Rutland remembers fallen police officer

Rutland – Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of Rutland City Police Officer Jessica Ebbighausen’s death. She was killed in the line of duty at 19 years old while pursuing a burglary suspect when he struck her cruiser head-on.

Rutland police officers and community members honored Ebbighausen with a candlelight vigil Sunday night, remembering her service, dedication and sacrifice to her city. Her fellow officers, friends and neighbors gathered at the Rutland City Police Department to share words of remembrance and leave flowers in her memory.

Friends who organized the vigil said the police force and local community has not yet healed from the tragedy.

Donna Towler, a former coworker of Ebbighausen’s who helped organize the vigil, said her death is a reminder of the risks first responders take and the sacrifices they make to protect their city’s residents. Towler said the people of Rutland want to ensure Ebbighausen’s legacy is not forgotten.

“It’s important to show up for Jessica’s family and the men and women who put on uniforms,” said Towler. “She put her life on the line for us, it’s only right we show up for her now. Her memory should be honored and remembered, and she deserves to be remembered.”

Ebbighausen’s fellow officers appreciate the public’s dedication to her memory. Rutland Patrol Commander Charles Whitehead noted how the community’s support has helped the department stay strong in the face of tragedy and adversity, to better serve and protect their city.

“The turnout, the community support, you know not only today but throughout the year has just been absolutely tremendous,” Whitehead said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have a community that backs us, and in events like this they really show up and show us that they have our back and really support what we do.”

Ebbighausen had wanted to be a police officer from a young age, and had a passion for helping those who had suffered from domestic violence. Several city landmarks, including the community room at the police station and a section of Justin Thomas Memorial Park bear her name.

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