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Incident
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.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Saxerud gave the Island County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Coupeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Saxerud.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Island County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 2 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 31. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. John had served 7.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 7.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 7.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 11.8% of these deaths in WA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Island County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Island County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Island County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
