Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I gave my dissertation on the incident before Graduation at the WV State Police Academy in 1988. This is a case where the State of West Virginia should have brought back the Death Penalty.

Sgt. Harold Smith (Ret.)
Faulkner County Sheriff's Department

January 26, 2024

I was working the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department Communications the night you were gunned down and murdered. IT was the longest night I spent in my 16yrs. of dispatch. I did what I could to assist your Communications and also called out every uniformed unit that was on my roster to assist in the manhunt. LT you will always be on the minds of every unit of both department and others that knew you from around the Country. LT. Delbert Roush Thank you for your years of service

Communications Dispatcher Jim Brown
Kanawha County Sherifff's Dept.

January 28, 2020

Lt. Roush rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2019

I was serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office when Lt. Roush was murdered. I will never forget that night. When I arrived at the scene he had already been transported to the hospital. Our Department stayed out and assisted CPD until the suspect was apprehended. I think about Lt Roush and Officer Duncan all the time. They were certainly two heroes

G D Pauley (former Kanawha County Deput
Kanawha County Sheriffs Office

June 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 26, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 30, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Roush. Your service and sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank you for your service to the citizens of West Virginia.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 12, 2012

As I was paying respects to the latest Fallen LEOs I wanted to stop and again pay respects to Lt. Roush. You were a good and longtime friend of our family. You were always a good and kind and fair Lt. to me and we. We, in my household, will remember you always and mourned your passing. Rest well my Brother, you ARE still loved and Remembered!

former dispatcher, Pamela West-Klemp
former, Charleston PD, Charleston, WV

December 12, 2011

Lt Roush served first with my father, Sgt Richard C West, and later with me. I was a 911 Communications Dispatcher in the early 70s. My Mother called and told me the news of Lt Roush's end of watch but I didn't know of his memorial page until joining the PoliceLink family online. My orayers go out to Lt Roush's family, his friends, and his beloved department. Lt Roush was always very kind to me and it was very sad to hear of his death. RIP Lt Roush, I will not forget you and will always remember you fondly.

Pamela West
former 911 Dispatcher, CPD, Charleston, WV

February 10, 2009

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 2, 2008

On this day, 26 years ago, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am sure your family felt horrible sorrow in your untimely murder as well as terrific pride in your job as a Police Officer. Thank you for bravely and proudly serving your community. You will always be a hero who will NEVER be forgotten!

Retired Sergeant
AR

June 26, 2007

You were taken from your family and friends in a senseless way along with my brother. This reflection is to let you know that you both were real Heros that night and you will never be forgotten.

Nancy McClure, Eddie Ray Duncan's sister

August 21, 2006

This Monday will be the 25th anniversary of the deaths of Lieutent Delbert Roush Sr. and Patrolman Eddie Ray Duncan. Both were working a routine traffic stop at the time of their deaths. Two of Lieutenant Roush's grandson's, Delbert J. Roush III and James Roush II, became police officers. On Monday his grandson's plan to be at a service, where they will place a wreath on a memorial and say a prayer for their grandfather and Duncan. We citizens of Charleston WV are so proud of them and will never forget.

Larry In WV
Citizen

June 23, 2006

We had many laughs and enjoyable times as we served together at CPD. I especially rememeber you being the first one on the scene one night when I had to put out an "Officer Needs Help" call. You were a Sgt. then and I still vividly recall seeing the Sgt. patches on your sleeve as you aproached to help me subdue several violent combatants. We had many talks about the Lord, life and the Bible after I became the Dept. Chaplain, and little did I know that I would one day help to officiate your funeral with the honor guard. You were present on the night I made my committment to the police chaplain ministry at our FOP lodge. You read from the Bible that night, - "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Your faith has now become sight! You are now in the Lord's midst! I trust and pray that God's peace, loving care and encouragement remain with each family member, friend and fellow comrade in blue!

Chief / Chaplain Jack Rinchich
UC Dept. of Safety & Security
Nat. Chaplain, Nat. Assoc. of Chiefs of Police
2006

Cpl/Chaplain
Former Chas.PD Officer & Chaplain

May 19, 2006

I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD WHEN YOUR LIFE WAS TAKEN, AND OVER THE YEARS I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP A PIECE OF THAT NIGHT IN MY MIND WHILE I WAS ON PATROL. I HOPE YOU ARE PROUD OF THE OFFICER I HAVE BECOME. YOU WERE A GREAT GRANDFATHER AND I WISH I HAD GOT TO KNOW YOU BETTER.
WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS
YOUR GRANDSON

DEPUTY DELBERT ROUSH III
KANAWHA COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

December 4, 2005

Delbert,

I was just 14 when you were taken but it was my first memory of a police officer giving his life. My dad knew several officers in Charleston and with the WVSP and you would have been so proud of how your brother officers worked to catch the man who took your life. They didn't forget and I won't forget your sacrifice either. When I get home to Charleston and drive under that bridge and see the memorial plaque I always say a prayer for you. Stand easy bro. You will never be forgotten.

Rob Conley
Metro Nashville Police Department

August 2, 2004

Lt. Roush's service and sacrifice had already come and gone by the time I joined Charleston PD; However, I honor his life, and dedication to our community. My heart goes out to those who had to suffer the loss of not having him in their life anymore.

Sergeant Don Peal
Charleston

June 11, 2004

06/08/04

It is my honor to be the first to leave a reflection to your memory. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. Rest in peace Lt. Roush.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 8, 2004