Deputy Sheriff John E. Rafter was 28 and a six-year veteran of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office when he was killed on February 7, 1983. Assigned to transport a prisoner to the Augusta County Jail in Staunton, Virginia, he stopped his patrol car on an Interstate 81 exit ramp to assist a disabled motorist. While stopped, the prisoner overpowered Deputy Rafter, took his .357 caliber service revolver, and shot him. Deputy Rafter died at the scene.

The suspect was arrested, tried, and convicted of murder; a judge sentenced the prisoner to life in prison. The department retired Deputy Rafter’s unit number 214. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings and was remembered for his dedication and his work with local youth.