Sauk County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch: Sunday, June 10, 1984
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 10
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: June 10, 1984
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Sergeant Stuart Searles was killed in a helicopter crash while assisting with search and recovery efforts after a tornado caused heavy damage to the town of Barneveld, Iowa County, Wisconsin.
The F5 tornado struck the town on June 8th, 1984, killing nine people. Sergeant Searles was detailed to fly the Wisconsin governor above the devastation the day after the tornado. On June 10th he was again requested to respond to the area to assist with recovery efforts. While en route to the area the Hiller UH-12E helicopter experienced an electrical malfunction that caused the battery to explode as it flew approximately 75 feet above ground, near Merrimac, Wisconsin.
Sergeant Searles was able to maneuver the aircraft to an area without bystanders. The aircraft exploded upon impact with the ground, killing Sergeant Searles instantly.
Sergeant Searles was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and had served with the Sauk County Sheriff's Department for five years. He had previously served with the Windham County, Vermont, Sheriff's Office for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two children.