Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I first got to know Eric when he was working at a job other than that of keeping the peace. I kept asking him questions about how he had survived (literally) his old job at the department. I don’t think he completely understood the question. Or maybe he understood, but couldn’t give me the answer I was trying to coerce out of him.

Frequently, I asked him if he thought his faith and upbeat attitude had kept him from harm. At least from ultimate, extreme harm. He didn’t really answer - I thought - he just kept going on and on about his training, his practice, his equipment, his department...really annoying. What I was looking for was some kind of proof, like in miracle stories, that his positive outlook and faith had ‘led’ him to the right place at the right time to keep him from being killed. He never did give me the answers I was looking for. Eric’s faith was important to him, but he didn’t think of it as the reason he was alive and talking.

Since he died, I’ve gone over and over those conversations looking for answers. This is what I remember about Eric.

Eric chose to serve and protect.
The day he died I heard some guys talking about how being a cop was a good job for non-professionals. That made me angry at the time. Now, I realize that may be one of the reasons some people choose that line of work. But it wasn’t like that for Eric. Before getting to really know him, I used to tease him about being just a dumb cop. He didn’t mind the ‘dumb’ part, but I could see him wince whenever I referred to ‘cops’. Finally, one day he gave me a mini-lecture about the origin of the words for his old profession and made it clear - with good humor - that he preferred the phrase Peace Officer.

For him, it wasn’t just a career.
When I met him, he had deliberately switched careers to a safer job that paid better. What’s more, he did very well at this new job. I was surprised - and furious – to hear he was going back to being a Peace Officer. I felt he was expecting too much of God after the first shooting he had survived. Eventually, I got over it because I could see how happy, even joyous, he was just at the thought of going back on the force. What kind of friend would I be to NOT want him to do what he was called to do with his life? I became convinced that for Eric it wasn’t a career choice. It was a Calling. One that he learned, updated, practiced, and excelled at like all true professionals.

He answered that Calling flat out, holding nothing back. Eric chose to serve and protect - twice. He loved helping people, usually while teasing them, and he was a believer. The reason I started talking with him in the first place was because of his happy, easygoing, can-do attitude. It seems to me that Eric lived throttle wide open, the way most of us want to live. He chose to become the best Peace Officer, husband, father, and friend he could be – every day. He could, and did, volunteer to go into dangerous situations most of us avoid. I know he trusted God – whether that was about a situation he found himself in, or where his soul would reside tomorrow. Maybe that gave him the freedom to be lighthearted.

The morning of August 21st, doing his best put him in danger.
Danger like that went with his Calling and I don’t think he felt it much; he certainly didn’t let it slow him down in fear. Danger was just a factor to be taken into consideration. Fear, if he felt it, was too. He had faith in himself, his equipment, his training, his brother/sister officers, and God, and that freed him to act without reservation. At the very end of his life he was living flat out, holding nothing back.

His faith allowed him to enter a dangerous world not of his own making or choosing. He entered even though there was no guarantee of his own safety, or even of success in his pursuit of the suspect. No guarantee, but I can almost hear Eric saying that he was more likely to succeed and get out alive than most of the people in the suspect’s way, because of his training, experience, and back-up.

I wrote this because I thought there might be some people out there with my questions. For myself, I still believe that if he had asked God to keep him whole in the situation he found himself in, God would have. But, based on our conversations, I don’t think Eric went about life that way. On that Monday morning, I imagine he was just focused on doing his best to serve and protect his family, friends and community; trusting God and his fellow officers to make up for whatever he missed.

(c) Arielle Davisson

Friend

September 26, 2007

Eric,

I still think of you often and remember your great spirit. You have shown me what it means to have pride in your work. You have touched my life and left a lasting impression on me.

Love you brother!!

Deputy Clifford Chewning Jr
Randolph Co. Sheriff's Office , Asheboro, NC

September 20, 2007

To the Sutphin Family, It's been a year. My thoughts and prayers continue for you. Glad you liked the Bear.

Daniel
Citizen

August 31, 2007

I remember the incident in which Cpl Sutphin lost his life. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. It is in times like these, we often forget, that the Law Enforcement officer, is likely to face the greatest dangers of every day living, while Protecting and Serving Us. God bless his family, and may the peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus, help them bear up under this tragedy.

Jim Walker
Concerned Citizen

August 30, 2007

Eric, it's hard to believe that you have been gone from us for a year now. Its just not the same here without your smiling face. You could cheer anyone up when you came in the room. You are still in my thoughts and prayers. Watch over us and keep us safe.

August 22, 2007

Eric,
I do not find it hard to write, it is if I am talking to you directly. I see you every day, your picture in my office with a candle under it. I still expect to see you. My memories of our times spent together are fresh in my mind and heart. I thank you for making them the best. Many of us here here at the department talk about you regularly, you are still a part of us. I often grieve for your family and the trauma they have endured. Many beleive that time will heal the pain, I disagree.
RIP my brother
Mike Wagner "Wags"

Sergeant Mike Wagner
Friend and Partner Albemarle County Police Department

August 21, 2007

Eric,
There is still a void that can be felt by the people you knew. The way you cared for people was contagious and that has lived on through others. The brothers and sisters in blue and brown you left behind still think of you and how proud they are to have known you and worked beside you. You are a special person to so many people and I hope I have made you proud over the last year. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today and often.

August 21, 2007

Remembering you this unfathomable anniversary and such a tragic, senseless loss of a good man and hero. Peace and strength to the family.

Joy
Citizen

August 21, 2007

Thankyou for your sacrifice, Corporal Sutphin. Rest in Peace, brother. You are not forgotten.

Ofc. P.M. Pegram
Louisville,KY Metro Police

August 21, 2007

Corporal Sutphin,
Today is the first anniversary of your EOW. Your legacy of dedication will live on forever. My thoughts are with your family and friends today and always.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 20, 2007

I guess when you know where your eternal destiny is
you can live your life with abandon and that is just what
you did. Your life defines servanthood and I see so much of Jesus Christ in you. Our purpose on earth is to glorify God and you did just that. I look forward to meeting you some day and getting a dose of that sense
of humor you were known for. God be with all those who love and miss you and heal their broken hearts.
We know true healing will only come to believers when
we are all reunited in Christ in the place He is preparing for His own. Well done, Eric. Here is a song
by Chris Rice that I love.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

We rejoice that you are with the Savior and the cares of this earth are far from you!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 9, 2007

Love and prayers to Erics family, a good man, and a good friend. You will always be in our hearts.

Mike

Michael Weimer
Friend Worked with Eric in Fluvanna C.S.O.

April 18, 2007

Today, the unthinkable happened in the community you used to protect. As I read over the reflections on the many pages left for you, I noticed many were from students of Virginia Tech. I pray none of those were killed today, but I know if they were, you were there to greet them with a smile and helping hand. I'm sure you were watching over your fellow officers today, keeping them safe as they responded to the calls of shots fired. We were reminded of you today, your sacrifice, as you protected this area last August. Parents who thanked you on this website last August for protecting their children are mourning the loss of 32 students tonight. I've heard there are no tears in Heaven, but many have been shed down here today. Now Heaven has even more young, vibrant heros...we'll miss them here, you will rejoice in Heaven for their homecoming. Thank you for all you did. It is true...HEROS NEVER DIE!!!
God bless America, God bless us all!

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

April 16, 2007

You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. Every time we lose another officer or trooper, I relive the day your watch ended. Rest in peace.

Dispatcher
Virginia State Police

April 6, 2007

I often think of Eric and the sacrifice he made.

Joy
Friend of a friend

April 5, 2007

Brother, You are not forgotten, and you will never be forgotten. This May 10th, 11th, & 12th, I will ride from Virginia Beach to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, in Washington DC; in your Honor. I will give the bracelet that I will be wearing during this journey, to your family, once I arrive in DC. Having you with me, will give me the strenght that I need to complete the journey. I will have several hundred brothers and sisters from all over our great country, pedalling beside me, in honor of other fallen heroes.

"We Ride for Those Who Died".

It is my honor to ride for you.

Rest In Peace,

Detective Abbas A. Tabatabaie
Fairfax County PD / Police Unity Tour

April 5, 2007

I don't know who the author of this piece is but after reading about Cpl. Sutphin it seems to have been written about this HERO.

This is my shield,I bear it before me into battle, but it is not mine alone. It protects my brother on my left. It protects my city. I will never let my brother out of its shadow, nor my city out of its shelter. I will die with my shield before me facing the enemy.

You left an example for us to follow,rest easy my brother.

MPO III RICK DIETZ
HIGH POINT N.C. POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 10, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Corporal Eric E. Sutphin,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here. That "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find comfort as we give comfort to the families who have lost a loved one.

As we say in Hawaii, “We are`Ohana.” We are family. God Bless this fallen hero. May we embrace him as one of our own family member; our `Ohana. No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace.

Corporal Eric E. Sutphin, I wish you, your loved ones, your fellow officers, and friends, peace and love beyond all understanding.

--- May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. ---

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

January 9, 2007

I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO CORPORAL SUTPHIN FOR GIVING ALL HE HAD UNTIL HIS FINAL DAY. HE WAS AND STILL IS A TRUE HERO MAY HIS MEMORY LIVE ON AND MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND ALL THOSE THAT KNEW HIM. I SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT SOMEWHERE OUT THERE A DEDICATED OFFICER IS PULLING A DOUBLE SHIFT JUST SO MONTGOMERY COUNTY WILL BE SAFE.

ELLISTON RESIDENT WHO SUPPORTS MCSO

December 16, 2006

Eric, it has now been 3 months. You would think the days would get easier as they pass, but they aren't. It will never be the same without you here. We all know you are looking over us from above. You and your family will remain in our thought and prayers. We love you ERIC!!!

Friend

November 21, 2006

Eric Sutphin was many things to many people. To the U.S. Army he was a M.P. To Montgomery County Sheriffs Office he was a Deputy. To his three little girls he was daddy, and to his wife a loving husband. But to everyone he was a carring christian, and he will always be a hero to me.Eric set the bar high for others to measure up to. He was a great Law Enforcement Officer, as well as a great person. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of christ.

P.O. III James L Rook
Lynchburg police Depaerment

November 17, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric when he was an Albemarle County officer. He helped me out numerous times, and I could always count on his assistance. He loved his family, and I had the pleasure of meeting his wife and girls once. I remember how proud he was when he raided a Ch'ville Park of illegal sexual activity. He always gave me advice on safeguarding my son since I was a single mom. He always cared, he was meant to be an officer,I am sorry we lost him, and my heart goes out to his wife, girls and the citizens of Montgomey County for their loss.

Holly
friend in Richmond Va

November 7, 2006

Eric,
It's been over 2 months now since you have been gone. Just wanted you and your family to know that you are all still in our prayers.

Friend

October 25, 2006

Eric, it has been two months since you left us and its still not the same without you here. I hate not being able to walk into the Shell station and see that big smile of yours, and you say how are you doing. Eric you will always be greatly missed. Watch over all of us as we try to continue our lives without you.

October 22, 2006

Corporal Sutphin's recent death has shocked everyone involved in law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially because he had worked in several other agencies in western and central Virginia and his valor in the line of duty had already been noted during his distinguised career. He was a true American hero, and his sacrifice reminds us of the selfless commitment all law enforcement officers and their families make to keeping people in our communities safe. On behalf of all of us in the Harrisonburg/ Rockingham County, VA Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, we express our deep and sincere sympathy to Corporal Sutphin's family members and loved ones.

Richard A. Claybrook, Jr.
Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney
Harrisonburg/Rockingham CWA's Office

September 17, 2006