Officer Steven Rutherford Newport News Police Department Virginia Wednesday, January 12, 1994  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I was a delivery driver, working the night that Officer Rutherford came in to our Chanellos to help us. I currently live in Seattle, WA. I have thought of Officer Rutherford occasionally over the years, but the murder of a Seattle officer on Halloween night by a complete coward, like the ones that killed Officer Rutherford has me thinking of him again. Bless the Rutherford family, and the family of Officer Brenton of the Seattle Police Department.

Ryan Hooper
Former Chanellos Driver in Newport News
2009-11-06

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

2009-11-05

I honor you Steve, your name, your service and your memory. I am, and always have been unusually bitter about your murder, because of the "plan" that was thrown together, and scripted for you and your partner, in that undercover . . . deal. I think about you and this situation constantly, and it will "dog me" until the day I die. You are a genuine warrior, so honorable. I only gave some . . . you gave all. It's a bit ironic how I came to write this. Today is the 36th year anniversary of the murder of a wonderful Richmond, VA Police Officer, with whom I graduated from the police academy. His name was Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. He was a young and promising officer, like you. I was looking at our class graduation picture, and saw yet another "officer" who was in the class, and consequently, in the picture . . . Jay Carey. I started think about you, and wanted to find your memorial again. I wanted to write and let you know how sorry I am that you were put in that situation, and how much I honor you. I wish I could have been with you. You protected all of us. Thank you Steve. With brotherly love and utmost respect,

Jim Crotty, President, Strategies for Officer Survival &
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

Mrs. Rutherford, I respect you beyond description for your efforts on your husband's behalf, after his murder. If you read this, please email me at Jimsfamilyblue@aol.com. God bless you Ma'am.

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
2009-08-01

Hey Uncle Steve...i miss u and i love u and i think bout u everyday. I plan on following in your footsteps and being just like you. Mom says i do alot and act alot like you do and that always brings a smile to my face. anywayz RIP and just know you are not and never will be forggotten. WE LOVE U!

Nicole Moore
Niece
2008-06-19

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2008-04-03

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-01-03

Steve will always be remembered. Your last partner and I spent many hours reflecting on your life and your death. And in the end we know you will still live because of the life you lived.

Ret. MPO L.J. Robinson
Newport News P.D.
2005-11-16

Steven:
For 3 yrs now I have represented NNPD as a rider in the Police Unity Tour. I ride my bicycle 250+ miles in 2 & a half days. Every year I see your Mom & Dad at our stop along the way at Carrollton. You are very much missed my friend. Though you & I never met, I know who you are because I can see you in your parents eyes. I only see her for about 10 minutes every year, but I tell your mom I love her, and I mean it from my heart. As a parent myself, I know mom needs to hear it. I pray you are at Peace my friend...

Officer Rick Davis
NNPD
2005-05-18

It was great working with you Steve when I was working for the Newport News Police Department. I gained lots of interest in law enforcement along with many friends while working at NNPD and of course you were one of the FRIENDS. Thanks for all that you did to bring joy and smiles to our faces. No matter how many years has passed, I will always remember you. Rest in peace and I know we shall see one another again.

Joan Jones Forensic Unit Supervisor
Suffolk Police Department
2005-03-24

Thank you for serving the citizens of Virginia. May God continue to bless your family and friends.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., Va.
2005-01-11

On the anniversary of your death, may God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

2005-01-11

Ten years and your memory lives on.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police
2005-01-11

Gone, but never forgotten. We will not forget your sacrifice or friendship.

Sgt Jeff Duckworth
Newport News Police Department
2004-07-07

Steven, though I never met you while you were here, I often had to work the apartment complex as a Special Police Officer in security after you gave your life. To this day I still say a prayer for you there. God bless you for your dedication, devotion, and sacrifice. Your city, and your colleagues, will never forget you.

Auxiliary Deputy David Lyons
Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office
2004-02-17

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, January 11, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Officer Steven Rutherford who died in the line of duty on this date ten years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Rutherford's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
2004-01-11

Officers of the Newport News Police Dept. never forget their own no matter how much time has past. Rest in peace and we thank you for serving your city and paying the ultimate price for our freedom.

Officer M. A Cooper
Newport News Police Dept.

Steve it is still hard to nkow that you are no longer with us. In the years prior to you becominh a fultime officer you had served as a aux officer. At that time I was a fellow Newport News Officer and we were always partnered together. at the time you were depating two seperate careers. As the time we spent together the true love of the job got into your blood. You asked and I I told you to follow your heart and you did. Your first career choice offerd alot of financial incentive but you told me it did not give you the satisfaction in knowing that you made a differnence. I respected that abd encouraged you to pursue the police career. It came with some personal sacrifice and you turned to me for a place to live while you completed the academy and reflect on your choice in life. Ia'm sorry that I now pursuaded you to pursue the police or maybe you would still be here my friend. But nothing take the pride that I have in you for following your heart and the pride I took in having you as a friend. May God bless you soul and the citizens understand that a true man gave his life for his love of his fellow man.

Chuck Johnston
NOne

I will never forget you.
We went through the academy together and started on the force together.
You were one of the finest men I have ever met.
Always doing the right thing, everytime...
I left the force long before you signed off, but I am now getting back into law enforcement.
One of the requirements of the class was to visit this site.
This is where I found that a part of me had left and I didn't even know it.
It's hard to see all of our brothers and sisters listed here.
May God watch over you My Friend

I will never forget you!

Edward Burritt