Deputy Sheriff Charles Mortimer Kurtz, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff Charles Mortimer Kurtz

Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, September 3, 1907

Charles Mortimer Kurtz

Deputy Kurtz was accidentally shot and killed with his own weapon while transporting a prisoner from New Smyrna Beach to Daytona Beach. He was transporting the prisoner for fear that a lynch mob was going to kill the man. When he and the prisoner reached Spruce Creek in Port Orange they discovered that the bridge had been damaged. As Deputy Kurtz bent down to replace a missing plank his gun discharged, fatally wounding him.

Deputy Kurtz had a brother and a nephew who were also killed in the line of duty while serving the Volusia County Sheriff's Department. His brother, Sheriff Jefferson Kurtz, was shot and killed on August 24, 1895, and his nephew, Deputy William Kremer, was shot and killed on December 10, 1898.

Bio

Age 33
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Accidental)

Most Recent Reflection

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The 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

August 27, 2016