Deputy Sheriff John Robert Saxerud, Island County Sheriff's Office, Washington

Deputy Sheriff John Robert Saxerud

Island County Sheriff's Office, Washington

End of Watch Saturday, November 14, 1987

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John Robert Saxerud

Deputy Sheriff John Saxerud and Deputy Sheriff William Heffernan were shot and killed by a man they had arrested for drunk driving.

As they took the man into the processing area of the jail, the man pulled out a concealed handgun and shot them both, killing them almost instantly.

The suspect was convicted of two counts of aggravated first-degree murder and sentenced to two life terms.

Deputy Saxerud had served with the Island County Sheriff's Office for two months and previously served with the Laimer County (Colorado) Sheriff's Office for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 7 years, 2 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Impaired Driver, arrest attempt, police facility

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Most Recent Reflection

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Bill was a good man, good cop, and a friend. He told Saxerud to search the suspect. He did a poor job, not checking the suspect's groin. He got Bill killed due to incompetence and laziness.

RIP Bill.

V17
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December 5, 2025