Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO FRANKIES FAMILY, AND TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE. HAVING ENCOUNTERED FRANKIE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE WORKING IN EMS, I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT AN HONEST AND GOOD HEARTED SERVANT HAS BEEN LOST. HOWEVER, I AM COMFORTED THAT THE SAME SERVANT IS NOW MORE THAN EVER ON OUR SIDE, SERVING IN WAYS THAT WE WILL NOT UNDERSTAND UNTIL IT IS OUR TIME TO JOIN HIM. AGAIN, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND AGENCY WHOM THIS GREAT LOSS HAS EFFECTED MOST. REST IN PEACE 64.

Officer D M Hancock
Yanceyville PD, Yanceyville NC

It is all to often that when we need help, we call on these brave men and women. Yet they are so taken advantage of by the political powers that be. Was this a hate crime, was he a product of racial profiling. NO... he was killed by a senseless act that will be defended by court appointed lawyers, the ACLU and others who will portray the alledged culprit as a poor, sexually harassed, drug addicted, finacially deprived, victim, who was harassed by the local police department because of his race and or sexual preference. The local media will indeed jump in and, while offering simple condolences, will fall under the pressure and eventually condem the sentence that this culprit deserves. My this officer rest in peace and god bless his family.

Sgt. T.L. Padgett
U.S.A.F. 31st SPS Vietnam

Deputy Betterton, your watch is now over. You have served your community well. Now it is our turn to watch over your family for you. You have been a good father and husband. Brothers and Sisters, let us all step up and help the Bettertons in this time of need. I am sure that Frankie is watching us, and that he would want that. Just because the funeral is over doesn't mean the suffering is. Take some time and let them know that you care. Rest in peace my Brother...........

Detective Mike Mondul
Danville PD

ALTHOUGH I DIDNT KNOW FRANKIE ON A PERSONAL BASIS,THE LOSS IS GREATLY FELT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT AND WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ALL OVER THE NATION.MY PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY GO OUT TO THE BETTERTON FAMILY. I HOPE THAT IT WILL BRING YOU EASE TO KNOW FRANKIE IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE NOW. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

DEPUTY M.W. OWENS
PITTS. CO. SHERRIFFS OFFICE

FOR JUST ABOUT TWO YEARS I WORKED WITH FRANKIE ON THE SAME SHIFT.THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT I REMEMBER ABOUT HIM , BUT PERHAPS THE GREATEST OF ALL IS THE FACT THAT HE WAS ALWAYS THERE . WHEN I RAN A CALL,I DIDN'T HAVE TO HEAR HIM DISPATCHED OR HEAR HIM SAY THAT HE WAS ON HIS WAY.I JUST KNEW . TOO OFTEN TODAY THIS KIND OF LOYALTY AND TEAMWORK IS NON-EXISTENT OR UNDERAPPRECIATED.I JUST REGRET THAT I NEVER HAD OR EVER WILL BE ABLE TO THANK HIM PROPERLY.I HOPE THAT HE "JUST KNOWS".
I HAD A GREAT RESPECT FOR FRANKIE AND ALWAYS ADMIRED HIS FAITH,DEDICATION, AND FAMILY VALUES.I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.MY HEART AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO MARY AND THE KIDS FOR AS DEVASTATED AS I FEEL,I KNOW THEIR SORROW IS EVEN DEEPER.
WHEN I WAS AN ACTIVE DUTY MARINE,I WAS TAUGHT THAT BEING A MARINE WAS ABOUT HONOR,COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT.WITH THAT IN MIND,I GIVE YOU THE GREATEST ACCOLADES THAT I CAN, FRANKIE :YOU WERE A GREAT MAN AND WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE HELL OF MARINE FOR I CAN THINK OF NO ONE WHO EMBODIES HONOR,COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT MORE THAN YOU.I WILL MISS YOU,BROTHER, BUT NEVER FORGET YOU.

DEPUTY JOHN DRUMMOND
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

FRANKIE BETTERTON WAS MORE THAN A CO-WORKER, HE WAS A
FRIEND. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, BUT ALSO GREATLY
REMEMBERED.

CPL. D.W. BERRY
PITTSYLVANIA CO. S.O.

To Frankies family,
I feel very sad,
I know you do to,
I also know that the lord
will get you through.
You do not have to worry,
I will pray for you.
With sincere thoughts
Mary Beth Strickland (9years old)

Another child touch by Frankie
Brosville Methodist Church

This has truly been a sad say in the history of our great community. I did not know officer Betterton, but talking to people, I understand he was a great man, and he served the citizens with great love and understanding. I want people to not only keep the Betterton's in their prayers, but also keep the Inge family in their prayers also. I say again this is a truly sad day, Two lives have been destroyed. May God keep a watchful eye on us. God bless the citizens of our community, and God bless America.

Anonymous

Jon and I extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Deputy Betterton. Although we did not know him personally, we do know his wife (our vet), Dr. Mary Betterton, who is such a wonderful caring person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Jennifer and Jon Moss

Frankie will be greatly missed, everyone thought highly of him I know I did,he was a great guy.It makes us so outraged that this could happen.Mary we love you will be praying for you and your children.

mark wilson

Frankie was a great friend and he will be sorely missed. I had the opportunity to work with him quite a bit and I always saw someone who loved what they did and was excited and passionate about the job. Frankie always had time to stop and spend time talking about what was going on, even though he always seemed like he had somewhere to go. My heart goes out to the family and to the members of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office. We have all suffered a great loss and I know that Frankie still watches over us in all that we do.

Trooper D. J. Edwards
Virginia State Police

On behalf of the members of Ringgold Volunteer Fire Dept. we would like to express our deepest sympathy and extend our prayers to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Frankie Betterton.
May God Bless You

Karen Baise EMT-B
Ringgold Vol. Fire and Rescue

Here we stand by your grave in disbelief
Our hearts full of sorrow,Oh so much grief.

The husband,father,friend and brother that meant so much.
was taken from us by the likes of one that was not such.

The Deputy he was was honest and true.
He was an inspiration to all that knew.

This tunnel we are in seems so dark and blight.
Do not fear and dry your tears for at the end there is light

This man lives on in a place so right.
wrapped in our fathers love like a blanket on a cold winter night.

He lives on by his son,the boy's smile and looks theres no mistake.
Frankie will be here with us,there is no debate,the spirt he could not take.

So take heart family and friends for Jesus said,it is told.
We will all meet again and walk apon the streets of gold.

He is up there now with our Father looking out heavens door.
We will always remember our brother,Pittsylvania Co.unit six-four.

Master Deputy Percy Adams
Pittsylvania Co. Sheriffs Office

i work for danville emergency service as a 911 supervior for the danville police department.dupty betterton on several occasions would called our dispatch asking for information or wanting one of us to do something for him.when dealing with him what ever it was dupty betterton was always so polite and kind, and would always have a smile on his face.dupty betterton will be missed by all.

Anonymous

A dear friend has gone to be with our master but he will never be forgotten to many. It is my hope and prayer that one day we will see him again when it is time to go home. I'm sure that the father has put our devoted brother in a special place in his kingdom and that he is watching us all the time.
My heart goes out to his wife and kids they are very special.I hope ths finds you great happiness in all you do.

Paul B. East Jr.
a special friend

I WORKED WITH FRANKIE FOR JUST THREE MONTHS, BUT I KNEW FRANKIE WHEN I FIRST WORKED WITH THE COUNTY FROM 94-98.DURING THAT TIME HE ALWAYS EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO BE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. I WOULD TELL HIM STORIES OF THINGS THAT WOULD HAPPEN AND HIS EYES WOULD JUST LIGHT UP. THERE WERE SEVERAL TIMES THAT I WOULD MAKE A TRAFFIC STOP AND AS I WAS CLEARING UP I COULD SEE ON A CABLEVISION VAN SITTING AND WATCHING, YES IT WAS FRANKIE.HE LOVED LAW ENFORCEMENT SO MUCH IT CANNOT BE PUT IN WORDS.I JUST KNOW THAT EVEN NOW, AT ANY TRAFFIC STOP THAT I CAN LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER AND THERE WILL BE FRANKIE WATCHING OVER US AS HE ALWAYS DID.

TO MARY AND FAMILY,AS HARD AS THIS IS, WE CAN TAKE PRIDE AND COMFORT IN ON THAT VERY TOUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON GOD REACHED DOWN WITH HIS LOVING HAND AND TOOK FRANKIE HOME AND LOOKED HIM IN HIS EYES AND SAID JOB WELL DONE MY SON.
THAT SAME LOVING GOD WILL HELP US ALL THROUGH THIS TIME WE ARE IN NOW. GOD BLESS.

Lonnie V. Busby II
Pittsylvania Co.#35

Mary, Donna, Lauren, & Little Frankie,
We met you 12 years ago when you answered my ad on Chatmoss Cablevision for babysitting. Your family was one of the first families I met when I married Tim and moved to the Brosville area. You have done an excellent job raising your children. I am proud to have been a small part of your lives. We will never forget Frankie or his laugh!! The Betterton family has meant alot to us over the years. Mary, anytime you need anything, remember we're always next door! We love you and are praying for you daily.

Tim & Kim Barber
Barber Automotive

My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Frankie's wife and precious children. May God bless you and every long day that comes. Just remember to put god first and you will find things alot easier.

Holly Cox
Danville, Pittsylvania Co. Explorers Post 911

I would like to extend my heart-felt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Frankie Betterton. Although I did not know Deputy Betterton personally, I am upset and shocked by his death. His reputation and testimony are obviously ones we should all try to emulate towards in our own lives. As a native of Pittsylvania County, I appreciate the excellent job Deputy Betterton did for our community, and assure everyone reading these reflections: HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. Rest in peace #64.

Eric Clark
Axton Life Saving Crew

Well, what can I say. There is not enough paper or screens on the computer to express how Frankie Betterton was the most wonderful man anyone could ever met. I had the privilege to meet Frankie, 2 years ago when we went to Basic school together. We also just went back to school 2 months ago. We rode together everyday that week and always talked from the time we left until we got to the school in Martinsville. Frankie always talked about his wife, Mary and how wonderful she was and still is. He also would talk about his kids, and tell me how him and little Frankie had just got back from the beach. Then he would ask if my husband and I would like to come to church with his family sometime. We would go out to lunch together. Frankie loved Ryan's but if someone wanted to go somewhere else he would make an exception. I will never forget Frankie. He was a great friend to me. I will never forget his funny laugh, or the way he walked or the way he talked. I will never forget the way he could meet someone for the first time and talk to them as he had known them forever. If you were not in a good mood and Frankie was around you would be happy by the time he left. Frankie smiled all the time. Even in the mornings when you could tell he had not compelety woke yet, he was still smiling. I want to thank Frankie for everything he has done for me and my husband, Jason, Deputy in Danville. He has changed my life and I could never thank him enough. So for now I say good-bye to you but not forever because I know I will see you again someday! My prayers and thoughts go out to Mary and all their kids. Pittsylvania County Unit 64 you will be missed dearly by Danville Car 10.

Officer Heather Brummett
Danville Police Department

I am in grief with many other residents and members of public servers.
I have been dwelling on just what it is a public servant. So if I were to define the definition of public servant it would sound somethig like this

PUBLIC SERVANT- An Individual that is willing to put aside all self serving aspects,agendas and at times, personal safety to devote his/her efforts towards the welfare,protection,and assistance to those in need,

or do I have this confused with the definition of HERO ??

If Officer Bettertons name replaced that of PUBLIC SERVANT the definition would remain the same.

God Bless Everyone who goes into harms way to protect and serve. God Bless the Betterton family. Officer Betterton and I have crossed paths on some EMS calls and although I never knew him well I feel like I did from all the beautiful things people remember him for. Everyone should be remembered for the good they did in life and Officer Betterton has done a lot of good from the impressions of the statements left here.

Deborah L. Oakes EMT-B
Danville Life Saving Crew

“God Knew Your Name”

Before the light of day, shined on your little face
God knew your name.
When no one else could see how precious you would be,
God knew your name.
And He held you so close in His loving hand
And He wanted all to see, that
Before the light of day, shined on your little face,
God knew your name.

Before you walked around, before you first fell down,
God knew your name.
Before you rode your trike, and then that first red bike,
God knew your name.
He was with you everyday, right there by your side
Even when you made mistakes. And
Before the light of day shined on your little face,
God knew your name.

Before those wedding bells range their story well,
God knew your name.
Before that first new home and children of your own
God knew your name.
And through all times, both the good and bad,
He held you in His hand, and
Before the light of day, shined on your little face,
God knew your name.

As you gracefully grew old you know you had been told
God knew your name.
And one day when you died and your friends and family cried
God knew your name.
And the angels carried your soul to me
And I said “Welcome home!”
You were one of mine, I loved you for all time,
I knew your name.
You were one of mine, I loved you for all time,
I knew your name.

Words by Jim Likens

Rickey Boyd

I worked with Deputy Betterton off and on since I began working for Pittsylvania County 911 in August of 2000. I dispatched for the shift Deputy Betterton worked, but I was off the day he was killed. I volunteer with the local rescue squad, and happened to be helping out that day on a second call, when we were about to clear up from the hospital when the rescue call for Deputy Betterton came in. For some reason things worked out where I didn't go on the call, then just a few moments later I heard what had happened, and I went in to work to be with my co-workers.

I just wanted to say I never heard Deputy Betterton have a harsh word to say about anybody or anything. Only God knows why these things have to happen. It doesn't seem right a man so full of life and love to be taken so young.
To quote a line from a song "The Dance" by Garth Brooks...
"for a moment all the world was right, how could I have known you'd ever say goodbye"...Rest in peace Deputy Betterton #64...God bless your family and all you have touched

Ray McKinney
Pittsylvania County 911

I have just taken a job at Danville regional hospital, The day The officer died, I had just past through, on the way back to south boston where i live i saw god at work, He had torn down the county lines, I saw hailfax co, deputies in route to assist their brother, i saw danville city crossing lines to help their brother, i saw state police from several counties crossing lines, saw people (white , black, hispanic, and many more ) stop to see what they could do, saw a women (elderly african american ) weaping, as i drove futher towards south boston, i was listening to WAKG, and i heard the crack voices of professionals trying to get the news out of this tragedy, As i went further, i began to think, Maybe this was Deputy Bettertons last thing he wanted done, all these people , some crying, some white, some black, some hispanic, BUT ALL TOGETHER, as one county, one state , and one nation. For me it hits hard, and i have wiped a tear or two reading accounts of this great man, but i go back to why he did what he was doing, It was what he loved, and you would have to be friends with a officer to understand, but they know. I just wish that we could all come together without all this tragedy. Maybe with Deputy Betterton there with god, he can lead us to what we all desire. God Bless the family, and may god bless the police officers who still patrol the beat, be safe, and keep doing the job.

Friend Of Several Police officers
Danville reginal Medical center

I am not writing this as an attorney so much as the wife of a Danville City Police Officer. My husband Dennis and I knew Frankie and we know his wife, Mary. Our hearts go out to the Betterton family and all families of law enforcement during times like these. Frankie was a good man and he leaves behind a legacy of a loving family and memories of a man who did his job with honor and humility. He will be missed. Lee Hendricks Turpin

Spouse; Lee H. Turpin
Lee H. Turpin, Atty at Law