We just had a 22 year old deputy sheriff killed while responding to a call. The car he was in hit a tree that had fallen across the road and the car slamed into another tree nearby, The driver was hurt but not seriously. This young man had only been on the job 3 months after graduating from Radford U. in June with a degree in Criminal Justice. I found this on the memorial page for him and had never heard it before......it will choke you up.



Brother Ray, as you Patrol the streets of Heaven we have your watch down here. Godspeed and prayers to your Family and the Southhampton Co Sheriff's Office.

"The Final Inspection
The warrior stood and faced God, which will always come to pass, He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.Step forward now, old warrior, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true? The warrior squared his shoulders and Said, No, Lord, I guess I aint, Cause those of us who carry guns cant always be a saint.Ive had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough, and sometimes Ive been violent, Cause the world is awfully rough.But, I never took a penny that wasnt mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep.And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear, and sometimes, God forgive me, Ive wept unmanly tears.I know I dont deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around except to calm their fears.If youve a place for me here, Lord, it neednt be so grand. In life I didnt expect nor need too much, so if you dont, Ill understand.There was a SILENCE all around the throne, where the saints had often trod, as the warrior stood quietly. For the judgment of his GOD....Step forward now, my warrior, youve born your burdens well, walk peacefully on heavens streets, youve done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Had there been a storm? Just curious because you mentioned a downed tree and it's frequently not appreciated how risky doing emergency response in storm conditions is ...

A tragic loss.

It happened about a 2 hr. drive from where I live and I believe they have storms through there regularly. It's a small town with much forrested area on country roads. This tree must have just fallen because from what I can gather no one had called it in. I've got a grandson who graduated from the same university [Radford] in '08. I sent my daughter an e-mail to ask him if he knew this young man. From what I read he was well liked and the word 'dedication' kept coming up. He was commended for acheiving his goal of getting on the force and was about to be sent to the academy. One so young with so much to live for. It is tragic.