Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of these brave officers.

Chief of Police Jerry E. Hicks, Sr., 69

Leadwood Missouri Police Department

December 4, 2011 – Chief of Police Jerry Hicks was on his way to a local prison to pick up an inmate work crew when his vehicle hit a tree after sliding on an icy spot in the roadway. He succumbed to his injuries six days later.

Chief Hicks is survived by his two adult children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne, 58

Moore County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office

December 8, 2011 – Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne was shot and killed after responding to a trespassing call at a private residence. He was questioning two brothers and learned that one of them was wanted for outstanding child support. Deputy Rhyne then attempted to arrest the suspect. At some point during the arrest, the suspect pulled out a handgun and fatally shot the deputy. The suspect then turned the gun on himself, committing suicide.

Deputy Rhyne, a 37 year veteran, had previously served as chief of police for another law enforcement ageny.

He is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren.

Officer Deriek W. Crouse, 39

Virginia Tech Police Department

December 8, 2011 – Officer Deriek Crouse was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in a university parking lot. The shooter, a man unrelated to the traffic stop, approached Officer Crouse’s unmarked car and shot him once in the head as he sat in his vehicle.

The suspect fled on foot but later committed suicide as officers attempted to contact him.

Officer Crouse is survived by his wife, five children, mother, and brother.

 * 2011 line of duty deaths…147