MISSOURI, USA — Gov. Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in St. Louis and sheriffs' offices throughout the state from sunrise to sunset Friday to honor fallen St. Louis Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Lee Boyd.
Boyd died in the line of duty on Sept. 25 after suffering a medical emergency while returning to the St. Louis City Sheriff's Office after beginning work before dawn.
Boyd died of a medical issue that the sheriff's office said was "sudden." He was 50 years old.
“Deputy Sheriff Boyd was a 20-year veteran of the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office, known for his dependability and for almost never missing a day of work,” Parson said in a statement. “Reliable, dedicated public servants like Deputy Boyd keep our justice system operating and are the reason Missourians can have confidence in justice being served. Teresa and I extend our condolences to Deputy Boyd’s wife, Nicole, and his loved ones.”
Boyd served for two years with the St. Louis City Division of Corrections before joining the sheriff's office.
"His loss is felt deeply by his colleagues, friends and the community he worked so hard to protect," a statement from the St. Louis Sheriff's Office said.
BackStoppers is assisting Boyd's family.