Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry

Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry | Davis County Sheriff's Department, Iowa
Davis County Sheriff's Department, Iowa
Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry

Davis County Sheriff's Department, Iowa

End of Watch Friday, January 3, 2003

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Dennis Ray McElderry

Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry was struck and killed by a patrol car after deploying stop sticks during a high-speed pursuit on U.S. Highway 63 just north of Bloomfield, Iowa, shortly before midnight.

The suspect, who was being chased, later turned himself in and was charged with vehicular manslaughter. The suspect was convicted of charges related to Deputy McElderry's death and was sentenced to 12 years in jail.

Deputy McElderry had served with the Davis County Sheriff's Department for four years. He is survived by his three children, fiancee, parents, and two sisters.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 26-3

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Sentenced to 12 years

spike strips, vehicle pursuit

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Hi Dennis,
This time a year reminds me of you and Joselyn- the beginning of a New Year and a fresh snowfall- our first of the winter in SE Iowa!

I'm so grateful that I met Jocelyn, yet saddened that I didn't get to know. But shared memories from her and others are catching me up on the life of Dennis Mc, White Cloud and 26-3!!

Can't believe it's been 19 years... a lot has happened in this world since you left! Yet it's given you time to see some great folks with Davis County connections-- like my ornery nephew Eric, Gary Russell, my brothervDennis, Moon, Dan Walz, Rheta,… Speaking of Gary, I remember him singing this song at your funeral, "I Hope You Dance" by Leanne Womack.

...... "Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
Dance... I hope you dance"....

Hearing these words again, they take a deeper meaning! Great advice to starting a new year.

Dennis, thanks again for covering your D.C. beat so well, and for watching over us here!

in honor of 26-3, posted by Nancy T.
A Davis County native

January 1, 2022

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