Longtime Oakland County Deputy Loses Battle Against Cancer

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — The Oakland County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday announced that Deputy Gary Garza, a 20-year veteran of the sheriff's office, had died following a long battle with cancer.

Garza held positions in corrections, courts, road patrol and was a school resource officer for Clarkston Community Schools for the past five years, the sheriff's office said.

“Deputy Garza was the epitome of who a police officer should be,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. "He lived his life with dignity and high standards, which was reflected in his loyalty to the sheriff’s office. Gary was dedicated to his beloved wife and daughter and my heart aches for them with the void his passing has created. Deputy Garza was an asset to this agency and will forever be remembered for the lives he impacted during his career, especially the kids he mentored while serving as a School Resource Officer in Clarkston.”

Garza received several honors during his time with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. He was given the Sheriff’s Special Commendation Citation in 2019 and a Commendation Award in 2011. He received numerous letters of appreciation from the community for his efforts as well as from other law enforcement agencies, the sheriff's office said.

"The men and women of the sheriff’s office send their deepest condolences to Deputy Garza’s family," the department said in a news release. "Rest in Peace, Deputy Garza. We will take it from here."