Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Eric- You are a true hero!!! I pray that God will grant your family comfort during this tragic time. Your service here on earth was cut short. I am blessed to have known you as a true friend and fellow officer. You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Thank you Eric for your service and friendship. Rest in peace.

Sgt. Tim Aylor
Albemarle County Police Department

August 22, 2006

Dear Eric;

My son called me while he was at Tech and explained what had happened and the fact that two Law Enforcement Officers were killed. I could not believe that you were among the victims. Eric, my time with you when you were with Albemarle County PD were great. You were one of those Officers that helped me feel comfortable when I started working there as a civilian instead of an Officer. You were always there to answer my questions and you were always reliable on the street. You were and always be a true street cop.

I will miss you, and in your honor I have posted a poem that I always have a hard time reading without feeling strong emotions. This is for you and your children.

My Father’s Badge

In boyhood days I used to feel,
That gold and silver shield,
And heavy it felt in my little hand,
That was my Father’s badge.

The teenage years were wild times,
Running forward though half blind,
Always he was there to guide my path,
That was my Father’s badge.

As a man, I stood at his side,
He would teach and sometimes chide,
Duty, Honor and more he had,
That was my Father’s badge.

Along his graveside I did kneel,
Through the air, solemn Taps did peal,
“And I’ll cherish your symbol of service , Dad”
That was my Father’s badge.

Perhaps someday if I have a son,
And if he’s asked what his father had done,
He’ll say with prideful eyes so glad,
That was my Father’s badge.

Brian K. Eddy
May 15, 1994
Dedicated to the memory of all those who have made the
Ultimate Sacrifice in service to their communities.
They do for us what We can not, May their Badges never fade.

MPO Perry Knicely
Fairfax County PD - Retired

August 22, 2006

To lose a friend and, more importantly, a dedicated servant of the people of Virginia to such senselessness is mind-numbing. Eric was committed to the greatest ideals associated with law enforcement, preserving peace and protecting those in need. For those ideals, he made the greatest sacrifice. And in his efforts to serve his country and community, he always carried himself with civility, gentility and humility. I will forever remember Eric for his courage and will never forget his sacrifice in the line of his most honorable duty. God is with you, Eric. And with Him, you will be with your family.

Richard DeLoria, Albemarle County
Former Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

August 22, 2006

R.I.P. Corporal Sutphin. A hero may be gone......but a hero will always be remembered.

T. Schimanski
Deputy-Lake COunty IL

August 22, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to Cpl Sutphin's family and fellow officers. May God be with you in this time of grief.Eric was truly a hero and will always be remembered as such.Rest in peace my brother.

Dep W C Elliott
Campbell Co Sheriff's Office (Va)

August 22, 2006

To the family of Cpl. Sutphin please know that we hurt too,any time we learn that one of our hreo's has fallen in the line of duty.My god bless you and give you comfort in these trying times.We will always keep the memory of Cpl.
Sutphin in our hearts and we salute Cpl. Sutphin who had was one of country's best.
Our watch continues.

detective
petersburg va bureau of police

August 22, 2006

Your unrelenting desire to protect and serve is an example for all officers to follow.

Officer Wes Hatley
Albuquerque Police Department

August 22, 2006

You are a true hero and will never be gorgotten. Rest easy, we'll take the watch from here.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 22, 2006

patrol with the Blue Angels now.

Lonnie
Albemarle Co. PD

August 22, 2006

Cpl. Sutphin, you came to our shift with a smiling face. You left our shift with the same smiling face. You always knew how to put someone in a good mood. You were always there to help me when i had a question. You were right there when i would go to make an arrest. It's just not going to be the same without you. You will be sorely missed in the dept. as well as our shift. Thank you for all you did for me, the community, the department and the citizens of montgomery county. We all miss and love you. D-Shift "you are my hero"

DEPUTY
MCSO, VA

August 22, 2006

Thank you for giving your life to protect other's lives. You have protected more people than anyone can every comprehend. I know God will bless you and watch over your family here. Your family will be protected by your watchful eye from heaven, as well as, your fellow officers and friends here on earth.

Thankful Citizen

August 22, 2006

To all of the members of Montgomery County SO..... I know that times like these certainly make you reflect on why you do what you do... don't ever forget that CPL Sutphin made the ultimate sacrifice doing exactly what he loved, just as all of you do.
Those of us currently wearing the badge as well as those who have previously worn it are all mourning the loss of one of our own.
My deepest sympathies go out to Eric's family during this time of grief.
Semper Fi hard charger, your work on earth is done... you will never be forgotten.

Joe
former LEO

August 22, 2006

The streets of Heaven are way too crowded with officers who have given all. I know God always makes room for a hero who stands at the gate.

Roswell, GA PD

August 22, 2006

As a former student in Blacksburg my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your bravery and heroism will never be forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect so many others yesterday at Virginia Tech. May God watch over your and your family. You are a true American Hero! Rest in Peace.

Chris
VT Alumni

August 22, 2006

This story was shown on the local news in Southern California. My prayers are with the family of Corporal Eric E. Sutphin. Corporal Sutphin made the world a safer place to live in. To his wife and twin daughters, be proud of your husband and father, he's a HERO. He went were others dare not go, to make it safe for everyone else. R.I.P. brother officer. NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Department

August 22, 2006

Rest in peace:

Though I have made mistakes, accept me, as I accept you and show me the way …..Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Boone County Sheriff Dept. (Indiana)

August 22, 2006

I had the honor to work with Eric at the City of Charlottesville PD and Albemarle County PD. Eric was a good officer and had a great sense of humor. He was a good friend to those around him. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to his wife, children, and family.

Detective Jim Hope
Albemarle County Police Department

August 22, 2006

Cpl. Eric Sutphin, Heroes are no myths! You proved that August 21st. Mere words cannot express our gratitude for all you did to make our land a safer place for our families and friends. Now go and rest. The rest that you well deserve. May God give us the wisdom to carry on and may He care and watch over your family. Your family are in our thoughts and more importantly in our prayers. Brother you will not be forgotten!

Deputy Larry Dockery
Pittsylvania County Virginia Sheriff's Office

August 22, 2006

This man must have been an inspiration to many, I know just reading about him, he is to me.

It is a shame that the "good, they die young".

May God lay His healing hands upon the family and friends of Corporal Eric Sutphin, a true American hero.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

August 22, 2006

This is one of the saddest..yet most Heroic stories Ive heard in a while. I have followed this story since the monster who is responsible for taking such a dedicated man's life, escaped. I pray the family, friends, fellow officers of Cpl. Sutphin find the strength and comfort needed to deal with such tragic times. You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. May the monster who is responsible for this be punished to the utmost extreme!

Cpl Sutphin - gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace.

-A Thankful Citizen

Katie
Civilian

August 22, 2006

Eric was my friend. We spent many hours together as police officers as well as reenacting various periods of American History. I came to trust and depend on Eric in many ways. If ever you needed a good laugh, Eric would always have some funny twist to the daily things we encountered. I will miss him and remember him as a true friend and excellent police officer. I count myself fortunate to have had his friendship. Eric was a police officer you could count on in a tight spot. After 26 years as a police officer, I still can't understand such terrible tragedies. May G-d help his family and each of us through this difficult time. I will never forget Eric.

Lieutenant James Bond
Albemarle County Police Department (Friend and former co-worker)

August 22, 2006

Corporal Sutphin is the caliber of officer we all strive to be. He is a true hero for all of us. Rest in Peace and may his family find peace and comfort in the arms of our creator!

Police Officer
Texas

August 22, 2006

Cpl. Sutphin,

You are a true hero for your actions in 2003 and your sacrifice on August 21, 2006. May God bless you and your family always. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 22, 2006

Every time I hear news like this I wonder what I would do if it were me and my famiy that had to receive such tragic news. I cannot imagine the pain Deputy Sutphin's family, fellow officers and friends are dealing with right now.

But I am so thankful there are men and women like Deputy Sutphin who are willing to serve. Where would we be without them?

Deputy Sutphin was exceptional. The word "hero" doesn't begin to describe what kind of a man he must have been.

I'm praying for this deputy's family, friends and fellow officers.

Thank you to all who serve. Thank you to your families.

Most grateful citizen
Sister of law enforcement

August 22, 2006

I was watching your story on the news last night and prayed that you would be out of harms way. Not only did you risk your life once for the safety of others, but you showed unwavering loyalty to this profession by doing it twice.

To the family, friends, and officers that knew Corporal Sutphin, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you face the trying times ahead of you. Please know your not alone.

Then the rainstorm came, over me
And I felt my spirit break
I had lost all of my, belief you see
And realized my mistake
But time through a prayer, to me
And all around me became still

I need love, love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name

Through the rainstorm came sanctuary
And I felt my spirit fly
I had found all of my reality
I realize what it takes

'Cause I need love, love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name

Oh I, don't bet (don't bend), don't break (don't break)
Show me how to live and promise me you won't forsake
'Cause love can help me know my name

Well I try to say there's nothing wrong
But inside I felt me lying all along
But the message here was plain to see
Believe me

'Cause I need love, love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name

Oh I, don't bet (don't bend), don't break (don't break)
Show me how to live and promise me you won't forsake
'Cause love can help me know my name

Love can help me know my name

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

August 22, 2006