Roll of Honor
John W. Sutfin
Incident
Police Officer John Sutfin succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day when he was shot in the rail yards at Kenova, West Virginia, while attempting to arrest an armed robbery suspect. The man had robbed another railroad police officer of his service revolver earlier in the evening. Other officers were able to return fire and kill the suspect. Officer Sutfin was taken to Rife-Ferguson Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Officer Sutfin had served with the Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department for over 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RR-3FE07958- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Sutfin gave the Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sutfin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John W. Sutfin is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John W. Sutfin's cause is highlighted.
How John W. Sutfin Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John W. Sutfin is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John W. Sutfin was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
