The following Scott County sheriff's officers have given their lives in the line of duty over the years.
» Hubert D. "John John" Yancey
Sgt. John John Yancey was accidentally shot and killed during a raid on a methamphetamine lab on Williams Creek Road in Oneida Nov. 28, 2003.
During an unfortunate encounter inside the home, another deputy attempted to apprehend two suspects who were inside a bedroom. After seeing what appeared to be a weapon, the deputy took cover in a bathroom. Sgt. Yancey, believing his partner was in trouble, entered the home to help him. The deputy saw Sgt. Yancey's silhouette and, thinking he was an armed suspect, fired one shot, striking Sgt. Yancey just above his protective vest.
A total of four suspects inside the home were charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. None were charged in connection with Sgt. Yancey's death.
Sgt. Yancey, age 35, had served with the Sheriff's Department for six years and was a K-9 officer. He was survived by his wife and three sons.
» Earl C. Koger
Sheriff's Deputy Earl Koger was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant Jan. 18, 1964.
The suspect was shot and killed by other law enforcement officers on the scene.
» Alvin Jeffers
Alvin Jeffers, a constable in Scott County's Fifth Civil District, was one of two law enforcement officers shot and killed as they and other officers attempted to serve warrants on a Winfield couple.
As they entered the home, two men opened fire on the officers. Constable Jeffers was shot in the chest with a shotgun and a second officer was wounded when a bullet grazed his head. The wounded officer drove Constable Jeffers to Scott County Hospital, where he later died. He was 50 years old.
The suspects later turned themselves in.
» Levy Harness
Deputy Sheriff Levy Harness was one of two law enforcement officers killed while attempting to serve a warrant at a Winfield residence.
After two officers were wounded inside the home, Deputy Harness and another officer took up a position outside the home. The suspects opened fire, striking Deputy Harness three times with a shotgun. He was 53 years old.
The suspects turned themselves in days later.
» John Wesley West
Deputy Sheriff John West died after being shot by a fellow deputy during a movie showing at Robbins High School.
After Deputy Fowler became intoxicated and began yelling threats at children who were in the audience, Deputy West and Dr. Wylie Foust attempted to calm him down. Deputy Fowler pulled two pistols and shot each man, killing each of them. Deputy West was 53 years old.
Fowler was later convicted of murder. He was executed in the electric chair on Jan. 25, 1928.
» Sheriff Richard Ellis
Sheriff Richard Ellis was shot and killed in an ambush in front of the Scott County Jail.
Sheriff Ellis was escorting a prisoner into the jail when he was shot in the back of the head with a shotgun. No suspect was ever apprehended. Sheriff Ellis was 43 years old.
» John Acres
Deputy Sheriff John Acres was shot and killed from an ambush position while raiding a moonshine still outside Oneida.
Deputy Acres also served as chief of police for the Town of Oneida. He was 37 years old.
