Deputy Sheriff John Walter Sanford, Jr., Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

Deputy Sheriff John Walter Sanford, Jr.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Sunday, June 19, 2005

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John Walter Sanford, Jr.

Deputy John Sanford was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a disturbance call.

Deputy Sanford, along with a second deputy in another vehicle, were responding to a disturbance call shortly after midnight. As they were traveling west on Route 360, the lead deputy encountered a car driving on the wrong side of the highway in a blind curve. The deputy radioed Deputy Sanford to warn him, but Deputy Sanford was unable to avoid the collision, and was struck head-on. Both vehicles burst into flames as a result of the collision. The other deputy was able to free Deputy Sanford from the wreckage, but he died at the scene from his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed.

Deputy Sanford had served as a part-time deputy for the Northumberland County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. He was also the assistant chief and a former chief of the Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 11 years
Badge Unit 11

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 19, 2025