Memorial Sign to Pay Tribute to Fallen Officer

Inside a west Phoenix building, workers are busy making the signs you see every day.

Carl Langford and his team create the street signs for roughly 5000 miles of roadway throughout the city of Phoenix.  Everything from Ahwatukee to Anthem.  That's nearly 800,000 street signs.

But this is a one-of-a-kind sign going up in just a couple of days to honor a one-of-a-kind hero.

Officer Paul Rutherford died March 21, 2019.  He was assisting with a traffic accident at 75th Ave & Indian School when an armed suspect call came in.  He was hit and killed while trying to respond to that call.  

“In that moment, Paul did what police officers do every day," said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams.  “He disregarded his own safety and ran towards danger to assist his partner and to protect the public."

The 51-year-old was a husband, father, grandfather, friend and public servant.

“Paul Rutherford was a good and honorable man who, throughout his law enforcement career, upheld the highest values of the Phoenix Police Department," said Williams.

While his 23 year career came to an end that day last March, we vow never to forget his sacrifice.

His memorial sign will be dedicated Tuesday March 17 in a simple roadside service.

Currently there are 38 signs throughout the valley paying tribute to fallen officers.

Rutherford's memorial sign becomes the 39th reminder of the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of their community.