The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office has existed since 1891 with the election of Sheriff William Lay. Our deputies have proudly served Lubbock County and it’s citizens ever since. Unfortunately, some of our deputies have paid the ultimate sacrifice during their watch. The men and women of the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department keep these fallen heroes close to their hearts and work hard to honor their memory every day on duty.

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Deputy Bernie Forrester

End of Watch Saturday, November 24, 1951 Automobile Accident on Duty

Deputy Sheriff Bernie Forrester was killed in an automobile crash while he and another deputy were transporting an arrestee to the county jail.

The sheriff’s vehicle Deputy Forrester was riding in was involved in a four-car collision during a period of heavy fog on Quint Ave (later renamed MLK) in Lubbock. The other deputy in the car and inmate survived the crash, which was deemed a tragic accident.

Image of a man in a polo wearing glasses

Deputy Rudy Gonzales

End of Watch Sunday, February 25, 1996 Automobile Accident on Duty

Deputy Sheriff Rudy Gonzales was killed in an automobile crash on Slaton Highway (Hwy 84) while responding to a call for service.

The drunk driver of another vehicle going in the opposite direction, crossed the median, and struck Deputy Gonzales’ patrol car head-on at a high rate of speed. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed.

Man in sunglasses and a sheriff's uniform

Cpl. D Robert Martin Harvey

End of Watch Sunday, April 26, 2009 Automobile Accident on Duty

Corporal Harvey was killed in an automobile crash on County Road 2500, at East 88th Street, while responding to a fight in progress.

The driver of a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn in front of Corporal Harvey’s patrol car, and caused a head-on collision. Corporal Harvey was trapped in his patrol car as it became engulfed in flames. Cpl. Harvey’s Radio Number, 8881, was retired from use in his honor.

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Sgt. Joshua Bartlett

End of Watch Thursday, July 15, 2021 Gunfire

Sergeant Josh Bartlett was shot and killed during a SWAT call out for a barricaded subject in Levelland, Texas.

Earlier in the morning, the subject had been stopped by a Texas Highway Patrol trooper for reckless driving and attempted to bait the officer into a confrontation. The subject returned home after the encounter and began walking around the neighborhood with a firearm at about 1:15 pm. When officers with the Levelland Police Department arrived, the man opened fire on them and then barricaded himself inside a home. The regional SWAT team was requested as the man randomly fired shots from the home.

Sergeant Bartlett, Commander of the Regional SWAT Team, was shot as the team engaged the subject. Sergeant Bartlett was transported to Covenant Medical Center in Levelland, where he succumbed to his wounds. The subject was taken into custody and charged with Capital Murder. Sgt. Bartlett’s radio number, 8840, was retired in his honor.