The Shadow
BLACKSBURG (AP) – A Virginia Tech police officer gunned down in a shooting that revived memories of the April 2007 massacre on campus was remembered at his funeral Monday as a loving husband, father and dedicated public servant.
Bagpipers and drummers marched somberly down the center of Cassell Coliseum to Deriek W. Crouse’s flag-draped coffin as hundreds of police officers, family, friends and state dignitaries looked on.
Crouse, 39, was ambushed last Thursday during a routine traffic stop on campus. Police said Ross Truett Ashley, a 22-year-old student at a nearby college, walked up to Crouse’s cruiser and shot him. Ashley was found a short time later in a nearby parking lot, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators said they have found no apparent link between the two men and are seeking a motive. The random nature of Crouse’s death was a common sentiment expressed at his funeral.
“Today we have gathered in this place not because life always makes sense, but because sometimes it just doesn’t make sense,” said the Rev. Tommy McDearis, chaplain of the Virginia Tech Police Department. “And what happened last Thursday did not make sense.”
Crouse, who left a wife and five children and stepchildren, was an Army veteran who had served in Iraq. He joined the campus force six months after the 2007 massacre on the Tech campus that left 32 dead, including the gunman.
Gov. Bob McDonnell, who led a contingent of state leaders, said Crouse was a warrior and lifelong public servant to his nation and his community. He also paid tribute to the officer as an avid athlete who had a love for baseball and a passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I’ve come to tell you that Deriek’s incredible bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” McDonnell said, addressing Crouse’s wife, Tina, and their children seated at the front of the coliseum.
Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said Crouse and other police officers and their families daily make sacrifices in service of public safety, missing birthdays and other family events. Crouse and his family, Flinchum said, “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Paul Sweeney, an Army pal, recalled Crouse as a “true friend” who had the ability to connect with people.
“If you knew Deriek for more than 10 minutes, he’d put a smile on your face,” Sweeney said, pausing several times to collect himself. “He had the ability to lift people’s spirits.”
Tech police Sgt. Tom Gallemore said the two rode motorcycles together and shared a love for the Steelers.
“I am proud to say I knew Deriek Crouse and he was a friend,” Gallemore said. “Those memories will be lasting memories. What happened last Thursday does not make sense.”
A private graveyard memorial followed the funeral.
