HARLEM
Former talk show host Jenny Jones has given $25,000 to an effort in Harlem to install new equipment at a playground in honor of a sheriff’s deputy who was shot in the line of duty. Jones’ donation is part of her $1 million “Jenny Heroes” giveaway. Lorri Williams, the Harlem city clerk, has been trying to raise money for the playground as a memorial to Deputy Josh Rutherford, who died in May 2003. Deputy Rutherford, 28, was shot and killed when he and another deputy responded to a domestic disturbance on U.S. Highway 2 in Harlem. Upon their arrival at the scene, the deputies encountered one of the subjects next to a motel. The subject was able to gain control of Rutherford’s service weapon and opened fire on the deputies, killing Rutherford and wounding his partner. Rutherford was off duty at the time but had been called in to assist at the scene of the domestic disturbance. Rutherford left behind a wife and four sons. Lawrence Dean Jackson Jr., 25, of Harlem was apprehended following the shootings. Jackson was a registered violent offender and charged with and then convicted of deliberate homicide in connection with the shooting on Nov. 5, 2004. Jackson was sentenced to life without parole for causing the death of Rutherford. He also received a consecutive sentence of life without parole for attempting to kill Deputy Loren Janis. Finally, he was declared a persistent felony offender and sentenced to an additional 100 years to run consecutive to the two life sentences. Deputy Rutherford had served with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office for four years. In honor of Rutherford, Williams worked to raise about $2,000 for the playground memorial when she heard that Bozeman dentist Lani McLane received $25,000 from Jones to provide free dental care to low income children. Williams applied for money for the playground. Two of Rutherford’s children and his mother were in Williams’ office Friday when she received a call from Jones. (Information from AP, www.odmp.org and Havre Daily News)
