Deputy Sheriff Jimmie Richard Henry

Deputy Sheriff Jimmie Richard Henry

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Friday, May 12, 1995

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Jimmie Richard Henry

Deputy Sheriff Jimmie Henry died of a disease contracted as the result of being exposed to burning jet fuel following a military plane crash on Santa Catalina Island.

He and two other deputies were attempting to rescue the pilot after the U.S. Navy FA-18 fighter jet crashed into a 600-foot bluff near White's Landing on the southeast side of the island. As a result of being exposed to the burning jet fuel, all three deputies developed pulmonary fibrosis which causes scar tissue to build up in the lungs.

Deputy Henry was forced to medically retire in 1984 as a result of developing the illness. He died 10 years later shortly after undergoing a lung transplant as a result of the illness.

Deputy Henry had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 18 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Duty related illness
  • Incident Date Tuesday, June 19, 1984

accident scene, toxic fumes

Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

Greetings All, I check in here every once in a while; as Deputy Henry's son and on behalf of our family, we are grateful for the tributes and memories. Rob Murdoch, Herb Howard, Avalon Station, and all others, it is really good to hear from you and I hope you are all well. As for the family, Mom is well, I'm happily married 30 yrs now three children and a beautiful wife, (though we lost our son 5 years ago, age 19). We have passed through this stretch of the valley of the shadow and are now living in Southwest Colorado. Wishing you all health and happiness.

David Henry
Son

October 31, 2023

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