Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Crouse, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day almost 14 years ago, as your murder was coldblooded and was vile in every way. To start off, the man who killed you had no connection with you whatsoever, and what possessed him that day to kill a police officer is beyond me, since he could've went on with his day, but instead he had other plans. What also bothers me is the fact he was a coward, as he took his own life once confronted by another officer, which goes to show that he couldn't accept accounatability for his actions. What doesn't make sense to me is to why people target police in the first thing. There shouldn't be a reason to kill an officer at all, since police are one of the backbones of America, and they put their lives at risk everyday they go to work, and they know that they have a huge chance of not making it home, but with how society is now it's only gotten worse as people are just as corrupt like they were at the time of your passing. To put it forth, the spineless coward who took your life dug his own grave, as he's rotting in the ground as we speak, as he's being taken care of in the deepest pits of hell. However, i'd like to focus on the positive side of things; For one, i'd like to personally salute you for your service as a soldier for the US Army, as you not only protected the students and staff at Virginia Tech, but your country as well, so i gotta personally thank you for protecting our country with selflessness and bravery. It not only takes alot to become a police officer, but to become a soldier beforehand takes a great amount of bravery and strength, and if that doesn't hint at how brave and courageous you were, i don't know what will. Also, from what i read is that after the virginia tech shooting happened a few years prior to your death, that was around the same time after it happened you joined the VT police department. From what i believe, is that you joined because you didn't want another tragedy like that to happen again, which is why i think you chose that department to protect the staff and students, and that shows how much you cared for their safety, since there's alot of crazy and unwell people who are crazy enough to do such things. I think that during your 4 years of protecting the campus on Virginia Tech, i'd say you did a great job at ensuring the public safety of the campus and staff there, along with the rest of the residents of the surrounding area since it was outwards from the campus. However, i'd like to think that as of now your children know who their father is, as not only did that scumbag take away a police officer, he took away a husband, father, son, and a friend to others. I'd like to believe that your kids have learned about your legacy and the things you did not just as an officer, but as a soldier as well since you were more than just a brave man who protected others. It's a shame that you were taken away from your family, all because some spineless coward wanted to take his anger out on others, and unfortunately he did what he did, and his actions are unjustified. As of now, i believe that you're now the guardian angel of your family as you're protecting your children and wife from any harm and evil that may reach their way, just like how you protected others and the people of Virginia Tech, as your children can rest at night knowing that their father is protecting them spiritually, as you watch over them and guard them during the night and day. Although your case overall is awful, atleast we know now that the man who took your life is receiving his punishment in the afterlife, as Karma has dealt with him. Although i think it should've been different, we know that despite him being a coward, he was brave enough to dig up his own grave and throw himself in, since he was obviously somebody who either needed to be put down, or sealed away from society permanently. Though he's gone, it still won't make up the fact he murdered a police officer for absolutely no reason at all. But despite all of that, it won't bruise a reputation like yours since you were a light in the darkness for those who were stuck in a dark place, and you were somebody who could pull them out of said place. And although i never knew or met you, i think you were a great person to meet and talk to, since you were somebody that anybody could trust since you were one to get the job done, since your time in the Army is what instilled your discipline and desire to serve and protect, and you fulfilled that perfectly. I know that the people with Virginia Tech admired your service, since there's not many officers like you that exist, since some either don't do their job, or they let the power get to their head and fall down a spiral they can't dig out of. I believe that with officers like you who have once set the example for others, it's safe to say that you were able to inspire others to do better and change their ways, and if they needed your guidance, they knew they could talk to you about it. While you're not here physically, i believe that your impact and sacrifice is one that is felt by others, even to those that never met you, but i believe that as long as others learn about your story and who you were as a person, it doesn't mean that you're truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that your children will carry your legacy where it was left off. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that the coward who took your life is also gone, as he won't bother anyone else again, since he wasn't a human, but rather a demon taking the form of a human. Although you're gone, it still won't make your service as an officer and soldier fade, as your flame will never be put out no matter how much time goes on, and that those who continue to learn about you will know that you were a one of a kind. I believe that as long as your name is said and you're remembered for how you lived and what you did as an officer and soldier, you won't truly be dead, as your story is one that is still talked about, which goes to show you aren't forgotten. Rest Well Mr. Crouse

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

July 4, 2025

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