Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 11, 1995 TAG: 9504110099
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The game was held to raise money for a memorial scholarship fund established in Griffith's name. Starting this year, graduating CHS seniors will be selected to receive scholarships to help them seek an education in the criminal justice field.
The scholarship fund is just one example of how Griffith's fellow officers, friends and even those who never knew him have worked to ensure that the 17-year police veteran's life and sacrifice - and his family - are not forgotten.
Donations continue to trickle in to a family fund and a Memorial Youth Center fund established at First National Bank of Christiansburg the week after Griffith was shot and killed last September while trying to arrest a shoplifter.
And when state trooper Don Blankenship was feted with a retirement party at the Montgomery County Moose Lodge in February, he asked that $907 left over after paying for the dinner and dance be donated to Griffith's family instead of given to him as a gift. Moose Lodge members made it an even $1,000.
In recent months, law enforcement officers from across the county, friends and businesses have concentrated on helping Diane Griffith with plans for a new home a few miles up Alleghany Springs Road from where the family lives now.
Diane and Terry Griffith had discussed moving to larger quarters.
"It was a dream. We couldn't afford it then, but it was our ultimate dream." A bridge has been completed to the property, which has fields, woods and water, "just everything that we've wanted," she said.
Ground was broken in late March and in just two days, a crew completed most of the excavating and preliminary work that has to be done before a house starts taking shape as a home.
"I think the Lord's just been giving and giving and giving to me ... " Griffith said. "I just can't believe - to see what everybody's doing."
Although the officers lost the basketball game, 50-26, they were still winners with Griffith.
"They didn't just bury an officer and forget him," she said.
"No, we can't forget him," Officer Dalton Reid said after the game. "It stays with each and everyone one of us every day."
Kathy Loan covers New River Valley police and courts.
by CNB