Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

You gave your all to protect and serve us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Correctional Officer Brandon Koontz, 26

Federal Bureau Of Prisons

March 31, 2013 – Officer Brandon Koontz suffered a fatal heart attack while running to assist other officers during an inmate disturbance. He is survived by his wife.

Sheriff Eugene Crum

Mingo County West Virginia Sheriff’s Office

April 3, 2013 – Sheriff Crum sat in his parked vehicle, having lunch while keeping watch on an illegal pharmaceutical operation, when a car pulled up beside him. A suspect got out and immediately began firing at the sheriff from close range, striking him at least four times.

Sheriff Crum is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Detective Eric Smith

Jackson Mississippi Police Department

April 4, 2013 – Detective Eric Smith was shot and killed while conducting an interview inside the police department. During the questioning, the suspect attacked the detective and gained control of his weapon. The suspect is believed to have committed suicide after killing Det. Smith.

Detective Smith is survived by his wife. She, too, is an officer with the Jackson Police Department.

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*Police officer line of duty deaths are on the rise this year, 29% higher than this time last year. Officer deaths by gunfire are up 36%.