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H. Jay Cullen Obituary
Cullen had nearly 20 years of experience flying helicopters and airplanes for the department’s aviation unit.
“Our state police and law enforcement family at-large are mourning this tragic outcome to an already challenging day,” Col. W. Steven Flaherty, the superintendent of the Virginia State Police, said in a statement. “Their deaths are a tremendous loss to our agency and the Commonwealth,” Flaherty added, referring to Cullen and Bates.
Cullen was promoted to commander of the aviation unit in February. He had been flying Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe around the state for more than three years.
“The two state troopers we lost yesterday was personal to me,” McAuliffe told the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville Sunday. “We were very close.”
Cullen graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1994 and joined the Virginia State Police aviation unit in 1999.
Henry Cullen, Jay’s father, said that his son texted him during the protest and told him “it was an absolute mess.” He went on to say his son told him that he had been assigned to work the rally and would do his job.
“Jay was the greatest son a person could ever have, a great father to his two sons, a loving husband to his wife, Karen,” Henry Cullen said, “and he was doing something that he loved.”
77 Entries
Auden Graham
April 3, 2020
His wife Karen was my fourth grade teacher in the 2016-2017 school year. It was a horrible year for her. She fell and hurt her neck and missed months of school, only to return in a neck brace, not being able to move that much. And he stuck by her through all of that. The fact that months later, tragedy struck their family again is heartbreaking. Mrs. Cullen has been one of my favorite teachers of all time, so I'm still very sorry about this, three years later.
Elizabeth Cullen
November 5, 2017
St John 15:13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
At a time where there's more publicized hate, there are the kind, generous acts of angels whom risk their own life to save and help out others. May God surround the Cullen family at this time with His Spirit as we mourn the passing of a courageous husband, father, son, family member and friend. May our families be comforted, knowing by faith and hope that families are eternal and we will see each other again soon one day.
Deborah
September 4, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this fine officer. We all look forward to the day when the earth will be rid of all things that cause so much hurt. (Psalms 37:10,11,29) My thoughts are with you.
How you can show support
August 19, 2017
Karen, Matt and Ryan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With my deepest sympathy and condolences.
Your Neighbor at 8601 Erika Hill.
Natasha Snodgrass
August 19, 2017
My heart breaks for your family's loss. You are all in my prayers and thoughts through this difficult time. May his memory bring smiles through your tears and his heroic occupation bring pride to your heart.
Theresa Ritchie
August 19, 2017
Karen and family I'm
So sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband , although. It not knowing him personally we all still feel like we did as he was everybody's protector , just as he was doing that awful day , his job and doing what he loved , I'm praying for you and your boys and jays parents and other family members as you all go through this day today , he's in heaven with his fellow partner and friend. Berke along with other troopers we have saddened loss recently. Just know that he will always be looking down on you and the boys always and will always. Be in yall's hearts forever Theresa and Ronnie Ritchie
K Dowden
August 18, 2017
Trooper Cullen, thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice. God bless the men and women in blue. Peace be with you now. And to your family so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and provide you peace in your time of sorrow.
Theresa
August 18, 2017
Your husband was a great man and a hero who protected and served. May God be with you and your family during this difficult loss.
August 18, 2017
TO the Cullen family, hugs from heart to heart from across the nation.
Tom Myslow
August 18, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 18, 2017
Thinking of your family at this sad and difficult time. Please know you are in our prayers.
A Law Enforcement Family
P
August 18, 2017
Praying for peace strength and comfort during these critical times hard to deal with 2 Timothy 3:3
We thank the family for sharing their love one with the community
My prayers are with you as we all wait until the time when death and pain will be no more
August 18, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 18, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Cullen Family for the loss of your dear husband, son, father and friend ~ Jay. May we look forward to the time that everyone will be united in love under God's Kingdom (Psalms 37:10,11,29) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
August 17, 2017
Prayers to the family and friends. Thank you for your service.
Rhonda, MD
Ann McCrystal
August 17, 2017
Condolences on the loss of the hero who served to protect us from the hatred of others.
Blessings.
Ellie
August 16, 2017
God bless every one who knew this hero, may you memories of him keep you strong through this difficult time.
Tim Plaut
August 16, 2017
Rest In Peace.
Lewis Beach
August 16, 2017
Thank you may god be with you.
G. Freeman
August 16, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
AAG
August 16, 2017
Thank you for all of your honorable service to your community. A cops job is not something everyone appreciates. It is a thankless job, a job that requires long hours and patience with all walks of life. Rest in Peace H. Jay Cullen, God Bless You Always.
Amy Wiegand
August 16, 2017
On behalf of the staff at Horizon Flight Center, we send our sincere condolences to Lt. Cullen's colleagues, family and friends.
The Perry's
August 16, 2017
Condolences to the Cullen Family and to the Virginia State Police. Thank You for your service . God Bless you. Thoughts and prayers to the Cullen family.
August 16, 2017
Rest in Peace
D. Braddock
August 16, 2017
With sincere condolences for his family during this time of loss. May God give you strength as we look forward to the day when everyone will be able to live in peace...Ps. 37:9-11
C Mitchell
August 15, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ralph giuliani
August 15, 2017
Personaly I do not know you, but I felt I had to say something. I pray for you and your family. May your husband RIP
Aimee WILLS
August 15, 2017
Condolences to everyone Jay's family, friends and the police departments that do their jobs everyday. Tragic and very sad.
MELVIN MORGAN
August 15, 2017
WE PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY .YOU ARE A GREAT MAN AND WE APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU DID. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND KEEP THEM SAFE. GOD COMFORT THEM IN THERE LOSS.WE KNOW YOU WERE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO.SEE YOU IN HEAVEN ONE DAY.LOVE DEBBIE AND MELVIN MORGAN.
Kay Reckord Ames
August 15, 2017
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family and other members of the force in this very tragic loss.
Harry Simpson
August 15, 2017
Godspeed...
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
August 15, 2017
Prayers, thoughts & deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, associates & fellow officers of H. Jay Cullen. Officer Cullen is an American hero who tragically died in the line of duty protecting his community. May his blessed memory be a comfort to his loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
August 15, 2017
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts,
Dwaine Johnson
August 15, 2017
My Sincere Condolences to Family and Friends of Mr. Cullen. Thank You Sir for your Service, and commitment. R.I.P. ......
Someone who cares
August 15, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of officer Cullen....
Debbie Tyson
August 15, 2017
Praying for the family and co-workers for this fine gentlemen that put his life on the line for us each day. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.
August 15, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cindy
August 15, 2017
May He rest with the Lord, in a land of no violence, no tears, no death, only Love and Peace. Thank you Officer H. Jay Cullen for your Valor and help towards citizens surrounded by evil. I know The Lord has welcomed you in saying "job well done" God Bless your Family, and Friends at this most difficult time and the days ahead.
Dorothy Burke
August 15, 2017
God speed, thank you for protecting us. RIP
Yvonne
August 15, 2017
So sorry for the loss of Trooper Cullen. He was certainly a brave man for doing his job everyday.
Emil Janda
August 15, 2017
Our loving heavenly Father is our source
for real comfort and peace for the family and friends officer Cullen.
Jim and Tina Adams
August 15, 2017
Sending prayers for peace at this difficult time.
L Kerr
August 15, 2017
Sympathy being wished to the officer and his family and to the police. Something like this should never happen but when it does it hurts all America.. thank-you for your service. Bless you family and work family. Bless all
wmc
August 15, 2017
R.I.P
Susan Huskey
August 14, 2017
Thank you for your service. No greater love than this that a man lay down his life for others. Prayers!
August 14, 2017
RIP MR.CULLEN
Kenneth Campbell
August 14, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Garcia
August 14, 2017
Rest In Peace and Thank You for your service.
August 14, 2017
Apostle Paul wrote: God gave us not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) My prayers are with the family. I am deeply sorry for your unexpected loss. Losing a love one is difficult to bear but the God of all comfort can grant you continously peace of mind.
Fannie
August 14, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the tragic
loss of H.J. Cullen. I know this is a most difficult time for you. Life is so fragile, so very precious. My thoughts of deep and sincere sympathy are with you at this time. Please be comforted by the fact that God cares about you personally and will help you get through your grief.. He says "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears" 2 Kings 20:5.
Lynn Jenkind
August 14, 2017
My heart goes out to the family and to all the Virginia State Police. My prayers for you all.
Aundra watson, Ken Andre
August 14, 2017
Thank you Trooper Cullen for loving the american people and giving your precious life protecting us!!! I know you are with our Lord and Saviour in heaven where there is no evil, only pure love, which you most definitely deserve!!! My heart goes out to all the family, loved ones and friends of Trooper Cullen. Yall are all in our prayers! Love in Christ, Aundra Watson and Ken Andre, Conway, s.c.
Alan and Cheryl Zak
August 14, 2017
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Jay's family and his parents, Cathie and Henry. May Jay RIP.
Scott Chamberland
August 14, 2017
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Cathy Barnes
August 14, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
August 14, 2017
God rest Jay's soul and give comfort and peace to his family.
Anne Marie De Stefano
August 14, 2017
To the family of H. Jay Cullen ; My heart goes out to you . May you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, father and son. May God give you the needed strength to endure during this very trying time. ( 1 cor : 10,13)
MV
August 14, 2017
The good things that he did will not go unnoticed. There will be those whose lives that he affected that will remember him. I am so sorry for the Cullen family family's great loss.I wish you peace, comfort and courage to carry on.(23rd Psalm).
D. Smith
August 14, 2017
R.I.P Trooper H. Jay Cullen....God Bless you and your family and Thank you for your service.
Laura Jones
August 14, 2017
Thank you, sir, for your service. May God bless your family and comfort them during this time of grief.
Rhj
August 14, 2017
Sincere condolence to the family
I-I myself am the One that is comforting you pèople Isaiah 51:12
W B
August 14, 2017
My condolences to the Cullen family and friends. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and your mental power by means of Christ Jesus
August 14, 2017
Rest in peace.
Shonda Rose
August 14, 2017
Thank you Trooper Cullen for your bravery and service to the American people.
Caroline Collins
August 14, 2017
Thank you Officer Cullen for your excellent service.
Keep flying...
August 14, 2017
Offering my heartfelt condolences to Ms Cullen and children. Please know that we are truly so sorry for your loss. May God's love strengthen and comfort you during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers ~ A caring Neighbor
August 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
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