Deputy Sheriff Mariano "Rocky" Lemus, Jr.

Mariano "Rocky" Lemus, Jr.

Deputy Rocky Lemus succumbed to hepatitis C, which he had contracted years earlier while on duty. He had been diagnosed with the late stages of the disease in 2004.

He had been exposed to people infected with the disease during drunk driving enforcement activities. In addition, he had been bitten by a man infected with the disease when he responded to a domestic violence call.

Deputy Lemus had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Office for 14 years. He is survived by is wife, son, daughter, parents, brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews.