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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 67. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 67. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 67. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 5.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 12.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
