End of Watch: August 21, 2006
Twenty years ago, Corporal Eric E. Sutphin of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office made the ultimate sacrifice while helping protect his community during an extensive manhunt for an escaped prisoner.
Corporal Sutphin was 40 years old and had dedicated more than 13 years to law enforcement. He was a decorated officer, a United States Army veteran, and, most importantly, a devoted husband and father whose loss continues to be felt by his family, colleagues, and the Virginia community he served.
The Final Call
On August 20, 2006, a prisoner was taken to Montgomery Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries. While at the hospital, the prisoner overpowered a deputy, gained control of the deputy’s service weapon, and fatally shot an unarmed hospital security officer who had attempted to help.
The prisoner escaped, prompting a massive manhunt involving law enforcement officers throughout the area.
The following day, August 21, Corporal Sutphin encountered the fugitive near the head of the Huckleberry Trail in Blacksburg. During that encounter, Corporal Sutphin was shot and killed.
The fugitive was apprehended approximately eight hours later while hiding in a briar patch near the location where Corporal Sutphin had been shot. He was subsequently convicted of Corporal Sutphin’s murder and sentenced to death. The sentence was carried out in 2017.
A Proven Record of Courage
The courage Corporal Sutphin demonstrated during his final call was consistent with the bravery that had defined his career.
On May 9, 2003, Corporal Sutphin was the first officer to arrive at an officer-down call after Christiansburg Police Officer Scott Allen Hylton had been shot. The assailant opened fire on Corporal Sutphin as he reached the scene, wounding him.
Despite his injuries, Corporal Sutphin returned fire and joined other responding officers in pursuing the gunman. When the assailant again fired upon officers, Corporal Sutphin and his fellow officers stopped the threat.
For his actions that day, Corporal Sutphin received the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Medal of Valor—one of numerous awards and commendations he earned throughout his military and law enforcement careers.
A Lifetime of Service
Before beginning his civilian law enforcement career, Corporal Sutphin served for seven years in the United States Army as a military police officer. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
His law enforcement service included the Buchanan Police Department, Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Across every agency and assignment, Corporal Sutphin built a reputation as a courageous and dependable law enforcement professional. Those who served beside him remember not only the officer he was, but also the trusted partner and loyal friend behind the badge.
Retired Chief Mike Wagner, who served alongside him in Albemarle County, offered a simple but powerful reflection:
“You were a great friend and lawman.”
A Husband, Father, Son, and Friend
Beyond his uniform, Corporal Sutphin was a beloved husband to Tamara, a proud father to twin daughters Rachel and Emily, and a devoted son and friend.
His sacrifice changed the lives of those who loved him, but it did not diminish the legacy he left behind. That legacy lives through his family, the officers who had the privilege of serving beside him, and the community that continues to speak his name.
Twenty years have now passed since Corporal Sutphin’s final watch, but time has not lessened the meaning of his service or the magnitude of his sacrifice.
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation joins the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Corporal Sutphin’s family, friends, and fellow officers in remembering a life defined by courage, service, and love of family.
Twenty years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Corporal Eric E. Sutphin
April 29, 1966 – August 21, 2006