Deputy Sheriff Joshua Thomas Rutherford

Deputy Rutherford, I'm sorry for what happened to you that day 22 years ago, as it should've never happened, and that the man that killed you was a coward. You dont even have to read this entire case to know that, since he never gave you an opportunity to fight back as he unfortunately stole your weapon, the one that would've put him down, not to mention he tried to take your partner out but failed, which was a good thing as 2 officers would've lost their lives that day had he shifted his focus on your partner. But honestly, I strongly believe that no officer had to die that day, as the man who took your life was overall a bad person and needed to be put down ages ago. But rest assured, he was permanently and definitely sealed away from society, as he was given the max sentence, it being over 100 years. Though i think it should've been different, we all know he will face karma and judgment day for his actions, as harming a police officer and taking their lives comes with a penalty, as he took away one of God's soldiers on earth. It isn't hard to tell that the man who took your life was pure evil, and he was a vile creature that's sole purpose was to cause chaos and death to the Residents of Montana and Blaine County. What's worse is that he didn't just kill a policeman, but he took away a Husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a man who was dedicated to his community and the people he cared for. Though i never personally met you or knew you, I can tell you really were a hero in the eyes of others, and you were somebody who could change their perspective towards police, considering there are some corrupt police that unfortunately exist. But with officers like you that really do their job and demonstrate what it means to protect and serve, it can change the way people view police with the selfless nature and kindness you showed to others. And despite you only having 4 years only on the job, it goes to show that you spent 4 years protecting others and putting their safety over your own, which tells alot by your character and is a fraction of who you were as a man and officer. Also, I'd like to point out i knew about you by seeing your mother leave reflections on other officers, meaning that with her doing that, people like me will find out about you and learn your story as your legacy will never fade away. Overall, I believe your mother is an amazing person despite me not knowing her, but it's good to know she's passionate about keeping her son's memory alive, which means that more people will help keep your memory alive, and on top of that, your children will live for you and keep you in their hearts. It is a shame they were forced to grow up without a father, but I'd like to believe that they're keeping your legacy alive, and since it's been well over 20 years, im sure they've grown up to be great adults and they're doing good for themselves, as i kindly believe that you'd be proud with them and what they're doing in life, and you're watching over them in Heaven. From what I read, i read that you were an expert marksman, meaning you definitely knew your stuff and helped teach others, as you were a mentor to others who needed it, as you showed and demonstrated what it meant to protect and serve the public. I read you were also a school resource officer, meaning you didn't just teach the community, but you also taught the youth, which goes to show you really did care for the future of children and how your service and character inspired others to be more like you, as your impact is still felt even today as your story is still told by those who learn about you. There is alot of things I could talk about regarding the man who took your life, but one thing I will say is that one day Karma will reach him. Karma is something that exists, and although it's been awhile since you were unfortunately ripped away, I know that one day he will stand before his God when judgement day comes, but although I don't wish death on him, I know one day his time will come and he will face his punishment for what he's done. But honestly, it doesn't change the fact that it should've never happened, as it led down to a downward spiral of nothing but despair. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that no matter what happens, you will never be forgotten. I believe that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that your children will carry your legacy, and know that their father was a hero who put his life on the line each day, and made sure that the public could go home at night feeling guarded with officers like you driving around the streets. I believe that you're a guardian angel for your family and friends, as you guide them throughout life in spirit, and make sure that no evil will reach them, as just like you did during your time alive, you made sure that no evil could reach the public as you were the one to step on evil, and put it down by force, to further prevent it from reaching others. Rest Well Mr Rutherford.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

July 19, 2025