"Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends."
- John 15:13
Lake County Sheriff's Office remembers officers that have died in the line of duty serving the citizens of
Lake County. Please take a moment in
honor of our lost friends and co-workers.
Master Deputy Bradley Link - August 3, 2024
While working an off-duty detail in the area, Master Deputy Link responded to a fight in progress when the call came out requesting assistance from other deputies. He arrived at the residence in question where deputies observed signs of a possible home invasion. After announcements were made with no viable response, Master Deputy Link, along with other deputies on scene, selflessly entered the home to search for injured or downed persons. Upon entering the home, Master Deputy Link and other deputies were ambushed and immediately met with rapid gun fire. Without hesitation, Master Deputy Link returned fire giving other deputies on scene the ability to vacate the residence with their lives. If not for Master Deputy Link's heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice, other deputies on scene would have likely not survived the incident.
Deputy Richard Barry - July 16, 2020
Deputy Rick Barry died after contracting COVID-19 during the same outbreak among staff and inmates at the Lake County Jail that claimed the life of Deputy Jones.
Deputy Lynn Jones - June 24, 2020
Deputy Lynn Jones died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak at the Lake County Jail. At the time of Deputy Jones' exposure, multiple staff members and over 100 inmates had tested positive for the virus.
Sheriff Chris Daniels - October 14, 2006
Sheriff Chris Daniels began his law enforcement career in 1977 as a dispatcher with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and progressed through the ranks until 2004, at which time he was elected as the Lake County Sheriff. Sheriff Daniels was involved in a fatal accident on October 14, 2006 during a charity fund raising event.
Deputy Wayne Koester - February 9, 2005
On February 9, 2005 Deputy Koester responded to a domestic violence disturbance. During the investigation, Deputy Koester was wounded by the suspect. Though fatally wounded, Deputy Koester continued to fight, protecting the victim of the domestic violence, until succumbing to his injuries.
Deputy William Marie - March 19, 1994
On March 19, 1994 Deputy Marie was piloting a Hughes 369a Helicopter enroute to Lake County when the aircraft lost altitude and crashed. Deputy Marie sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The Sheriff's office aviation unit's aircraft callsign 'Eagle-1' signifies Deputy Marie's dedication to the aviation unit which he was instrumental in forming, and is named in his honor.
Deputy Jean Daugharty - January 24, 1993
On January 24, 1993 Deputy Daugharty was responding to a domestic disturbance when her patrol unit was involved in a traffic crash. Deputy Daugharty sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. A scholarship named in her memory is awarded annually to an outstanding youth member of the Sheriff's Office Explorer Program.
Town Marshal Robert Smithwick - April 02, 1929
Town Marshal Robert Smithwick succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered two days earlier when he interrupted a burglary at a neighbor's house. While at home with his family, he was alerted by his wife that she noticed a prowler outside. He was shot when he confronted the prowler.
Deputy Sheriff Israel Hughes - April 1, 1925
Deputy Sheriff Israel Hughes was ambushed with a shotgun while investigating a whiskey still. He had just collected evidence and marked the location of the still to report it to the Sheriff. Deputy Hughes’ 16-year-old son witnessed the shooting, fled the area, and summoned help. It is unknown if any arrests or convictions were ever made.
Chief Deputy Bob Wilcox - July 04, 1919
