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CHATHAM — When Deputy Frankie Lynn Betterton began his shifton May 17, 2002, he had no way of knowing that it would be the lastshift he would work — and that his family would be foreverchanged. Betterton was the seventh Pittsylvania County sheriff"sdeputy since 1928 to be killed in the line of duty. Betterton wasshot once in the head with a .380-caliber handgun while he wasinterviewing someone during a routine traffic stop. The man whoshot Betterton was convicted of capital murder and sentenced tolife in prison. Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of Betterton"s murder.To honor his life and the lives of other fallen officers from thePittsylvania County Sheriff"s Office, the Danville PoliceDepartment, the Danville Sheriff"s Office and the VirginiaState Police, a candlelight vigil was held in the memorial gardensnear the Chatham courthouse. A solemn crowd listened attentively as the Rev. Dave Rochford spokeof the heartache and darkness that each family present was leftwith when their loved one was taken. He said that he was addressingthe family members holding roses and to the others representingmore than a fond memory. Rochford talked of his relationship with Betterton and recalled amessage that he gave in children"s church one Sunday shortlybefore his death. Rochford said Betterton sat on the steps tryingto hold the kids" attention and told them that they may neverbe called on to lay down their life — and he hoped that theywould not ever have to — but they would give their lives awayin some way or another. "Frankie gave his life away lavishly," said Rochford."My life has been much the poorer for the last 10 yearsbecause I miss my friend." Betterton"s daughter, Lauren Purgason, read the "RollCall of Heroes," a list of all of the fallen officers fromthe different state and local branches. Family members and fellowofficers placed roses at the memorial plaques as thatofficer"s name was read. While the ceremony was held to honor the local officers who wereremembered, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor said that theceremony was to honor all fallen officers. The vigil was held atthe end of National Police Week, which began in 1962 when PresidentJohn F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. I am an expert from hairsalonequipments.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Salon Hair Brush Manufacturer , Round Hair Brush, Hair Salon Cape,and more.
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