Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Forgot to say to you Frankie, that I remember you telling me that night we met on N. Main, that you had always wanted to be in law enforcement, after I asked you why you would leave a "safe" job, making good money. Now, I understand, that you truly loved helping people, and protecting those in need. You ARE A HERO! Go rest Deputy, and know that all of your fellow law enforcers look up to you, and I shall forever hold you in highest regards, and example! God bless you fallen comrade, and we love you, and you will NEVER be forgotten, but missed greatly!

patrolman C.R. Tillman
Danville PD

MY CONDOLENCES TO MARY AND THE CHILDREN. FRANKIE WILL BE MISSED SO MUCH, AND WAS ONE OF THE NICEST MEN I HAVE EVER MET. HE WOULD ALWAYS STOP TO MAKE CONVERSATION TO TALK ABOUT THE FAMILY, AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE. HE IS A HERO, AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS THE BETTERTON FAMILY, AND GIVE THEM THE STRENGTH TO GET PAST THIS TRAGEDY. GOD BLESS YOU, AND THE BETTERTON FAMILY.

DEPUTY M.P WYATT
DANVILLE SHERIFF'S OFFICE

My heart goes out to the Betterton family, friends, and co-workers. I did not know Frankie very well but I know he must have meant a lot to my husband. In the mist of all the confusion that Friday the only thing on Keith's mind was to get Frankie's killer. He put his job and his duty to Frankie before everything else and walked in that house alone. I can only thank God and Keith's "guardian angel" for watching over him to bring Frankie's killer to justice.
The deputies of Pittsylvania County are truly brothers and sisters and I salute you all. Frankie may you rest in peace and may your family find peace and comfort.

Cheryl Isom
Wife of Pitts. Co. Investigator Keith Isom- 18

As I set here and read all the out pouring of emotion and kindness is does my heart good. Frankie deserve it. I hope now that his death will not be in vain. Let all of us take this time to reflect on our own lives and fix what needs to be fixed, I sure plan to. I hope we all continue to strive to be the kind hearted and giving person Frankie was. I have a lot of admiration for his wife as well. they both give back as much as they received. I will never play ball again at Brosville church with out thanking of the man who gave time and money to make this dream come true for the church and all the ball players who use it. Me and frankie had a unique relationship, I was the butt of his jokes alot and loved every minute of it. Now Frankie could take a joke as well as dish it out, he proved that when my daughter got to put a pie in his face at a church event. Mary Frankie, Donna and Lauren, Your daddy and husband will always be with you in heart and sprit that is something no coward can ever take from you.
I love each of you and will do whatever is needed to help . love and Prayers

Lynn Strickland and Family

Lynn Strickland
sister in christ

I was young when i first meet Frank as he worked at Chathmos. I remember when he became a Deputy i was just getting my licence to drive and i remember my father telling me dont drive fast. Well one day i was doing wrong when frank caught me, he didnt get mad but he told me dont let him see it again.So i thought i got away from one but OH no frank did something worse then give me a ticket he told my dad. Well i seen frank at the Do-Drop about a week later and he seen me and said I bet u dont drive fast no more, I said no sir Im sure not. He said i thought me letting your father know about it was harder then writing u a ticket. Before I walked out of the store Frank put his hand on my shoulder talking to me about about some other things and i felt like I had been tourned by a speical man.Well now I know I was. My heart goes out to u Mary and kids. Im going to miss coming by the Vets office not seeing that brown patrol car setting there. But I bet we all still look over and think about Frank,how could we not. Mary you one of the best men on the face of the earth. To every one there will no more like Frank,he was one of a kind.

A young man Frank touched

God Bless Officer Betterton's family. Officer Betterton truly died as a hero of his neighborhood and badge. He will truly be missed here in the Pittsylvania County neighborhood.

William Ricketts
Resident of Pittsylvania County

Dear Lauren and Frankie, Jr.,
Having known both of you as an educator, I know what special children you are and that you come from a loving and Christian family. God will give you the strength to get through this tragedy. The outpouring of love and admiration for your father is a living testimony to all the good that he did in this world. Take comfort in that and remember that in the days to come only the good memories will be there to drown away the sorrow I know you feel now. You and your family remain in my heart and my prayers.

Nina Giles
Gifted Resource Teacher, Pittsylvania County Schools

Rest in peace my friend you are sorely missed . May the clouds provide you comfort as you rest ..

Firefighter Marc Leonard
Brosville Vol. Fire Dept.

He did his best, no matter what was asked.
His family, friends, job and church always came first.
His friends were many, they all speak of him fondly
Some feel such sorrow, they want to yell out and curse.
Life has many good memories, I hope you'll agree.
Never forget them, Keep them alive and brightly.
Officer Betterton, God Bless you, and your sacrifice
We mourn with your family, your children , your wife.

Our family did not know the Betterton family, but we acknowledge the sacrifice this Officer made for all of us to live safely in this county and feel their pain with them. God Bless the Betterton family and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Dept family of men and women who serve proudly.

To the Family, Coworkers and friends,
God has called another one of his children home. Sometime we ask the question "WHY", but I'm often reminded that God knows best. As we pray that God continues to comfort and protect you the family and friends, just remember Deputy Betterton is now resting in that sweet by and by.

My God also comfort the Community as they grieve the loss of Deputy Butterton.

Rest In Peace my Brother in Christ, Rest In Peace my fellow Law Enforcement Officer.

My God Bless and Keep us All!!

Officer First Class
Albemarle County Police Dept., VA

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Officer Betterton and to the Department. You are in our thoughts and prayers now and for the days to come. What a needless and senseless act toward a fine officer, husband and father.

Sgt. and Mrs. H. D. Hayden
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Dept., Ret.

I am very sorry for the recent death of Frankie. ALthough I did not know him well, I hear that he was a great man, with a great ideal of making Pittsyvannia County safe for all. There are only a select few who are as brave as him, to risk their lives in the line of duty, just to protect the innocent. My heart goes out to you in your time of pain.

Nicholas Harrelson
Friend of the family

All prayers for Frankie, Mary, and the kids, along with co-workers. Frankie, you were a great man, and wore your badge with honor, and did it justice. My brother Deputy Mark Davis introduced us, and I knew that you were a good man. Please rest now, for the Lord will take care of you. We will NEVER forget you, brother, but we will miss you!

Patrolman C.R. Tillman
Danville PD

Patrolman Chris Tillman
Danville PD

frankie betterton and his family were very good and loved family. his son was my sons best friend mary his wife we grew up close and frankie was a great friend we have spent a lot a time at his home. we always had a good time he was a great man well nver be forgotten but it is a shame and very sad for a man to lose his life protecting us. we love him i pray everday for every person that in in law enforcement they are all great people to chance their lives to protect th people. i salute you all kaye bateman

My brother in blue, may God bless you. You will not be forgotten.

Officer W.W.Clark
Lynchburg Police Department

FRANKIE, WHERE DO I START, I MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY BUT I KNOW YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE THAN ANY OF US. YOU HAD A WAY ABOUT YOU, THE WAY YOU WALKED, TALKED, LAUGHED AND CARRIED YOURSELF. I WILL MISS THE LUNCHES AT "REUBENS" AND THE WAY IT SEEMED YOU AND I FOLLOWED EACH OTHER AROUND LOOKING FOR THE NEXT PLACE TO EAT. I WILL TRULY MISS HEARING YOUR VOICE ON THE RADIO....64oooooorrrr CECOM. TO FRANKIES WIFE AND CHILDREN, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. YOU ALL HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF KNOWING AND LOVING ONE OF THE BEST MEN GOD EVER ALLOWED TO COME TO EARTH. THE WORLDS LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN. FRANKIE YOUR SPIRIT WILL BE WITH US FOREVER

DEPUTY ROBERT WILLIAMS
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

I had the pleasure of meeting Deputy Betterton on a few occasions while working at his wife's animal clinic. And I'm certain you'll never meet a nicer or more warm-hearted man than he was. My heart goes out to Dr. Betterton, Lauren, and Frankie Jr. You all were a great, loving family that never deserved any of this. Hang on, and be strong.

Bryan Turner

Bryan Turner
Pittsylvania County Resident

Frankie was "just another Deputy" on the scene when something tragic happened to my family, but his appearance in my resturant one night soon after was the start of my admiration of this man. He was kind and had concern over my family's tragic situation. He became a regular customer and a good friend. He always had a smile and it was a pleasure to see him coming. He is and always will be much missed.

Tracy Young,A Friend

I knew Frankie when he worked for Chatmoss Cablevision and worked with him on the Sheriffs Office. I didn't get to work closely with him in the field but always enjoyed being around him and talking to him. He always had a smile and a way of making everyones day brighter. Frankie was a Christian man and exhibited his faith everywhere he went. I also had the pleasure of riding with Frankie as a member of the Blue Knights VAXIII. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Betterton family and know that GOD will carry them through this. Though Frankie has signed 10-42 on Earth, he is 10-41 in Heaven. Rest In Peace Brother Deputy.

Dep. A.R. Shields, SRO
Pittsylvania Co. Sheriffs Office

It saddens me to see a brother officer from Virginia leave us. Your death is untimely and all of us here at the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office are saddened. You will now work a beat in God's kingdom where there is no violence. Rest well for one day we will all be working side by side in a much better place.

Sergeant Salvatore A. Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office

FRIDAY AFTERNOON WHEN MY PAGER WENT OFF FOR AN EMS CALL ON 58,NOTHING COULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR WHAT I WAS ABOUT TO FIND.NOT ONLY HAS OUR COMMUNITY LOST A GREAT DEPUTY, BUT I HAVE LOST A DEAR FRIEND.THE LAST COUPLE DAYS ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS THE JOKES FRANKIE WOULD PLAY ON SOME OF THE OTHER DEPUTIES THAT WOULD STOP IN MY STORE.FRANKIE, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AROUND HERE.MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR WIFE AND KIDS AND I PRAY THAT THEY RECIEVE PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING.OUR LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN!!

DENNIS ALVERSON
OLD DOMINION GUNS & TACKLE

To the family and friends of deputy Frankie Betterton, my thougts and prayers are with you all. God has called back another brave soul to be with him. While we are all saddened,lets all remember where deputy Betterton is now. In a place where there is no need for his services. I never met Frankie, but I too feel a loss.Even though I no longer wear the badge you are my brother. you are loved by many, look over them all.

Tony Puccio

BEING FROM THE NEXT COUNTY OVER AND KNOWING SEVERAL DEPUTIES FROM THE DEPARTMENT THIS REALLY HITS HOME. I CAN NOT SAY THAT I KNEW FRANKIE MYSELF BUT HE DONE THE JOB THAT SO FEW UNDERSTAND AND THE JOB THAT ONLY THE ONES WHO DO IT CAN UNDERSTAND. FRANKIE'S WIFE AND FAMILY ALREADY KNEW THE GOOD JOB HE DONE AND THE MANY HOURS HE HAD TO SPEND AWAY, NOW HE IS THE ONE AT THE HOME OF HOMES WAITING ON HIS FAMILY TO GET THERE...GOD BLESS THE BETTERTON FAMILY.

DEPUTY TRACY A. EMERSON
CAMPBELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

deputy tracy a emerson
campbell county

Someone once said, "When you are born, you come into the world crying, while those surrounding you smile. Live your life so that when they lay you to rest, you will be smiling as all those around you cry" Frankie did this.

INVESTIGATOR PAUL BURKE
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Thank you all for the greatest out pouring of love I have ever experienced in my life. I love my brother and respected him for fulfilling his life long dream of wanting to serve his community as a police officer. My loss cannot be put into words, I am dealing with it only through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and am resting in knowing that I will again see Frankie in our heavenly home. My family thanks you very much for your prayers and kindness. God bless you.

Kathryn Burnette/baby sister