Deputy Sheriff Suzanne Michelle Hopper, 40, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office was fatally shot on January 1, 2011, while responding to a call at Enon Beach Campground in Enon, Ohio. She was a 12-year department veteran. According to reports, Hopper was attempting to photograph a footprint when Michael Ferryman ambushed her and shot her at close range with a shotgun.

Ferryman, 57, had a documented history of mental illness and prior violence; he had been involved in a 2001 shootout with police and was previously found not guilty by reason of insanity. A gun battle between Ferryman and responding officers left Ferryman dead and a German Township officer wounded. Maria Blessing, described as Ferryman’s girlfriend, was later convicted of providing him the firearm used in the shooting and received a five-year prison sentence.

Hopper’s death prompted the Suzanne Hopper Act, aimed at improving officer safety when dealing with offenders with known histories of mental illness. Thousands of officers attended her funeral and a stretch of Interstate 70 was named in her honor. If anyone knew Deputy Hopper or has information relevant to this case, please share what can help illuminate her life and service.