Reserve Deputy Sheriff Robert Riley

Robert Riley

Reserve Deputy Riley was killed in an automobile accident while riding with a Springfield police officer and a merchant patrolman. They were attempting to stop a speeding vehicle when their patrol car collided with a third car being driven by a 20-year-old man who made a left turn in front of them. Their patrol car then left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Reserve Deputy Riley was thrown through the windshield.

The speeder was never identified and the other driver was not charged.

Reserve Deputy Riley had served with the agency for 4 years. He was survived by his wife and son. His wife served as a matron for the Lane County Sheriff's Department and his son went on to serve with the Eugene Police Department. Deputy Riley was the inventor of a mechanical duck decoy that was in demand nationwide.