Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, May 7, 2018
Add to My HeroesWilliam Jackson Gentry, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff William Gentry succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while responding to an animal abuse call at a home in the 200 block of Baltimore Way in which a homeowner's cat had been fatally shot with a pellet gun.
He and a deputy he was training had responded to the victim's home. During the investigation Deputy Gentry went to the suspect's home, a convicted felon who lived next door, to make contact with him. As he stood at the front door the suspect opened fire on him, shooting him in the head.
The 69-year-old subject was taken into custody at the scene and charged with numerous counts.
Deputy Gentry was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wound the following day.
Deputy Gentry had served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by a brother, who also serves with the agency.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 2247
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, May 6, 2018
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender In custody
Most Recent Reflection
View all 192 ReflectionsThe Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.
Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.
A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9
Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association
Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association
April 11, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Stephanie Schreurs
Lyon County Sheriff's Office, IA
EOW: August 13, 2019
Officer Andre Moye, Jr.
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: August 12, 2019
Correctional Administrator Debra Johnson
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: August 7, 2019
Correctional Officer Pedro J. RodrÃguez-Mateo
Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, PR
EOW: August 1, 2019
Police Officer Juan Jose Diaz
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: July 27, 2019
Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Nimtz
Broward County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: July 21, 2019
Sergeant Michael Stephen
Stone County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: July 18, 2019
Conservation Officer Shannon Lee "Opie" Barron
Red Lake Nation Conservation Department, TR
EOW: July 7, 2019
Deputy Sheriff Nicholas Blane Dixon
Hall County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: July 7, 2019