Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

One of the best of the very best. My dads good friend, Captain David F Faircloth Jr (1964-2009), C391. You are so missed Bill ❤️

Keirstin Faircloth Petersen ID 5479
Marion County Sheriff’s Office

April 29, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Rutherford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2018

Rest in perpetual Peace Deputy. May God watch over you, family, and all your brothers and sisters in blue.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 2, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 11, 2015

I knew Billy when he was a kid. I was a senior in high school and Billy tagged along everywhere I went. I think of those days often. Ironic thing is I moved away after graduation to California and became a level 1 reserve officer in the town I live in and my son is an officer in his town. God bless your family and praise to God to knowing you.

Retired Kevin Bollinger
Concord Police Dept

October 10, 2014

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. My heart and prayers are with your family today and always. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Rutherford.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

January 2, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Rutherford. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 2, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you Deputy Rutherford are a hero. My heart and prayers are with you mom and family today as they face another EOW. Continue to rest in peace hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

January 2, 2012

To the Rutherford family may you know that we will never forget your HERO.. Time does not heal the pain in our hearts, but it does make each day easier to get up and go forward. God truly called a special hero home that day...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

January 2, 2011

Its been 20 Years ago today that You were taken away from Your Family and fellow Deputys.
Marion County S.O. { Fla. }. is the BEST THERE IS.
Rest in peace Deputy Rutherford.

Anonymous

January 2, 2010

To honor your service and memory on this special day when we honor all fallen heros. May you rest in His peace.

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to others. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

April 28, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H

December 30, 2007

"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 14, 2007

Just when you became a deputy sheriff for MCSD you helped me in a situation that i have always honored you for god bless your family

July 24, 2005

I didn't know Bill that well, but my husband and him were friends, and we've talked about Bill throughout the years. On this one year anniversary of fellow-deputy Brian Litz's death, I thought it would be appropriate to leave a reflection for Bill, and to let his family know we were holding them up in prayer. I like to think that Bill was there waiting when Brian went home, and took him by the hand...two heroes who shared a common bond, both having given their lives while serving others.

Mrs. Rutherford, you've made sure that your son will never be forgotten, and you've taken a tragedy and turned it around for the good of your community. Bill would be proud of you.

Former Deputy
MCSO

February 7, 2005

Rest in peace Bill, you are missed.

Capt. Chip Wildy
Marion County Sheriff'S Office

January 24, 2005

I am graduating with my masters on Sat. and am wearing a Batman pin in memory of Brian. I remember your senseless death and have all blue lights in my home for all the officers who have died. (Two red lights for fire and medical individuals). You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!Especially, during the holidays.

Jennifer Tozzo Fire Instructor III/Param
Graduate Student

December 15, 2004

05/30/04

Rest in peace Deputy Rutherford. You are not forgotten.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 31, 2004

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Bartow, Florida

March 16, 2004

Thank you for being our protection from drunk drivers, among countless other things. It makes me sick to see ignorant, heartless people play down drunk driving while people lose their lives because of it. I'm very sorry to hear of another hero being taken by one of these predators. I sure hope his cold-blooded killer never walks the streets again, though I fear he probably is now.

Rest in peace Deputy Rutherford, and thanks for keeping the peace while you were here. You served us well. God bless his family and friends in all the years to come.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

February 17, 2004

Brother Bill it has been 10 years now and I can still see your smile. I drive by the highway marker everyday deticated in your honor. We have named our F.O.P. Lodge after you, the William (Bill) Hamilton Rutherford Memorial Lodge. We will never forget you. God Speed my friend, will see you when Jesus comes back.

Inspector Phil McNamee
Marion County Sheriffs Dept

You always had a smile,
Doing a job full of fear.
You obviously went the extra mile.
You worked hard while you were here.
You always tried to make others happy, it seemed.
You showed love to all your peers.
You were truly part of this team.
While the thanks sometimes lacked,
Through the harsh words and insults,
You never turned your back.
Though all the good you were doing,
God didn’t want you here.
If you wait we will be coming,
But until then, please take care.



I am sorry for your loss, may god bless!

IRON COUNTY, UTAH