Honoring

Police Officer Anthony Francone

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police, Nevada

EOW: Aug. 25, 2023 | Age: 48 | Tour: 10 Years

Police Officer Anthony Francone was struck and killed by a vehicle after a pursuit south of Nixon, Nevada. The pursuit went to the area of Route 446 and Route 447, where he was struck. The subject was shot and killed. Officer Francone had served in Law Enforcement for 25 years. He had previously served with the Eureka County Sheriff's Office and Storey County Sheriff's Office, where he retired. After retirement, he served with the Fallon Paiute Tribal Police Department, the Washoe Tribal Police Department, and the Pyramid Lake Police Department. Officer Francone is survived by his two sons and a daughter.

Honoring

Firefighter Anthony DeSimone

North Have Fire Department, Connecticut

EOW: Aug. 24, 2023 | Age: 50 | Tour: 23 Years

Aug. 26—NORTH HAVEN — Colleagues and town officials are mourning the loss of firefighter Anthony DeSimone, a 23-year North Haven Fire Department veteran who died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency after completing a 38-hour shift. "Anthony was one of the pillars of the community and a part of the fabric of North Haven," said Pasquale Nuzzolillo, chairperson of the board of fire commissioners, which oversees the department. "He was a person who would always be willing to step up and volunteer to do whatever was necessary." Nuzzolillo described the 50-year-old husband and father of two as a dedicated public servant who devoted his free time to supporting local civic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the North Haven Little League. Nuzzolillo noted that DeSimone was in line for a promotion before his death. The full-time firefighter and EMT recently passed a key test and was about to receive the rank of lieutenant, Nuzzolillo said. One of the best examples of DeSimone's selflessness, Nuzzolillo said, was when he took on the responsibility of serving as the liaison between the department and the family of the late Matthias Wirtz, a North Haven firefighter who collapsed and died last December while fighting a blaze. "He has touched many people in the town of North Haven, whether it be as a firefighter in their worst moments of need or by just being out there and meeting people in a restaurant, shaking hands and embracing folks," Nuzzolillo said. According to the fire department, DeSimone suffered a medical emergency after completing a 38-hour shift at the fire station on Thursday. He had been relieved from duty around 6 p.m. and collapsed while walking into his home a couple of hours later. He was later pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital. The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, a union representing firefighters across the state and an organization DeSimone once led as president, said in a statement that DeSimone died following a cardiac-related incident. "We ask that you keep the family of brother DeSimone and the members of the North Haven Fire Department, Local 2987, in your thoughts & prayers during this difficult time," the union said in a message to members. DeSimone's passing has triggered an outpouring of support from North Haven residents and coworkers who knew the longtime firefighter. In a statement, the Northeast Volunteer Fire Association, an organization where DeSimone got his start as a volunteer firefighter, called his death a "tremendous loss." "Anthony was an active member of the NEVFA for over 35 years and served as an active company member for many years," the association wrote. Local elected officials also paid tribute to DeSimone. First Selectman Michael Freda wrote on Facebook that North Haven will never forget the longtime firefighter, and state Rep. Dave Yaccarino, who described DeSimone as a close friend, praised him for his unwavering service to the town. "In my 13 years serving North Haven, Anthony was an invaluable resource to me as a legislator and a proud representative of the public safety and fire service communities," Yaccarino said. "I cherish our fond memories together — from him leading me in CT Fire Operations training in 2014 to many visits to our State Capitol, most recently in June 2023 for Fire Service Day."

Honoring

Captain Terryson Jackson

Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, Florida

EOW: Aug. 28, 2023 | Age: 50 | Tour: None

On Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services flight crew members were dispatched to a medical call regarding a traffic crash with injuries in North Lauderdale. The EC 135 Eurocopter was airborne when the pilot attempted to return to the Pompano Beach Airpark. The aircraft sustained an in-flight emergency and crashed into a small apartment building, east of North Dixie Highway and just south of Northeast 10th Street. Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson died in the crash. An individual that was inside the apartment at the time of the crash was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other crew members and two civilians were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are all listed in fair condition.

Honoring

Lieutenant Kevin P Ward

Chicago Fire Department

EOW: Aug. 28, 2023 | Age: 58 | Tour: None

On Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, Lieutenant Kevin P. Ward responded to a fire at a single-family residence. While fighting the fire in the basement, he was critically injured, and a mayday was transmitted. He was transported to the Resurrection Hospital and subsequently transferred to Loyola Medical Center. On Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the fire. Three other firefighters were wounded in the incident, and all have been released from the hospital.

Honoring

Deputy Jordan Cannon

Cleveland County, Oklahoma

EOW: Aug. 29, 2023 | Age: 40 | Tour: None

CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. — A Cleveland County deputy died after police said her husband, who also was a deputy with the sheriff's office, shot her early Wednesday morning in their home. Shortly before 2 a.m., Oklahoma City police responded to a report of a domestic shooting at a home near Southwest 29th Street and Sara Road. A news release states that officers found a woman who appeared to have been shot to death inside the home. The Oklahoma City Police Department identified the victim as Jordan Cannon, 40. During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason said Cannon. "Deputy Jordan Cannon was a courageous and compassionate deputy who was senselessly murdered at her residence in Oklahoma City early this morning," Amason said. "This heinous act not only robs us of a dedicated and courageous public servant but also shakes the foundation of the community in which she served." Amason said the sheriff's office is working to "mend and repair this void that is left." Cannon joined the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office in June 2021 as a school resource officer before moving to the patrol division. Along with her patrol duties, Cannon was a crisis intervention team member and a member of the Cleveland County Honor Guard. "Jordan was a ray of sunshine. She had a smile that could light up a room," the sheriff said. "She loved law enforcement and had a heart for serving the community. Her loss will be felt for a very, very long time." Police also found the suspect, 41-year-old Vaughn Cannon, still at the scene. He was taken into custody and booked into the Canadian County Jail on a murder complaint. "Jordan was a ray of sunshine. She had a smile that could light up a room," the sheriff said. "She loved law enforcement and had a heart for serving the community. Her loss will be felt for a very, very long time." Police also found the suspect, 41-year-old Vaughn Cannon, still at the scene. He was taken into custody and booked into the Canadian County Jail on a murder complaint. "We're shaken to our core," Amason said. "We've got a lot of emotions going on. Obviously, we're saddened, we're confused, we're hurt. To be honest, I'm pissed off. I'm mad at him for taking her life." The Oklahoma City Police Department is handling the investigation.

Honoring

Sheriff Robert Rodgers

Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

EOW: Sept. 29, 2023 | Age: 52 | Tour: 22 Years

Sheriff Robert Rodgers was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a domestic call at 4:09 p.m. He was traveling on Highway 233 when his patrol vehicle left the roadway near Matthews Road. He struck a tree, and the impact overturned his vehicle on the driver's side. Sheriff Rodgers died at the scene. Sheriff Rodgers was elected Sheriff in 2016 and was serving his second term with the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office. He had served 15 years in law enforcement before being elected Sheriff.

Honoring

Lieutenant Leonard Llewellyn

Fire Police Company 5, New York

EOW: Aug. 25, 2023 | Age: 82 | Tour: None

Firefighters on Long Island are mourning the loss of a longtime volunteer firefighter. Mattituck Firefighter Leonard Llewellyn, 82, was riding a three-wheeled adult tricycle to the station last week when he was hit by a vehicle, according to The Patch. Fellow firefighters found Llewellyn was suffering from fractured hips and leg. He was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he died Aug. 25. The 85-year-old man driving the pickup was issued a summons for failing to yield the right of way at a crosswalk. Firefighters throughout the area turned out Tuesday to salute their fallen comrade who had served for 53 years. He was the lieutenant of the Fire Police Company 5.

Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Mathew Pierson

Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Texas

EOW: Aug. 29, 2023 | Age: 25 | Tour: 2 Days

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson was killed in a vehicle crash at the Texas State Highway 147 and Texas State Highway 103 intersection at 7:30 a.m. He was driving his patrol vehicle east on Texas Highway 103 and collided with a tractor-trailer while attempting to turn north on Texas State Highway 147. Deputy Pierson had served with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for two days.