Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well we did basic 119 this week and we really missed you. It was hard for us to go on with out you, but you will always be a part of us. We had a really good class bro, as Guderjahn put it "you guy are just awsome, the only thing i regret is my buddy Josh wasn't here to see you, he would have been proud of you guys." Rest in peace bro.

Jason Frederick
Roosevelt County

“But for Awhile...”

There is an old story
That my heart knows is true,
It is written (somewhere),
That long before
We are born
Our Guardian Angel
Takes our unborn Spirit
And circles the Earth
In search of the family,
The people
To whom we wish to belong.
We choose the life
The family, the people
That is to be ours.

One such small Spirit
After much searching
Touched the Buckskin and Headdress
Of the creator..
“Father, Father..I have found
To whom I wish to belong..
I see a Mother, her name is Maxine Magpie...
Her life has not always been easy...
She needs the special love that I can give
To enrich her life as she will enrich mine...
I see a Father, his name is Mike Mathews..
He will be a Warrior in uniform..
I see sisters, Tammy, Jody and Angela...
And brothers too, Lewis, Sean...
Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins
A great Grandmother Theresa Walker..
A wonderful fiercely loyal Grandma Ester Dumont
And a very special Uncle Pee Wee Magpie
I see a young woman named Roberta King...
To whom my heart will be bound forever
As sweetheart, as husband, as friend.
I see another young woman named Jennifer
Who but for a time will share my life..
And with these two woman
I will share sons...
The one who will be as me...Thomas...
Followed by “laughing eyes, Joshua Teague.
Matthew...and that lil’ blond baby Michael.

Oh , Creator, please..please..allow me
The passage of birth!”

“Oh, my impatient Spirit child..
Do you know what you ask of me?
I must make you aware..
This life that you choose will not be long.
BUT FOR AWHILE
You will know great love..
You will achieve the goals you set for yourself.
As is your wish, you will have the life of a
Law Enforcement Officer..
And you will enjoy life to the fullest...
But, only, for awhile.
When it is time to return to me
You must, without question,
Come home to me.
There will be great grief at your passing
From those you leave behind.
Men and woman in uniform
And in great numbers
Will bid you goodbye.
Are you certain this the life you want?”

“Oh, yes, Great Spirit!
While it is true I won’t be there long,
I will teach them what your Son
In His brief life taught
That we all must sacrifice our life
In whatever duty our life requires..
That love given and received is eternal...
That children, above all else,
Is our greatest legacy.
Please, Creator Father,
I promise, when you call
I will, without hesitation, return to you
Knowing that I lived my
Life to the very best of my ability.”

On May 29, 2003, The Creator God
Called Joshua Thomas Raven Chief Rutherford
Home.
He returned in full uniform
And with Angel wings
To watch, forever, over those he still so dearly loves.


BY: Turtle Woman
Jessie James Hawley

"Friends in Blue"

We have worked together for many years,
It's our voices ringing in your ears.
We try to make those long days brighter,
And hopefully, the load a little lighter.

We send you to the bar-room brawl.
And out in the rain to the nuisance call.
We worry about you day and night.
To make sure every call turns out all right.

We share your sorrows, we share your joys,
That's why we think of you as ... "Our boys."
Then why have we never said to you,
"I'm proud of you ... my friend in blue."

Dispatcher
Horn Lake Police Department

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY RUTHERFORD, HIS
FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY RUTHERFORD, HIS
FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

To the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Rutherford, I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort you all.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

I am sorry for the loss of Deputy Rutherford. I know Josh is walking with Saint Michael in the Streets of Heaven. Anyone who works for a rural law enforcement agecny knows there is an added risk in an already risky job. As a dispatcher for one of those agencies I feel your loss greatly. Josh truley is a HERO. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Rutherford and to the Blaine County Sheriff's Office. My husband is a Detective with Fallon Police Dept in Fallon NV, his thoughts and prayers are with all you also. May Josh always walk with you.

Dispatcher Tee Jay FLetcher
Walker River Tribal Police, Schurz, NV.

Romans 13:4
For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Rest In Peace!

Special Operations Group
FBI Detroit Division

~A Part of America Died~

Somebody killed a policeman today, and
A part of america died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
And spend alone many long nights
. The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
To his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policemen today,
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now, his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
And a part of america died.


May God watch over your family Josh....
TO JOSH'S FAMILY.I KNOW YOU ARE GREIVING AT THIS TIME, I KNOW IT IS HARD NOT HAVING YOUR SON, FATHER, BROTHER, NEPHEW, COUSIN, GRANDSON, ETC AROUND. DON'T BE SAD THATGOD TOOK JOSH FROM YOU. HE IS TRULY ONE OF GOD'S ANGELS. FOR THE SHORT TIME THAT JOSH WAS ON EARTH HE ACCOMPLISED MANY THINGS MORE THAN MOST DO IN A LIFETIME. YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF THIS FINE YOUNG MAN. HE HAS LEFT SUCH A BIG IMPRESSION ON ALL OF US. HE WILL BE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MIND. BE PROUD OF JOSH, HE WAS TRULY ONE OF A KIND. THOUGH WE NEVER HAD TO OPPORTUNITY TO MEET, YOU CAN GUARANTEE HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS.
YOUR COUSIN

I sometimes wonder why the young are taken from us and we old ones are left behind to grieve. I forget that God has a reason for everything that happens in this world of his and he must have had a job for Josh up in Heaven with Him. For the little ones he left behind who will never again know the touch of a loving fathers arms or a kiss from a proud father, it is hard to explain this. Thomas will have to assure his younger brothers that their daddy loved them with all his heart. That brave heart that was stilled by a cowards bullet!

I know that his father and brother Lewis and sister Angela, police persons all, miss him terribly and the hurt will remain for a very long time and will never, ever disappear altogether.
Life goes on for those of us who are left behind and hard though it may be to move forward, we must.

Josh, know that the love your entire family had for you encompasses the earth and will never die. The memories we all have of you will always be treasured and kept next to our hearts.

This is from an old woman who is very proud of the way you turned your life around and followed in your father's footsteps
Go with God my grandson.

Josh's grandmother, Ruby Rasor

Josh was a hero in my book. like his dad mike,brother lewis,and sister angela.they are all law enforcement officers here in montana.he will be missed truly,but never forgotten.rest easy now josh and keep your watch on your family down here,they need you now more than ever......

kevin rasor proud uncle of josh rutherford.

uncle of josh

For my Nephew; (D.S. "Josh" Rutherford)

It is very fresh in our minds and yet it is very hard to comprehend. We will, I am hoping, come to accept that you are gone. Gone, and yet not forgotten! Your heroism and that of the many others who have preceded you, in the Last/Fiinal Shift, will be ours to remember and ours to pass on. Your stories will be told.

You, my nephew, were known to me for a very short time and yet you were loved enough for a lifetime. The last time I saw you at your father's house, as you were leaving to go home, I bade you farewell and at the last moment, before you got into your Pickup, I said, "Josh, I Love you!" You soared with the Eagles on that final journey home.

I thank God for sending you to us and I thank you for Protecting us. You were part of a family that has no end; A family of Warriors!

I wish to thank *All* the Law Enforcement Families for their kind words. Thank you for honoring yet another fallen hero.
God Bless and protect all of you. Aunt Kate

Former Dispatcher, Kathleen Goodman
North Bend Oregon PD

May God grant your family a comforting peace as you transcend this earthly bound. I have no doubt that God will meet you with open arms as you go forth to patrol the streets of heaven under his command. May God bless you, your family, friends, and all of the remaining peace officers who will continue the watch here in your absence.

Concerned Military Member
USAF

Thank you for doing what so many others are afraid to!

Ofcr CD Roberts
Tucson (Az) Police Dept

THE POLICEMAN’S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS.
HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS.
"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU?
HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a Saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn’t mine to keep,
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though sometimes I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here,
they never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me Lord, it needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, but if you don’t, I’ll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the Policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman, you’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets, you’ve done your time in hell."

Unknown Author

Det.C.Perry
Ky. State Police

A little pain in my chest

The Deputy Sheriff was sitting alone underneath the tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard this night
And scores of bullets on the ground to see by morning's light.

"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could.
"A sip of water on this morning would surely do me good.
We fought all night with scarcely any rest -
Just a sip of water for I have a little pain in my chest."

As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with bloodied dirt.
"Not too much", said he. "I count myself luckier than the rest.
Others have gone while I just have a little pain in my chest."

"Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We ran after him but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this little pain in my chest."

"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep cracks in the earth - and bullets all around.
I kept on after him, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this little pain in my chest."

"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed him my canteen.
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of fight and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a little pain in his chest."

"What would my Dad be thinking of his son so strong and grown,
If he could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting here one day with this pain in my chest?"

"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that little pain in his chest.

I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
The angels came and took him to their side.
Upwards they went where all good officers go who have died.
And, as I watched, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the little one in his chest.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


Lynda Rasor

Lynda Rasor
His Aunt who never met him.

May God be with the family and friends of Josh, as well as the brave men of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office. God Bless You.

Reserve Deputy Scott Skones
Phillips County Sheriff's Office

JOSH, YOU WILL BE FOREVER IN MY HEART. I AM VERY GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL THAT I FINALLY GOT TO MEET YOU AND HAD YOU IN MY LIFE FOR THE TIME THAT I DID. YOU ARE MY HERO........... GOD BLESS MY BROTHER MIKE (JOSH'S DAD) AND HIS FAMILY THROUGH THIS SAD TIME.

melody stanley
aunt of josh rutherford

Josh,
You did such a wonderful job here on earth as an officer, a son, husband, father, brother, grandson, and nephew that God decided that He needed you more. You will be missed in the worst way. I know that it was your choice to choose the job of a law enforcement officer, you wanted to serve and protect. I also know that now God has given you a new job, maybe not of your choosing, but He knew best. He saw a great officer and chose you to serve and protect still, but from heaven. You will be missed, rest in peace Josh!

Josh's Aunt

Deputy Rutherford,
It takes a brave man to work in a rural agency like yours. We too are often left without close backup. You did everything you could, and now it's our turn to take the beat. Rest assured your children will be well taken care of.

Dep. Mark Holthaus
Kootenai County SD, CDA, ID.

Rest in peace brother.

Burlington Township PD NJ

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow deputies of Deputy Rutherford.

While we may all wear different uniforms and serve in different jurisdictions, we are all united in other sworn duties to uphold the law and protect the public.

Rest in peace my friend, let those of us who remain cover your post on the thin blue line until we meet again.

Anonymous

"Ring"
God has called another soldier to his side.

Rest in peace,

"Till we meet again my friend"

Faron

Faron L Akins
Randolph County 911, NC

Another hero has had his life taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Rutherford. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

Thank you for your service. My deepest sympathies to your family, friends and co-workers. Rest easy brother, we will take the watch from here. God bless.

Officer S.W. Harrell
Richmond, VA Police Department