg, VA, Lieutenant
December 15, 2011

Deriek was never without a smile.
He was a true Hero!....A dedicated Officer, loving husband, father and great friend. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
His service was poignantly touching and beautify. I am so thankful I was able to attend.
Deriek will always be watching over you and your children. I wish I could take some of your pain and sorrow away. May God be with you all!

Mary Cassity RN
Friend of Officer Crouse
December 15, 2011

Deriek, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did while serving your country and the VT community. You will truly be remembered as a hero.

Kenny Jarels
Virginia Tech
December 14, 2011

Mr. Crouse helped me get the keys out of my locked car very early one morning. I had helped my sisters move into their dorm the day before and didn't realize I locked my keys in my car. Although he was busy with incoming student traffic he helped me for 2 hours until he finally got it unlocked. I'm very thankful for officer Crouse, he was a tremendous help just like I know he was to the rest of his team and his family. RIP officer Crouse, you are greatly appreciated.

Brooke Sayre
December 14, 2011