HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Henrico Police continue to mourn the loss of Ofc. Trey Sutton.
Sutton, 24, was killed after a crash Wednesday night in Henrico.
He had just graduated from the Henrico Police academy in February.
Officers who were in Sutton's graduating class came together on Friday to share memories of their friend and co-worker.
For Henrico Police Ofc. Matthew Cayne, Sutton's death was about more than just losing a fellow police officer.
Cayne considered Sutton his best friend.
"I love him and I miss him," said Cayne, who added the two bonded after his car broke down during the first week and Sutton drove him to and from the academy. "We talked about everything together. We talked about our families, the ladies in our lives. How excited he was to get married in June."
Cayne joined four others officers from their class on Friday as a show of support during this difficult time.
"Just knowing that they're able to listen to it and understand it. It's been a real big help," Ofc. Chip Sturek said.
"We talked about the feelings, too, but we make a point to remember the funny stories that we had, the good times that we had," added Ofc. Tyler Eakes.
The officers called Sutton quiet and confident.
They said he checked in on people to make sure they were doing OK. He was among those in their class who helped others push through tough training.
"They would never let me quit. I couldn't stand it but they would always push me and he does support you and whenever you do," Ofc. Grace Crook said.
"The day of graduation, he just gave me the biggest hug and said, 'we made it,'" Ofc. Morteza Mahmoudi said. "That memory is going to be with me forever."
After talking, the officers spent time at the growing memorial to Sutton outside the station where he worked.
Sutton's family also showed up at the memorial on Friday.
They read some of the messages left on the cruiser.
"They're amazing people and they're proud of him," Cayne said. "And they have every right to be."
Cayne said it was a family member who inspired Sutton to join the force -- leaving behind a career as an electrician.
"His grandfather told him, when his grandfather was passing, to do what you want to do. And he always wanted to be a police officer," he said.
Cayne said that among his last memories of Sutton was talking about how much Sutton loved getting to live out that dream.
He added that it was now up to the rest of the class to live out Sutton's dream for him.
"I think all we're trying to do today and every day now is to honor him," he said. "It's something that he believed in. And we're gonna continue to do so and bear witness to everything that comes afterward."
Sutton's family will be holding a visitation on Tuesday, April 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Victory Tabernacle Church in Midlothian. The viewing will be open to the public.
The memorial service will be held at the same church on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Sutton will be interred after the funeral at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens in Hopewell. The interment will be open to the public. Carpooling is encouraged due to the 45 minute travel time from the church and there is limited parking.
Fellow Henrico Officer Greg Petrohovich was also in the car at the time of the accident that killed Officer Sutton and is still in critical condition at this time.
The Henrico Police Foundation is prepared to accept and distribute donations on behalf of Officer Sutton or Officer Petrohovich. Those who are interested in donating can do so by credit or debit card or through PayPal on the Henrico Police Foundation website. Checks can also be sent to the Henrico Police Foundation.
Donations can be designated for either or both officers by indicating the officer's name in the memo line on the donation link on the website or on the check. The families will be receiving 100% of the donations that are received on their behalf.
Below is the information for the Henrico Police Foundation:
Henrico Police Foundation
P.O. Box 3165
Glen Allen, VA 23058
804-347-0881
Email: info@henricopolicefoundation.org
Website: https://www.henricopolicefoundation.org/ [henricopolicefoundation.org]
