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Thomas E. Rutherford
Incident
Deputy Commissioner T. E. Rutherford was shot and killed while raiding a still in Wyoming County. His killer was shot and wounded.
The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Commissioner Rutherford was survived by his wife and six children. He is buried in Sarah Jane Richardson Cemetery, Fanrock, Wyoming County, West Virginia.
Survivors
Commissioner Rutherford was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Commissioner Rutherford served with the West Virginia Department of Prohibition.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Commissioner Rutherford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
West Virginia Department of Prohibition has lost 13 officers; 12 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1923, 3 officers at West Virginia Department of Prohibition were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 8 officers in WV were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 57. Of the 12 killed feloniously at West Virginia Department of Prohibition whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49; the middle age was 45.5.
Thomas was 57. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Thomas was 57. 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.
Thomas was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 16.7% of these deaths at West Virginia Department of Prohibition; July holds the most, 25%. Sundays: 33.3%.
February holds 7.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Sundays: 10.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 92.3% of all 13 deaths at West Virginia Department of Prohibition, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 18.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
West Virginia Department of Prohibition has 13 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
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Will Farley Aug 11, 1919
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William Meade Feb 12, 1922
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John Luther Maddy
Jul 15, 1922
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Thomas E. Rutherford Feb 25, 1923
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Mose Elswick Sep 23, 1923
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Walter E. Blake
Oct 28, 1923
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Leander M. Cook Nov 15, 1924
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William Holand Wolford Dec 9, 1924
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David Ball Jun 20, 1925
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Gustavus James Simmons
Jul 11, 1927
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Everett Adams Jul 27, 1927
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Edward Hensley Aug 16, 1927
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Ell Watkins Jun 27, 1932
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Virginia Department of Prohibition are honored on badge.nw.
