Lafayette Charles Sutphin

Lafayette Charles Sutphin Sr., son of Howard Sutphin Sr. and Hazel Gertrude Gresham, was born on December 26th , 1953 in Trenton, New Jersey. He was educated by Trenton Public Schools and Mercer County Community College.

In his career, he committed to Public Service, on and off duty. He was a decorated member of the United States Military; and employed by the Trenton Police Department and United States Marshals Service. In his tenure with the Trenton Police Department, Lafayette received numerous commendations and awards for exemplary service, namely the  Meritorious Service Award, Chief of Police Award, The Captain’s Award, and The Valor Award. He was also a founding member of the FOP Lodge #198, and a member of Brothers’ Officers’ Law Enforcement Society (BOLES). Servicing the Trenton Police Department for 27 years, he retired from his role as Detective in August 2005. He later worked as a Court Security Officer for the United States Marshals Service and retired in April 2018.

In his life, he was – Legendary. To hear the stories and know his impact, is to know how Eminent he truly was… A Husband, Father, Friend … Soldier and Servant… Fiercely Loyal, Protector… Pillar in his Community… Great Example and Role Model. Exuding Dignity, Honor and Valor; what he represented, cannot be diminished. Lafayette was – Extraordinary and Solid. His character – Larger-than-Life. And to his loved ones, his Love, Spirit & Presence – was    Everything. In Lafayette’s adult life, he converted to the religion of Islam. Its teachings further guided his life and affirmed his spirit of Fearlessness, to none other than his Lord.

Lafayette was predeceased by his mother - Hazel Gertrude Gresham, father - Howard Sutphin Sr., and brother - Howard Sutphin Jr.

His memory will be forever cherished by loving wife - Octavia Sutphin, his children - Lafayette Sutphin Jr., Latoya Sutphin and Jennifer Sutphin; adoring stepchildren - Senti Gurley, Shariah Abdul-Khabir, Octavia Gurley, and Tahirah Gurley; nephew - Howard Sutphin III; 18 grandchildren; countless other family members; friends; and loyal K9 - Hamza.

Lafayette will also be dearly missed by his law enforcement family.

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