Deputy Sheriff Brian E. Meilbeck, Yuba County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff Brian E. Meilbeck

Yuba County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, April 1, 1997

Brian E. Meilbeck

Deputy Meilbeck was shot and killed after he and two other deputies had responded to a domestic disturbance call in which a man shot his brother in the leg. As the deputies approached, the suspect fired once through the window, striking Deputy Meilbeck in his chest, just above his vest. He was pronounced dead upon arriving at a nearby hospital. The suspect was arrested about 20 minutes later after a standoff in which more shots were fired. The suspect was found guilty of second degree murder in the fall of 1998.

Deputy Meilbeck had only served with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department for 7 weeks. He is survived by his wife and two year old son.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge 550

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Found guilty

Most Recent Reflection

View all 37 Reflections

I was one of 3 Firefighters, who responded to the shooting of Brian. We were posted around the block waiting for the all clear to roll up, when Dispatch came on yelling "Shots fired, officer down"..... the chill in her voice...... we looked at each other and said, "lets go". Soon as we pulled up Brian's training officer, Jimmy Downs, started yelling at us to get the [email protected]*! Out . We spotted Brian on the ground next to the house and with out a second thought, said we have to get him.
Curt pulled in front of the house next door and we jumped out. I went into auto pilot, almost out of the police academy, and got to his side . The ambulance pulled up and Russ and I grabbed him and scrambled to the ambulance.
It's been 21 years today.... on a day much like today.... sunny... I still remember it like it was today....looking into his face, talking to him at the station...Great Man who left us to soon.

Former Olivehust Fire
Friend

April 1, 2018