Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's been hard to put what I feel into words, but talk to you every day. You were the best partner and best friend I'll ever have. I miss you so much. Lexi is seven now and still asks about you all the time. I gave up on law enforcement after losing you and being injured myself. I finally returned to patrol work two months ago and enjoy sharing the stories of all our wild adventures with my new partners. They could never replace you. We had so much fun playing jokes and just hanging out. You always seemed to know what I was thinking. Im sorry that I left Harlem when you had asked me not to. I regret it every day. I thank you for watching over me and have felt your presence during every fight. I only wish that I had been there for you as you were for me. Im so sorry.

J GLANTZ

October 22, 2005

Hi,

The Fort Belknap Police Department will be honoring you and Suzie Gardipee at the Veteran's Day pow wow. At first I was going to go home but decided to wait for Jackass to be sentenced. Your sister Tammy will represent your family for you. She will do a good job. She suprizes me with her strength.

I will then work on your house for a couple of weeks. I bought a paint sprayer so this should be quite interesting.

I know that you are getting a kick of my flying. As you know I couldn't make it up the edge. I was just goofing off. I am going to try EMDR since the Texan Victims support chief advocates for it. Can't get any worse than it is already.

I miss you so much son.

Love, Mom

October 21, 2005

Josh,

I thought about you a lot today. More than usual. Maybe you were really watching over me today. Mike and I are leaving for Wolf Point on Thursday, to visit for the weekend, and then Sunday, we get on the train for Seattle. It is our vacation this year. Really need it. We will be front and center in November when they finally give that coward what he truly deserves. I miss your smiling face.

Melody A Zuhoski
Aunt of Joshua T. Rutherford

October 3, 2005

Josh,

I want you to know that I think about you often. Today is my birthday and it still hurts so much to know that you cannot share my special day with me. I know that wherever you are, you are probably smiling and wishing me the best today. I visited your grave a week ago, it looked good. Your family does a good job at decorating and keeping it clean. The small memento that I left a year ago, is still there. Thanks for watching over me!

Friend

September 22, 2005

Josh its been a long time. I was thinking abut Harlem last night and I wish you were still there. Jackson is going to be sentenced soon and I hope and pray that the Jury gives him the punishment that he deserves. I will be there for that day. Your family is always in my prayers.

John Colby

Officer John Colby
Williston Police Department

September 7, 2005

JOSH,
I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. THANKS MAN FOR HELPING ME THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES AT THE ACADEMY. I CAME TO THIS JOB WITH NO EXPERIENCE AND A WHOLE LOT OF ASPERATIONS. YOU HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT WITH OUR DREAMS COME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY AND DEDICATION. I MISS THE TIMES WE TAUGHT DT'S AT THE ACADEMY TOGETHER. THOSE WERE SOME OF THE FUNNIEST TIMES I CAN REMEMBER. YOU ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH, BUT ALSO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND. ONE OF THE SADDEST AND PROUDEST DAYS OF MY LIFE WAS WHEN I STOOD ON PONY MOUNTAIN AT THE FUNERAL AND WATCHED ALL THOSE PATROL CARS COMING DOWN THE ROAD TOWARDS THE CEMETARY. THEY SEEMED TO GO ONE FOREVER. COPS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO CRY, BUT I DID. I STILL GET CHOKED UP JUST THINKING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. JOSH I PROMISS THAT I'LL ALWAYS STAND FOR WHAT'S RIGHT, MAKE MY PARTNERS SAFE AND KEEP THE TRADITION OF "THE WARRIOR CLASS, BASIC 107." THANKS.

CORPORAL TOREY KELTNER
HELENA POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 1, 2005

Josh,
I miss you so much. I heard there has been another delay in that cowards sentencing. Like your dad says, let them use up all that they have. It can't go on forever. I know that no matter what happens here on earth, he will still have to meet his maker and answer to him.

I think of you every single day. God bless you my nephew.

Melody Zuhoski
Aunt of Joshua T. Rutherford

August 30, 2005

Son,

Looks like another delay in sentencing. November 28 is the new date. Something about the mitigation attorney and Native American culture. Doesn't realize that you are also a proud Gros Ventre. Well as long as LJ stays in jail. I know that you have this under control. Please continue to give me the strength to make it throught this.

I have decided its a good thing, I will be there for your sisters and Maribeth's birthdays. Might even get to watch "wildcats" basketball. You know that your Uncle Cal is coaching and Wil is playing. Might even make it to some coyote bb.

I miss you.

Mom

August 25, 2005

happy birthday i don't care what anybody say's I LOVE YOU
Josh i miss you
jody

August 16, 2005

Joshua,

Third birthday without you. You would be 31 and your grandpa would of been 91 today. Brought chocolate cake and ice cream to work to celebrate the 28 years I had with you.

Love, Mom

Love Mom

August 16, 2005

it seems like everytime I turn around I see you in someones face. I have really been thinking of you alot lately and missing you more and more. I am looking forward to seeing your mother in a couple of months when she comes home for the sentencing. My thoughts are always with you Josh

August 11, 2005

Hi Son,

Just a quick note to let you know that I am going to try the edge at parents camp again. I still am angry over your death. Parents retreat helps me over that, as you know Jackson will finally be sentenced a day after camp. I will miss the first day of sentencing but I think I need camp more than I need to hear about his poor misunderstood childhood. You can tell I am being sarcastic can't you.

Well, son I miss you more everyday but I figure its a day closer to you.

Love Mom

July 30, 2005

Watch over me Joshua and give me your wisdom and patience. I need your love and guidance.

July 24, 2005

Together We Walk the Stepping Stones

Come, take my hand, the road is long.
We must travel by stepping stones,
No, you're not alone. I've been there,
Don't fear the darkness. I'll be with you,
We must take one step at a time,
But remember, we may have to stop awhile,
It's a long way to the other side.

We have many stones to cross,
Some are bigger than others,
Shock, denial and anger to start,
Then comes guilt ,despair and loneliness,
It's a hard road to travel, but it must be done,
It's the only way to reach the other side.

Come, slip your hand in mine,
What? Oh, yes it's strong,
I've held so many hands like yours,
Yes, mine was once small and weak like yours,
Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand,
In order to take the first step,
Ooops! You've stumbled. Go ahead and cry,
Don't be ashamed. I understand,
Let's wait here awhile so that you can get your breath,
When you're stronger, we'll go on, one step at a time,
There's no need to hurry.

Say, it's nice to hear you laugh,
Yes, I agree, the memories you shared are good,
Look, we're halfway there now,
I can see the other side,
It looks so warm and sunny,
Oh, have you noticed? We're nearing the last stone,
And you're standing alone,
And look, your hand, you've let go of mine,
We've reached the other side.

But wait, look back, someone is standing there,
They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones,
I'd better go. They need my help,
What? Are you sure?
Why, yes, go ahead, I'll wait,
You know the way,
You've been there,
Yes, I agree. It's your turn, my friend......
To help someone else cross the stepping stones.

Author Unknown

July 16, 2005

I LOVE YOU BABY!!!

July 12, 2005

Josh,

Well today is your Teague's birthday. I wish your boys could come to Denver to visit so they could go to Elitches. I said I was going there for your birthday and ride the roller coaster. Because that is something you would of enjoysed. So maybe not the roller coaster but definately the log. I love you

July 12, 2005

Josh
Hey lil' brother I miss and
love you....
love your
sis jody

July 6, 2005

Josh,

Another class from the academy graduated on Friday, July 1st. My husband Mike was there, because one of his officers graduated. He said it was a good ceremony, especially when they gave the Joshua T. Rutherford Defensive Tactics Award. Mike told me that an officer from Great Falls received it. I am so proud and honored that so many people at the academy thought so highly of you. There is not a day that goes by that I think of you. I miss you more and more instead of less and less. Go with God my nephew.

Melody Zuhoski
Aunt

July 2, 2005

I miss you

June 24, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, May 29, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Joshua Thomas Rutherford who died in the line of duty on this date two years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Rutherford's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 29, 2005

Hey buddy it has been a while since I wrote a reflection. I visit your site alot and still miss our talks. It is so AWESOME when I read reflections from fellow L.E. Officers that you and I had instructed together at MLEA. They respected you and what you stood for as I do. I am trying to get some of the D.T. instructors that you and I taught with to get together this coming week as it has been 2 years since that night that you were taken away from us. It seems as if it was yesterday when I received the phone call at MLEA telling me that you had been killed. You were to be in Helena the following week to help teach D.T.s. I used to look forward to the fun that we would have teaching together and still miss the talks we had on the phone trying to set it up so we all could be there in Helena together. I hope Brien Galt, Travis Bruyer and Howard Webb can all get to Malta so we can visit about you and remember the good times that we all had together. We all want to go to your grave site to visit with you and have our own memorial to you. I know you are watching over us and I still miss you my friend, be with GOD.

Deputy Alan L. Guderjahn
Phillips County Sheriff's Office

May 23, 2005

Josh,

The law enforcement memorial in Helena, was very nice. They had it at the capital, and there was a really good turnout. My husband Mike did stand guard at the memorial 3 times. I took him there for the first one at 7 in the morning, and I though I was doing pretty good, until I saw your name on the marble. It still is very hard for me to comprehend all of this, even after all this time. I miss you very much. Just know that you will never be forgotten. You impacted a lot of people's lives and will live on in our hearts forever.

Melody Zuhoski
aunt

May 17, 2005

To the officers who left reflections,

Thank you for the kinds words and postings. Its nice to know that Josh made a difference in the law enforcement comunity. Yes he was a special person, thank you

Maxine, mother
Deputy Joshua Rutherford eow 5/29/03

May 9, 2005

Josh,
I have really been thinking of you a lot lately. Maybe because of the Law Enforcement Memorial coming up. My husband Mike will stand guard for 1 hour there, as well as many other officers. I think that this year will be a little easier than last year, when you were inducted. I hope so. I look forward to October when I hope and pray this ordeal in losing you will finally be put to rest, when that man that took you from us will be put to death. I love you and miss your smiling face.

Melody Zuhoski
Josh's aunt

May 5, 2005

Joshua,

i was reading all the reflections on here, and i am just amazed on how you impacted so many peoples lives. I still can't believe that you have been gone this long! it seems like, just yesterday that i seen you driving your patrol car around Harlem. This is a Poem for you, and i hope People realize what Police officers do for us, so here it goes ok? I love You Josh, always and forever and i will never forget you!

On the day they had to fall,
they gave their all.
Wearing brown or blue,
they were protecting and serving you.

It started as just a simple call
and ended in tragedy.
"Officer down," the radio announced.
At the scene the brave man pronounced dead,
The killers had fled.
Another widow cries,
yet no one tries
to stop the killing
of these men and women willing
to risk their lives everyday for you.

Always remember the law enforcement
that gave their all,
on the day they had to fall.

May 5, 2005