Deputy Sheriff Chad Lee Mechels

Deputy Sheriff Chad Lee Mechels

Turner County Sheriff's Office, South Dakota

End of Watch Sunday, March 15, 2009

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Chad Lee Mechels

Deputy Sheriff Chad Mechels was shot and killed while performing a welfare check at a farmhouse west of Marion at about 9:00 am.

He was shot by the man whom he was attempting to check on at 27477 442nd Avenue. The man called 911 to report that he had shot Deputy Mechels and then fled the scene. He was taken into custody later in the day when he turned himself in at the Minnehaha County Law Enforcement Center.

Deputy Mecheles was taken to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls where he died from his injuries.

On November 18th, 2010, the suspect pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Mechels had served with the Turner County Sheriff's Office for five months. He had previously served with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and Kingsbury County Sheriff's Office for a total of five years of law enforcement experience.

Deputy Mechels is survived by his wife, 7-year-old daughter, 3-year-old son, parents, and two sisters.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 61-A7

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

welfare check

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

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