Deputy Sheriff Lonny Lee Lindsey

Deputy Sheriff Lonny Lee Lindsey

Holmes County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, September 17, 1996

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Lonny Lee Lindsey

Deputy Sheriff Lonny Lindsey was shot and killed after responding to a robbery call despite being on sick leave.

While at home, Deputy Lindsey heard a call regarding a robbery at a location a half mile from his home. To help out his six-person department, Deputy Lindsey responded to the call. While checking the tag number of a truck that he pulled over, he called out shots fired, which was his last radio transmission. Although mortally wounded by a shot from a .30 caliber rifle, he was able to shoot both suspects.

Both were arrested a short time later, tried, and convicted of murder. The accomplice was sentenced to death, but his sentence was reduced to life. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Lindsey had served with the Holmes County Sheriff's Office for 5 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

Eleven years later, Deputy Lindsey's uncle, Reserve Deputy Joe Bill Galloway of the Holmes County Sheriff's Office, was killed while pursuing a speeding vehicle.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 9

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; .30 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

off duty, robbery, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 48 Reflections

On the night of September 17th, 1996, my nephew responded to a call about the state line liquor store being robbed and the robbers had already made their escape. As a lone officer, and despite his ill health, my nephew made an extra turn that would be his last. Upon seeing a truck broken down on the side of the road in the vicinity, my nephew stopped to offer his help. Two men, who Lonny had recognized from school, turned their heads, claiming their muffler broke and they had it under control. Lonny, analyzing the vehicle, noticed the gun and bag of cash in the front seat. Making his way to his vehicle, he quickly alerted the only other officer on duty, calling "Holmes County #7, I believe I found the suspects who robbed the liquor store." His next and very last radio contact was

"Shots fired, shots fired! #7 down!"

Nobody will understand the loss of Officer Lonny Lee Lindsey like his family, friends, and his fellow officers. The loss of a hero who died doing his best to protect what was right. My nephew was so special to every one of us. I love you Lonny and you will never be forgotten.

Shannen Lindsey Jenkins
Aunt

July 17, 2024

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