Douglas County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 6, 1977
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 2, 1977
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison
Deputy Dobbertin succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained four days earlier when he shot while attempting to stop a man from stealing packages out of a delivery truck while off duty. Deputy Dobbertin observed the crime in progress and began chasing the suspect. As he rounded a corner, Deputy Dobbertin was struck in the face with a radio antenna. The suspect then grabbed his service revolver and shot him. The suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Dobbertin had served with the agency for 7 years and had served for many years previously with another agency. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.