Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

your gone from this earth but not from our memories love you brother

shawn humphrey
friend

September 16, 2006

When I saw your face and heard your name I kept thinking I know you. I finally figured it out after reading about you on this website. I met you on August 12, 2003 at the awards ceremony for the officers that were killed that year. You responded when officer Hylton was down. I approached you and introduced myself and I said I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifice you made. You were with officer Hylton's family sitting at the table next to me. Once again I have to THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I knew you were a Hero when I met you. I read you have twins. I pray for your family to have PEACE. I am still sad but no one will forget. I am Sharon Atkins, Identical Twin Sister of Officer Sheila Herring Norfolk PD killed in the line of Duty JANUARY 16, 2003

Sharon Atkins

September 15, 2006

A Cop On The Take


First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes -
He takes it in stride when people call him pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserve.
He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured children to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.
He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both you headlights have to work.
He takes the job no one else wants - telling you a loved one has died.
He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but He takes it anyway because someone has to.
If he is lucky, He takes retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.
Sometimes, He Takes a bullet.
And, yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken,
and God takes him.


May God Bless the Sutphin Family and Montgomery County Sherrifs Office

A very sad citizen of Montgomery County

September 15, 2006

May God bring peace to you and your family today and always.

FCPD Civilian Employee and
wife of FCPD Officer

September 14, 2006

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

CORPORAL ERIC E. SUTPHIN, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

September 8, 2006

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. in reading the past reflections about you, it sounds like you were well loved and a dedicated officer, my condolences to you and rest in peace,

sgt. jorgensen
sherburn/welcome police

September 6, 2006

Wherever we are in the world we all do the same job and face the same scum every day. Eric was just as much of a sad loss as if one of my own team had lost his life and I thank him for making his small part of the world just that little bit safer.

Sgt Mike Baker
British Transport Police

September 6, 2006

Corporal, although I never knew you, your are obviously a man of conviction and courage. Thank you for what you have done for us. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department

September 5, 2006

Rest in peace. You are truly a hereo.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Cpl. Sutphin. May you find peace and comfort in God and know that Cpl Sutphin will always be watching over you.

Ofc J. M. Deveney and wife
Chesterfield County Police Deptartment

September 5, 2006

Rest in peace, my brother....we won't let you be forgotten

PN and FF

September 4, 2006

Eric, It is hard to find the right words to express how we feel without you here with us. There is a great sense of loss and anger but at the same time pride and loyalty. We are all proud to have known you. You have left a lasting impression on everyone. You taught us how to get things done by pulling together and by not being afraid to ask for help. Those lessons have gotten us through the last few weeks and will carry us throughout. We have had many conversations were we all get a good laugh at the things you have said to us or the tricks you have pulled. Leave it to you to make us laugh when we are hurting so much. We will carry on your "legacy" ,as you would say ,with pride. We will continue to keep you in our hearts and in your honor we will work to be loyal to our jobs and each other. Watch over these guys as they continue to do the job you loved so much. We miss you and look forward to seeing you again.

Michelle Smith
Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Office

September 4, 2006

I feel very unfortunate to say this is the third law enforcement officer I have known and left a reflection for. The first was my father, Officer Terry Griffith who died in the line of duty 12 years ago. While he did not work for the same department that myself and Eric work for, he did work in the same town. Eric makes the thrid law enforcement member to be killed in our small southern town. 12 years ago when it happened to my dad we all thought it would never happen again. How could it? This town is too small for it to happen at all but never again. Then in 2003 it did happen again. Officer Scott Hylton was killed and then Deputy Eric Sutphin was shot trying to assist Scott. After that day no one thought Eric would come back to work but he did. He loved his job in law enforcement. It was what he lived for. He was always there. He had been out for hours when he was killed on Monday. He did not want to give up on finding that guy. He was more than a cop though. He was a father and a husband and was wonderful at both. He was also a fabulous friend. He could always make you laugh or smile or joke with you and make your day better. Anyone that knew him could tell you that. Anyone that met him could tell you how lucky they were to know him. And I know that it would be his hope if you didn't know him in this life that you could meet him in heaven one day.
All I can say about Eric Sutphin is He Was The Best!
We all love and miss you Eric.

Dispatcher Ashley Griffith
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

September 3, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Corporal Sutphin, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Eric, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Eric's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Eric's life was about so much more than the way he died. Eric will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Corporal Sutphin, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three and a half years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

September 2, 2006

Eric- In the few short years I knew you I learned so much from you. From police work to family life, you helped me look at the big picture. I consided you my co-worker, friend, and mentor (but not idol as you might like to hear). You seemed to love your time off with your family so much. I'll always remeber talking about "the old days" when you first started in police work and the "old timey" batons you used to carry, only use was to stick them between the seats and hang your hat, right? The Sheriff's Office won't be the same without you, and it seemed no one, even the Sheriff, was immune from a prank or punchline. Only God knows why he made the decision to take you from us and we have to trust in Him. If any good has come from this, it is that law enforcement in the New River Valley and especially the Sheriff's Office have bonded more than ever.

To the Sutphin Family- We will never fully understand or experience your loss. We thank you so much for sharing Eric with us. We are each lucky to care a small part of him with us as we continue to work without him. We are all here for you, all you have to do is ask.

We miss you, Eric.

Deputy E. S. Snow
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2006

Never will you be forgotten! Rest in peace brother!!

Ofc. MacDonald
Kwajalein Police Department/ SRT UNIT

September 2, 2006

Rest easy brother well take it from here. God bless your loved ones.

Ofc Caddell, T
MPD

September 1, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sutphin family. He was a great hero who gave his life for others. Corporal Sutphin will always be remembered. Rest in peace brother

Deputy Sheriff
Buchanan Co. Sheriff's Office

September 1, 2006

Another untimely death. Corporal Eric E. Sutphin gave his life protecting those in his community. You now walk a beat where there is no violence but only peace. See you on the other side when we all meet. You, your family, and your coworkers are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest well Eric.

First Sergeant Salvatore A. Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA

August 31, 2006

Eric

A true hero!!! A cops, cop!!! Rest in peace brother. . .


Robert

Deputy Sheriff III
Montgomery County MD Sheriffs Office

August 31, 2006

Honouring the memory of Corporal E. Sutphin.

My thoughts are with the family - may you find your peace. And may the man responsible for this be put away for ever.

Police Constable
from East London,
UK

PC from MET police, London, UK

August 31, 2006

Eric was a good man who had a deep passion and true love for his career in law enforcement. Eric wasn't a person who was here earnig a paycheck and passing time. He was a person who dedicated himself to this profession. Eric always wore a smile and was full of laughter. The morning of August 21, 2006 was disbelief to everyone here at the Sheriff's office. As days went by, the reality had set in on all of us and we knew that our brother would not be returning. Eric will be truely missed and he will always have his place in our hearts. One day, we will be able to laugh with Eric once again. God Bless.

Sgt C Lloyd
Montgomery Co Sheriff's Office

August 31, 2006

A true hero! Godspeed!

Patrolman Chris McGinnis
Cahokia PD, IL

August 30, 2006

Corporal Sutphin,

Your legacy is very honorable. Thank you for your service. I pray for your family. I hope they can find comfort. I now they must be very proud of you. I hope your twin daughters know you will watch over them. I salute you, and God bless you brother.

Agent Brandon Ladner
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

August 30, 2006

May you rest in peace. God Bless the family and friends of this dedicated professional who gave the ultimate sacrifice. God Speed my Brother.

Lt R.L. Clawson
Fort Hood P.D., Texas

August 30, 2006