Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I served with Craig while in the 555th Military Police Co. I just recently learned of this tragic accident when I was looking for some old Army buddies. I was not in the same platoon as Craig but we had worked the road together on Ft. Lee VA. He was always professional and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. I am so sorry for the families loss of a great Man and the Departents loss for a great Police Officer.

My thoughts and prayers are his family and friends.

Safety Officer Scott Baer
Hesser College Dept. of Safety

Craig and I were stationed together with the 555th Military Police Co, Ft Lee Va. Craig left the military about 6 months prior to my leaving so he could persue his career in law enforcement. When my wife and I heard about the accident over the news we just knew it couldnt be Craig. There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think about you Craig. Every year since the accident I have visited the police memorial in Washington DC. I stop where your name is engraved (62E 21) and remember the kind of solder and cop you were and hope that I can perform to the high standard you set. You served your country and your community, you walked the thin blue line brother. One day we will see each other again in heaven. Gob Bless you!

Lt James Eckenrode
Richmond Sheriff's Office

May 27, 2003 marked four years since we lost you. You and your family are very much a part of our daily thoughts and prayers. Your friendship and policework are greatly missed by your brothers and sisters in Chesterfield. Although we continue the watch here on earth we are comforted to know that we have you on patrol in heaven. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten!!!!!!

Sgt. WD Norris
Chesterfield County Police

It's been four long years since you were called to serve in heaven. I was working the night you died, I was a relatively new dispatcher at the time and I only knew you from talking to you on the phone or when you came to dispatch to pick something up or just to visit. It didn't matter, because though I was new, I already felt that special bond that the law enforcement community has with each other and no outside can understand. I think of you and your wife if not daily, then several times a week and pray that you are watching over us and protecting us. This week, I also pray that you have taken Ryan Cappelletty under your wing and are looking out for his loved ones as well.

A Chesterfield Dispatcher

Anonymous

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Rath family and the Chesterfield County Police Department.

Patrolman Donald W. Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department

Beth, this more of a message for you, hoping that you are doing well and to let you know that I have been thinking of you -- please take care and know that you and Craig are always in our hearts & prayers.

Disp Michael Anne Claytor

I had the honor and privilege of growing up with Craig and his sister Karen - both some of the finest people I knew in my younger years. I was deeply saddened to learn of his tragic passing, which is why I felt compelled to offer my own (as well as my agency's) condolences at his funeral.

To his lovely wife Beth - I cannot even begin to know the sorrow you must have certainly felt every day since that awful day. I wish our introduction could have been given by Craig as an old high school friend, as opposed to meeting in the church as we did. To all members of Craig's family and agency - If there is anything that I, my agency, or my family in Craig's and my shared hometown can ever do for you...all you need do is ask and it is done.

Deputy Tim Nazzaro
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office

Craig, your birthday was yesterday, Jan 14, and on that day as well as every day, I thought of you, missed you and longed to hear your unit number..."2-zero-6". You are still loved & missed tremendously by everyone who knew you, not a day goes by that I don't think of you & your family, especially Beth.

You are in Gods care & hands & will be a Guardian Angel for all your Law Enforcement brothers & sisters.

Dispatcher M Claytor
Albemarle/Charlottesville PD

I served in the Army with Craig as an MP at Fort Lee.
He was a good friend and I think about him often.
I am sorry for the loss of such a great person.
If only the world had more people like him, it truly would be a better place.
God bless.

Officer William Iverson
Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks North Dakota

The moments were fleeting, yet they are burned in my mind forever. What seems like forever has only been three years. You may be gone, but you are far from forgotten. With each day we wake, we take you with us Craig. Losing you was so hard for so many, but we know your watching over us.

God Bless those you left behind.

I frequently check this site to re-read reflections of Craig and also to read any new reflections. My life is forever changed since losing Craig but he is alive in my thoughts and in my heart. It brings me great comfort to read these reflections and to know that others still miss him also and that they too remember him.

Craig, there is no one like you and you will forever be in my heart and part of my life. Even though you departed this life just over three years ago, I am still so very much in love with you and will one day spend eternity with you. I love you and miss you so very much!

Beth Rath

Craig was a wonderful man, a loving husband and loyal friend. He worried about kids who didn't have the advantages of his solid upbringing, kids who would be at risk for drug use. He signified all that was good about the Chesterfield Police Department. He was funny and handsome and nearly perfect if you didn't count the bad haircuts involving his cowlick. Please remember him this Memorial Day, and his lovely wife and wonderful family.

Dana Gay, Asst. Attorney General
Virginia Attorney General

Craig,
It is certainly hard to believe that it has been nearly three years since your tragic passing and still never a day goes by without a thought of you, Beth and your wonderful family. I look to the heavens often and know you are there shining down on all of us....."Dennis the Menace".

Know that we miss you
know that we still grieve
Although three years gone by
still a freshly planted seed
Our hearts still ache
our tears still flow
Shine down on us Craig
your life still a glow.

Love, Michael Anne-Former Dispatcher/Chesterfield 911 Center

Michael Anne Claytor frmr Dispatcher

Craig,

I can't believe it has been almost three years. I miss you so much. I will always do my best to take care of Beth. You have taught me so much, especially how not to care about how people perceive the police. I even buy doughnuts on duty sometimes to spite them. I love you, sweetie.

Layne

Officer Layne Hellerstedt
Chesterfield County Police