Roll of Honor
Walter Fredrick Irey
Incident
Deputy Walter Irey and Deputy William Williams were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call. As they walked to the front porch the 23-year-old suspect opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle, striking both officers before they had time to draw their weapons. The suspect then fired on the patrol car, wounding an off duty jailer who was riding along with the officers. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended and sentenced to death. In 1980 he was granted a new trial and sentenced to life. As of November 22, 2020, he was in prison. Deputy Irey had recently moved to the area and had been with the agency for only six months, but had served in law enforcement for 13 years prior and had previously served with the United States Army.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-728D1E2C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Walter. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Irey gave the Columbia County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lake City community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Walter Fredrick Irey served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff Walter Fredrick Irey is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Columbia County Sheriff's Dept., 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Fredrick Irey's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Fredrick Irey Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Fredrick Irey is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Fredrick Irey was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Columbia County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
