MOUNT VERNON — A 28-year career in law enforcement came to a close Thursday afternoon with the retirement of Knox County Deputy Sheriff Lt. Mark Rutherford. He grew up in Mount Vernon and graduated from high school in 1978. A three-year stint in the Army serving as a military police trooper, with 18 months in Germany, pointed him to a civilian career in law enforcement.
Rutherford said when he was discharged he inquired about a job from then Sheriff Paul Rowe. Rowe hired him when he was 21 years old. For training he attended the Knox County Career Center where his instructors were Rowe, Bill Furnace and George Curry. After 18 months as a jailer he became a road deputy. Rutherford served 18 years on the evening shift.
When the Tactical Response Team was formed in 1995 he was one of the four original members. They were sent to the Ohio Peace Officers Academy to learn their new duties. Rutherford said he liked the assignment for the relationships it fostered. He resigned from the team last November.
Sheriff David Barber, speaking to a gathering of fellow deputies and friends in the jail complex, cited Rutherford as a team player, proven leader and good friend. Barber and Rutherford served together for many years. Retired Deputy Bob Casner, who also served with Rutherford, added that he was a good officer, a good decision maker.
As a lieutenant for the past few years he was in charge of the patrol division and civil processes. Now Rutherford has time to hunt and fish and take care of a couple of properties.
