Partner Spotlight ~ Chris Sutherland BCSO
Inv. Chris Sutherland has been with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office for 7 years. Before moving to CID in January 2017, he was a night shift Patrol Deputy, serving as a Field Training Officer and OIC. He holds a Master Peace Officer License through TCOLE and is a certified Intoxilyzer Operator. He is a member of the BCSO Hostage Negotiator Team and holds an M.S. Ed in Counseling from Duquesne University.
In addition to his work in Law Enforcement, Sutherland is a PADI - Master Scuba Instructor and is a UCI certified Master Underwater Criminal Investigator. He is a member of the Bowie County Dive Team, serving as the team’s Training Coordinator and Dive Safety Officer. Chris was born and raised near Pittsburgh, PA (and is a die-hard/lifetime Steelers fan). He and his wife Donna, have been married 42+ yrs. and have two grown daughters: Melissa, married to Christopher “Rufio” Thach and Molly, married to Zachary Feaselman. The Sutherlands have two grandchildren: Bianca Thach, age 3 and Xander Thach, age 10 mos. Both of their daughters recently moved to California from Hawaii, where they lived for several years after their parents moved back to the mainland. One thing that many don’t know about Inv. Sutherland, is that in addition to working for the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office he is an Ordained Minister and has served as pastor of the Texarkana First Church of the Nazarene since 2009. He has pastored over 31 years and has served literally all over the country, including Honolulu, HI. “I always feel a special connection to the Apostle Paul who was also bi-vocational, working as a tentmaker by trade in addition to preaching”. Before entering Law Enforcement later in life, he worked while pastoring churches as a construction electrician for 20+ yrs. and also as a Scuba Instructor.
Q. What would your pet say about you if asked for a reference?
A. He tells everyone, “I tolerate those dogs” (But he’s really a big softie)
Q. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
A. Daughters: Melissa Joy, 37 & Molly Beth, 34.
Q. People would be surprised if they knew?
A. I use to run marathons and have played guitar 40+yrs.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you've received?
A. Surrender your life to Christ
Q. What is the #1 most played song on your iPad?
A. Any classic rock... Clapton, Hendrix, Beatles, Dylan, Eagles
Q. What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
A. Holding my granddaughter for the first time.
Q. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
A. Spend time in a third world country to see how cushy our lives are in this country/culture.