Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

Deriek was my driver when we were in the service in the First Cav . I will always remember him for his service he will never be forgotten after seeing that you put a blue light in the window during Christmas I will also continue this tradition and God Bless

Sgt Jeffrey W.Hind
U.S. Army

January 31, 2021

Every year as we decorate for Christmas, we put a blue light in our window in your memory. You're never forgotten.

Shannon Allen
Spouse of Virginia Tech Police Officer

December 7, 2018

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 20, 2018

Rest in peace officer Crouse. As a citizen of the USA I appreciate your service and as an alumni of Virginia Tech I thank you and your loved ones for your sacrifice. God Bless You!

Special Agent
Virginia Conservation Police

December 9, 2015

Officer Crouse, today marks the 4th anniversary of your senseless murder. You have not been forgotten. No doubt VT feels your presence on a daily basis, but rest, Brother, there are plenty here to carry on.

God Bless.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

December 8, 2015

Officer Crouse,

On Saturday, 12/6/14, the Virginia Public Safety Memorial was dedicated in Richmond. Your name, along with 869 other public safety officials, are etched in stone and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Karla Turman

December 8, 2014

You were a close coworker and friend, you are sorely missed by myself and the entire dept. rest in peace my friend!

Security Officer
VA. TECH POLICE DEPT.

April 1, 2014

I think of you often my friend. I pray for the strength your family needs to continue coping with the senseless act of evil.

Capt Joe Berney
NRCJTA / CCSO

December 20, 2013

Deriek,

I still remember when you were training me at Virginia Tech when I was a security guard and I remember you slamming me to the ground. You made sure we all understood the moves that you were teaching us and I still remember them today. As a police officer now, I think of your passing everyday and never forget your dedication to help others. Till this day I still keep your family in my thoughts and prayers and I want you to know that you will never be forgotten. R.I.P 152

Officer J. Stevers
Longwood University Police Department

August 11, 2013

My son was attending Virginia Tech when this tragedy happened. It was a terrible day for the university and the surrounding community. Thank you brother for being there to protect my family. Rest in peace brother. You will not be forgotten.

Officer David Akers
Wilton Manors (FL) Police Department

December 12, 2012

So sad my fallen brother. We were honored to participate in your funeral. You will not be missed.

Captain Gary Ladin
Richmond Police Department
Honor Guard Commander

December 8, 2012

It seems like yesterday day Sir, when I heard the news all over the radio. It's been a year and it's still fresh in my head. You were a Hero Sir and thank you for your service watching over the campus keeping it safe for the young adults. RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

December 8, 2012

R.I.P Brother We will never forget!!!

Sgt. Robert Thomas
McDaniel College Police

October 3, 2012

To the Crouse family,

Unfortunately, I cannot say that I had the honor of meeting Deriek, but after having read his story, I can say that I know enough about him to know that he was a great man that put others ahead of him, regardless of what that may cost. Not only did he protect our freedom when serving in the Army, but he continued to give to this nation by serving as a law enforcement officer. Although I do not know him personally, I will never forget him or his story. On behalf of my Criminal Justice class at the University of Phoenix, thank you for all that you have done for our great country, Deriek. Rest in peace. You were taken too soon…

Mike Strickland
University of Phoenix Student

September 8, 2012

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the citizens of your community...

Lt. Ron Bayne
Scottsdale Police Department

September 7, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now, you will not be forgotten

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 23, 2012

RIP thank you for your service.

Officer C. Jones
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office

February 11, 2012

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance Dennis. Every time 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 officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Crouse. 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. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Deriek 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 Deriek's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Deriek's life was about so much more than the way he died. Deriek will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Crouse, 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 fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been nine years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

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

February 2, 2012

Officer Crouse, you put your life on the line to protect our country and then our community. For your ultimate sacrifice we are solemnly grateful. Your family is in our minds, our hearts, our prayers.

Ron Oliver
Hokie '94

January 30, 2012

Officer Crouse, Crouse family and VTPD: Your ultimate sacrifice to protect our VT students and VA community will never be forgotten. I will be riding my bicycle in your honor on the Police Unity Tour, May 10-12, 2012, with the Virginia Chapter IV.
God Bless,
PUT Rider Kevin Whalen

Senior Special Agent Kevin Whalen
U.S. Treasury - FinCEN

January 17, 2012

Officer Crouse,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO, but also for our Country as well when you served with the USAR in Iraq as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

December 30, 2011

What is the world coming to when an honest man trying to make a positive change on the lives of folks is ambushed while doing his job. This world is full of sick people. My condolences to you and your family... RIP Brother of the shield.

SPO R Moore
Pinehurst PD

December 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for your service to Virginia Tech and the greater higher education community. We will continue to pray for you, your family and Hokie Nation. God Bless.

Scott Burnotes, Director
University of Miami-Office of Emergency Management

December 28, 2011

Thank you for serving our community. You took the job as an officer knowing the dangers but you put your life on the line every day for our community, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and Montgomery County. Thank you, you will never be forgotten by anyone here.

We pray for you and your family, wife, children, parents, everyone who loved you. You made the ultimate sacrifice protecting us. Rest in peace Deriek.

Kelsey, Linda, Brian, and Vick family
Blacksburg citizens and VT faculty

December 21, 2011