Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Rutherford,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy Reserve. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 12, 2024

I am so sorry for the loss of Office Steven Rutherford. I never met Office Steven Rutherford, but I will remember his name for the rest of my life. Every January, I remember that afternoon before the shooting. The shooter was at Ft Eustis Commissary, arguing with a girlfriend. I was the responding Military Policeman. I calmed the two down and was instructed to escort the man off post. On the way, I gave him the, "you going down the wrong road" speech, "you're going to get caught up in something bigger then you want to be involved in." That might I saw him on the 11 pm news. I wonder for a long time, could I have done something to change the events that happened? Did I do enough?
Again, I am sorry for your loss. 30 later Office Steven Rutherford still inspires me to be the best at protecting the community I swore to serve. The oath I took as a Military Policeman and a Correction Officer, in Ohio does not have an expiration date. God Bless
Brian Gainok

Brian Gainok

January 9, 2024

I have not forgotten you.

Anonymous

December 23, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Rutherford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

I was working as a police officer inColonial Heights, VA. My in laws were in gloucester area and I decided to pay my respects to a fellow police officer who was killed in the line of duty. There is a special bond when we lose one of our own even if we didn't know the officer. The memorial service wakes all of us to the dangers of our own mortality in this field! We have to support each other.

Sabrina Tormoen
Colonial Heights Police Dept.

April 4, 2019

I worked at that Pizza place and was working that night. I've never forgot him

Ryan Hooper

September 17, 2016

His passing happened in my front yard on Thorncliff Drive. I was awake and watching TV when it all happened. I went to High School with him as well. I remember the crosses that were put in front of my condo. I don't live there anymore but I can imagine that the memorial crosses are still placed there in his honor.

Anonymous
Anonymous

March 5, 2016

I told supervising staff. They did not provide for a clear channel on comms. They did not provide for a dedicated response/cover team. They ordered Cioffi to remain in an unsupportable position within the bait vehicle. They were rank amateurs in the command/control of this operation. Who am I?
Just a beat cop wearing the same badge, on foot, dedicated to the HUD housing in the East End.

R.Smith. Conservator of the Peace

July 5, 2015

I went to school with Steve. He was such a great guy. You are missed..

Debbie Marchione Foster
friend

January 31, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

January 12, 2015

Steven, I think of you every day. You are someone who can never be forgotten. You are in God's wonderful hands now and one day we will meet again. Stay sweet my friend, with the heart warming smile.

Rita. June 29th, 2014

June 29, 2014

Today, 20 years after your sacrifice, “A” Shift honors you by dedicating our watch to you. God bless you, R.I.P. brother.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford City Police Department

January 12, 2014

Steve,
I went to the academy with you and you were always a kind and energetic police officer. I value your friendship and your service. I had the honor of visiting the fallen police officers memorial in Washington D.C. and found your name. I became emotional and a visiting family asked me who I was visiting and I shared your story. I know they took something away with them when I shared my thoughts of you and how you sacrificed so much fulfilling your calling to your community and country. I live in Miami now and am sad, but very privileged to impart your story and life with those that have never known a real police offer and true public servant! You still positively affect and inspire us today.

God Bless

Chris Mitchell
Former Portsmouth Police Department

December 13, 2013

Steve, I remember you from our Academy Class. A Navy veteran, you always exemplified the highest standards of the Navy and the police. You always showed yourself to be brave compassionate and honorable. You even ran after the suspects with your last drop of blood.
I remember when we were teamed up for the graduation practical exercises when the instructors commented on our building search techniques and said we did the best job of all the team
I teach college now and often tell my classes about your heroism. God Bless

Officer Garrett Sayre
former PPD (Poqouson)

April 20, 2013

I often tell people that I meet, that's in law enforcement, what a great guy that you are. I miss your smile whenever I walk into a courtroom. Stay sweet as always.

Rita
Courtroom friends

June 22, 2011

I often tell people that I meet, that's in law enforcement, what a great guy that you are. I miss your smile whenever I walk into a courtroom. Stay sweet as always.

Rita
Courtroom friends

June 22, 2011

You will always be remembered.

Sgt. Eric Hampton
Homewood Police Department

June 1, 2011

I did not know Steven Rutherford but one night I had the most vivid dream of my life and he was in it. this was after he died and there was a sense that I was with him wherever that was. It has been many years and I always think of him when I see Chanello's and when I recall that dream.

Anonymous

September 23, 2010

Rest in Peace Steve.

Tom Clater
Steve's High School Classmate

March 15, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 13, 2010

I was a delivery driver, working the night that Officer Rutherford came in to our Chanellos to help us. I currently live in Seattle, WA. I have thought of Officer Rutherford occasionally over the years, but the murder of a Seattle officer on Halloween night by a complete coward, like the ones that killed Officer Rutherford has me thinking of him again. Bless the Rutherford family, and the family of Officer Brenton of the Seattle Police Department.

Ryan Hooper
Former Chanellos Driver in Newport News

November 6, 2009

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

I honor you Steve, your name, your service and your memory. I am, and always have been unusually bitter about your murder, because of the "plan" that was thrown together, and scripted for you and your partner, in that undercover . . . deal. I think about you and this situation constantly, and it will "dog me" until the day I die. You are a genuine warrior, so honorable. I only gave some . . . you gave all. It's a bit ironic how I came to write this. Today is the 36th year anniversary of the murder of a wonderful Richmond, VA Police Officer, with whom I graduated from the police academy. His name was Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr. He was a young and promising officer, like you. I was looking at our class graduation picture, and saw yet another "officer" who was in the class, and consequently, in the picture . . . Jay Carey. I started think about you, and wanted to find your memorial again. I wanted to write and let you know how sorry I am that you were put in that situation, and how much I honor you. I wish I could have been with you. You protected all of us. Thank you Steve. With brotherly love and utmost respect,

Jim Crotty, President, Strategies for Officer Survival &
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

Mrs. Rutherford, I respect you beyond description for your efforts on your husband's behalf, after his murder. If you read this, please email me at [email protected]. God bless you Ma'am.

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

August 1, 2009

Hey Uncle Steve...i miss u and i love u and i think bout u everyday. I plan on following in your footsteps and being just like you. Mom says i do alot and act alot like you do and that always brings a smile to my face. anywayz RIP and just know you are not and never will be forggotten. WE LOVE U!

Nicole Moore
Niece

June 19, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008