Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 21, 2021

Mr.Rutland was a personal friend and a fine man. We as a community suffered a loss . I miss talking with him. My condolences to his widow!

Retired Marine Fire & Safety Inspection
Diamond Drilling Company!

February 20, 2018

Thank you Deputy Rutland for your service and sacrifice. Your memory and honor will never be forgotten. God bless.

Administration
Mississippi Going Blue

February 21, 2016

RIP

Anonymous

September 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 2008

"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

December 3, 2007

Brother - May you rest in peace - There is not much I can say to heal the broken hearts...I know that, as well as you do but you know the tears I/we cry inside are the only thing that keep us a-straight the thin-blue-line.........................................Brother, you know the words I want to type...keep me calm - Please, keep me calm.

Your Sister,
LK3775 - Michigan

Sister
Thin Blue Line

March 22, 2007

Sometimes you get the bad guys and sometimes they
get you! Thinking of you on the 10th anniversary of your
EOW. God blessed your time here on earth! Time has
not diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 21, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 20, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy James P. Rutland, and to his fellow officers with the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department:

On this the ninth year anniversary of his untimely death, I extend our family's sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you sustained when Deputy Rutland was brutally murdered in the line of duty on February 21, 1997. His valor and dedication will not be forgotten and we salute his courage. He is a true hero.

May you continue to be supported and comforted by your military law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with you.

Most especially to Deputy James Rutland: We honor your memory today. You were and remain a hero whose memory is revered. Rest in Peace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Deputy Rutland gave to his community and the citizens of Mississipi, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 21, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2006

rest in peace dear sir and god bless your family

December 28, 2005

Rest in peace sir!

Shannon
private citizen

January 26, 2004

Rest in peace blue angel