Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Rafter was shot and killed after he became overpowered by a prisoner he was transporting to the Augusta County Jail, Virginia. Deputy Rafter had stopped to assist a disabled motorist on the exit ramp from I-81 to U.S. Route 250 when the prisoner overpowered him and gained control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The suspect shot Deputy Rafter as they struggled in the front seat of the patrol car. The suspect was convicted of murdering Deputy Rafter and sent to prison. Deputy Rafter had served with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-DC5B3FD2- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Rafter gave the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rafter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John E. Rafter 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John E. Rafter's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Rafter Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Rafter is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Rafter was killed by officer's handgun.