Sergeant Jimmie Hugh Rutledge

49 years ago today my dad went to work and never came home. I was so proud of my dad and wanted nothing more than to be like him and become a police officer. My world crashed down upon me and the best dad in the world was gone. If not for the strength and guidance of my mom, I would not have made it through. This event changed everything in my life’s trajectory and caused a wound that my family has dealt with ever since. I think of my dad every day and every time I see a cop and finally the pain has diminished to the point that I can remember the great times I had with him and not the searing pain of never seeing him again my whole life. I am 63 now and have lived over a decade longer then my father was given and often wonder after giving so much of himself to his country, WWII and KOREA, then coming home and serving the public as a Police Officer what a horrible way to end an amazing man’s life and could never understand and will never forget the little 4 year old girl whose life was taken in the same event. I will carry your name with pride and speak of you often so as to keep your memory alive. My end will come at some point with no fear or complaints as I know I will see you again and we will spend eternity together. Miss you terribly but Always have and always will love you and remember what a great DAD you were. RIP DAD, Jim.

EBRPD Park Ranger Jim Rutledge. Proud son of officer Jimmie H Rutledge. End of watch 6/16/73

June 16, 2022