Island County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch Saturday, November 14, 1987
Add to My HeroesJohn Robert Saxerud
Deputy Saxerud and Deputy William Heffernan were shot and killed by a man they had arrested for drunk driving. As they took the man into the processing area of the jail the man pulled out a concealed handgun and shot them both, killing them almost instantly.
The suspect was convicted of two counts of aggravated first degree murder and sentenced to two life terms.
Deputy Saxerud was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsTo the friends and families of Deputies Saxerud and Heffernan: for whatever small comfort it might give. I grew up in Coupeville and Oak Harbor in Island County. More than one of my friends growing up later became fellow Island County Deputies of these two men or Police Officers in Oak Harbor.
In the early 80’s I became a Police Officer in a small California town. I always retained the lesson learned by the fate of these two wonderful men. Anything can happen, even in a small town. I thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Investigator (retired), Kris Nelsen
Bishop, California Police Department
April 23, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Agent Billy Fred Clardy, III
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: December 6, 2019

Sergeant Joshua Voth
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: December 4, 2019

Master-at-Arms Oscar J. Temores
United States Navy Security Forces, US
EOW: November 30, 2019

Sheriff John "Big John" Williams, Sr.
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: November 23, 2019

Police Officer Rasheen McClain
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: November 20, 2019

Investigator Cecil Ridley
Richmond County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: November 19, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Stephen Reece
Cheatham County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: November 15, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Makeem Brooks
Northampton County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: November 13, 2019

Detective Jorge Rene DelRio
Dayton Police Department, OH
EOW: November 7, 2019