Sergeant Myron G. Deckard, aged 72, was a dedicated officer with the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department in Illinois. On June 6, 2001, he was tragically killed while transporting a prisoner. The prisoner, who had been restrained in handcuffs, managed to free one hand and forced Sergeant Deckard to drive off the side of I-72 near the Cisco exit in Macon County.
During the ensuing struggle, the prisoner gained control of Sergeant Deckard's handgun and shot him twice, resulting in his death.
The suspect, who had been picked up from the Montgomery County Jail in Hillsboro on misdemeanor warrants, later turned himself in at a nearby sheriff's office, confessing to the killing. He was convicted of murder in November 2002 and initially sentenced to death. However, in January 2003, the outgoing governor commuted the sentence of all 167 Illinois death row inmates to life without parole, including the suspect's.
Sergeant Deckard had served with the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department for 32 years and was the agency's warrant officer for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and son. His dedication and sacrifice are remembered by his family, friends, and fellow officers.
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