Sheriff's Deputy Remembered 12-Years After His Line of Duty Death

FAIRFIELD, CA- Fallen Solano County Sheriff’s Deputy John Sandlin will be remembered Saturday, 12-years after he died in the line of duty.

"Deputy Sandlin was well respected among his peers and dedicated to the community in which he served," department officials said in a press release, asking residents to take a moment to remember his dedication to serving the community.

Officials explained that Deputy Sandlin and his partner were backing up another deputy on a traffic stop on April 23, 2004, when a second vehicle passed them at a high rate of speed. During the resulting pursuit, Deputy Sandlin’s patrol car went out of control negotiating a curve on Cordelia Rd. Deputy Sandlin lost his life as a result of the accident. His partner sustained minor injuries.

Sandlin was not only a decorated member of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, but was a Distinguished Service Medal and Purple Heart recipient during his 22-year Navy career where he climbed from an enlisted 17-year-old sailor to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

“May Deputy John Sandlin always be remembered for his dedication to the community, his heroism and for the ultimate sacrifice he gave in the performance of his duties as a Solano County Deputy Sheriff,” said the press release, “Thank you for taking time to remember Deputy Sandlin, his loved ones, and the many law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

Photo courtesy of the Solano County Sheriff’s Department