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Incident
Deputy Steve Saboda was shot and killed by a man who had taken hostages at his home on Oak Park Drive in DeLand. Deputy Saboda was a member of the department's SWAT team that had responded to the call after the man inside the home had shot and wounded his girlfriend and another deputy. During the standoff, the suspect was able to slip out of the house and hide in the backyard. Thinking the suspect was still in the house, the SWAT team attempted to introduce tear gas into the home. Deputy Saboda was conducting the operation in the backyard when the suspect opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle. One of the rounds penetrated the rear of Deputy Saboda's vest, which was not rated for rifle rounds. The suspect continued to fire at officers for several more hours before committing suicide. Deputy Saboda had served with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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 Saboda gave the Volusia County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the DeLand community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Saboda.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Volusia County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Stephen is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 9 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Stephen was 35. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Stephen had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Stephen was 35. 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. Stephen had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephen was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
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 80% of all 5 deaths at Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 6.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Volusia County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Stephen among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Volusia County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
