Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen
You gave your all to protect and serve us, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Officer Robert Deckard, 31
San Antonio Texas Police Department
On December 8, 2013, Officer Robert Deckard was in pursuit of two robbery suspects when one of the men opened fire on him. A round passed through the windshield of the patrol car and struck the officer in the head. He remained in the hospital until he passed away on December 20th. Officer Deckard leaves behind his wife and two children.
Investigator Cuauhtemoc Estrada, 50
Cook County Illinois Sheriff’s Department
December 20, 2013 – Investigator Cuauhtemoc Estrada was leaving a Christmas party when he observed an armed robbery in progress in the parking lot. He was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend the two suspects.
Investigator Jeffrey Hugh Bryant, 51
Centre Alabama Police Department
December 20, 2013 – After meeting with an officer in a neighboring county, Investigator Jeffrey Bryant was on his way back to Centre when a motorist lost control of her vehicle and crossed the center line. The vehicle struck Investigator Bryant’s police car head-on. Killed in the crash were Investigator Bryant, the driver of the other vehicle and her 2-year-old child. A second child was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Corporal Kevin “Gale” Stauffer, 38
Tupelo Mississippi Police Department
December 23, 2013 – Corporal Gale Stauffer was shot and killed after responding to a bank robbery. As he approached the two suspects, one opened fire at close range. Another officer was seriously wounded during gunfire. Corporal Stauffer leaves behind his wife and two young children. The robbers remain at large.
Correctional Deputy Jeremy Wayne Meyst, 31
Tulare California Sheriff’s Office
December 24, 2013 – Deputy Jeremy Meyst was killed in a single vehicle rollover crash while transporting two prisoners from a substation to the main jail. The inmates received minor injuries. Deputy Meyst leaves behind his wife and three children.
Petty Officer Travis Raymond Obendorf
U. S. Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement
December 13, 2013 – Petty Officer Travis Obendorf died as a result of injuries received while rescuing the crew of a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea, north of Amak Island, Alaska.
