Deputy Sheriff Stephen Saboda, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff Stephen Saboda

Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, November 6, 1982

Stephen Saboda

Deputy Saboda was shot and killed by a man who had taken hostages at his home on Oak Park Drive in DeLand. Deputy Saboda was a member of the department's SWAT team that had responded to the call after the man inside the home had shot and wounded his girlfriend and another deputy. During the standoff the suspect was able to slip out of the house and hide in the backyard. Thinking the suspect was still in the house, the SWAT team attempted to introduce tear gas into the home.

Deputy Saboda was conducting the operation in the backyard when the suspect opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle. One of the rounds penetrated the rear of Deputy Saboda's vest, which was not rated for rifle rounds. The suspect continued to fire at officers for several more hours before committing suicide.

Deputy Saboda had been with the agency for six years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .223 caliber
Offender Committed suicide

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I was in Berlin, Germany when Steve lost his life. My mother sent me the news paper clipping from the Daytona Beach News Journal, which I still have. Prior to going to Germany, I was a correctional officer at the old jail downtown. I remember Steve coming in with arrests, or sometimes just to do paperwork and have a coffee. I always enjoyed his visits and I will always remember him as a great guy, and an outstanding deputy. His death was a terrible loss to V.C.S.O., his family and friends.

Douglas V. Bottalico (retired)
Volusia County Corrections, City of Sanford, Police Department

November 6, 2018