We were on our way back from breakfast out, and something wasn’t right, because there were police cars flying down the road toward town.  We assumed there was an accident on I-70, or perhaps a silent alarm at one of the businesses.  When we got home, it wasn’t long until we knew something was very wrong, because Care Flight was flying too low over the house and circling near I-70.  As I drove toward the area, you could see flashing lights at the underpass of I-70, and we all assumed it was a train accident or something of that nature.  It wasn’t until we got out of the car and talked to some folks sitting in the carryout lot that we learned something was very wrong at Enon Beach.  The couple explained that they had been staying at the campground with their two dogs for the holidays, as the gentleman was working in the area, and his wife had come to spend time with him.  They reported that shots had been fired, and to their knowledge, one deputy had been shot and wounded.  Other neighbors and old friends appeared as did the Dayton news vans.  It was then that we learned more about what was happening just about half a mile away.  Later that day, we read the full report on the internet and realized life in Enon would never be the same.
Deputy Suzanne Waughtel-Hopper was the kind of deputy that you see in the perfect made-for-TV movie.  She cared about the people she encountered on her calls and offered resources and support to them.  One woman I know remembered at the time how the deputy spent “a long time” with her following an incident at her home and made her feel secure before leaving the residence.  She offered caring and support for this person and an assurance that she would be “alright.”  Everyone interviewed for the national and local news following her death said the very same thing about Deputy Hopper.  
When a person dies tragically, such as Deputy Hopper, everyone seems to focus on the events that surround such a death.  Tragic as the events of January 1, 2011 were, we must all move forward and now look at the celebration of a life well lived.  Although her life was cut short, we must remember how many good things Suzanne left as her legacy.  People remember her smile when they talk about her today.  They also are reminded of the work she did with Special Olympics. Many local school children knew her from her work with DARE.   Over the past year, a number of honors were bestowed on her posthumously for the good work that she did.  There are websites that honor police officers, and comments from around the country still appear today encouraging her family and fellow officers to stay strong.
Sheriff Kelly suggested that everyone should reflect and remember Deputy Hopper in their own way.  Mad River Township Trustee Kathy Estep reported that a tree was planted in her memory at the Enon Cemetery this past year.  Although no real changes have been made to protocol for Fire / EMS runs to Enon Beach since January 1, Estep noted that Dave Stevens the owner of Enon Beach. has attended the past two township meetings.  He reported to the trustees that schoolage children are no longer living at the campground, and that a number of families have moved from the location.  On January 1, 2011, lot numbers were not visible on the sites.  Estep explained that the EMS now has a map showing the lot numbers at the campground.  Small changes that make a big difference in the community today.
Last spring at a fundraiser for a local garden, butterflies were released in memory of friends and loved ones who have passed.  One butterfly was released for Suzanne.  On January 1, 2012, the residents of the Enon area will no doubt pass by Enon Beach on their way to church, time with family or friends, shopping, or on their way to work.  May the image of that beautiful butterfly bring a smile to your heart as you remember Deputy Suzanne Waughtel-Hopper and all of the things she did for her community during her time with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.