Sheriff Jefferson Davis Kurtz, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Sheriff Jefferson Davis Kurtz

Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, April 25, 1895

Jefferson Davis Kurtz

Sheriff Jefferson Kurtz was shot and killed while he and the sheriff of Putnam County attempted to arrest a man who had been in a shootout with another man in Ormond Beach. The suspect was located in a cabin and the two sheriffs waited there as a deputy returned to town to obtain a warrant. As nightfall approached the two sheriffs decided that they needed to arrest the suspect to prevent him from fleeing. During the arrest Sheriff Kurtz was shot in the chest and fatally wounded. The other sheriff was able to return fire and struck the suspect three times.

Sheriff 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, Deputy Charles Kurtz, was shot and killed on September 3, 1907, and his nephew, Deputy William Kremer, was shot and killed on December 10, 1898.

Sheriff Kurtz had served with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office for four years.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

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