SCHERERVILLE, Ind. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the wider law enforcement community are mourning the devastating loss of a respected correctional officer who was killed in a tragic off-duty accident early Friday morning in Schererville. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Route 30 and Austin Avenue, has left a deep void in the hearts of colleagues, friends, and family members who knew him as both a dedicated officer and a kind-hearted man.
Authorities say the off-duty officer was driving when another vehicle collided with his car. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel and his airlift to a Chicago hospital, the officer succumbed to his injuries. His name is being withheld pending notification of his family.
The officer had served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for nearly nine years, earning the admiration of his peers for his unwavering professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Those who worked alongside him describe him as the kind of person who showed up every day with a sense of duty and humility — someone who treated both colleagues and inmates with fairness and respect.
“This is an incredibly painful day for our department,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “He was a trusted and valued member of our team — a man who served with honor and dedication. His loss is deeply felt by every one of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Investigators say the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene on foot following the collision. The Schererville Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, as the search for the suspect continues.
In the wake of this tragedy, grief counselors and peer support teams have been made available to help officers and staff cope with the sudden loss. Sheriff’s deputies have also surrounded the officer’s family with support and compassion during this unimaginably difficult time.
“He gave nearly a decade of his life to serving this community,” the department’s statement continued. “His commitment, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. He will always be part of our law enforcement family.”
As the investigation unfolds, members of the Lake County community have begun to express their condolences, sharing stories of the officer’s kindness and professionalism. Plans for a memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days.
For now, the community stands united in grief and remembrance — honoring a man who lived a life of service and whose dedication to justice will forever be remembered.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department bows its head in mourning, saluting a fallen brother whose courage, compassion, and commitment to others will never fade.