End of Watch: September 26, 2021
Deputy Josh Moyers was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sandy Ford Road in Callahan. During the stop, the driver provided a false name, and Deputy Moyers discovered the license plate belonged to a different vehicle. As he opened the driverโs door to place the individual in custody, the subject shot him in the face and back before fleeing the scene. The suspect escaped over a railroad crossing just as a train passed, temporarily preventing pursuit by other deputies.
The suspect was apprehended five days later. He pled guilty, and a jury recommended the death penalty.
Deputy Moyers was transported to UF Health Jacksonville, where he remained on life support until September 26, 2021, so his organs could be donated.
He served with the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office for over six years and is survived by his fiancรฉe, parents, and brother.
End of Watch: February 3, 2021
Deputy Jack Gwynes passed away due to complications from COVID-19, contracted in the line of duty while assigned to the Nassau County Courthouse.
He served with the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office for 26 years and is survived by his wife, two children, and six grandchildren.
End of Watch: November 22, 2016
Deputy Eric Oliver was struck and killed by a vehicle while pursuing a suspect on foot near the intersection of SR 200 and Chester Road in Yulee. He was assisting U.S. Border Patrol agents when a subject fled on foot. While chasing the suspect across the road, Deputy Oliver was tragically struck by a passing vehicle.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served with the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office for seven years.
End of Watch: September 15, 1992
Chief Bailiff Hailey died in a vehicle crash while returning home from work. He had previously served with the Florida Highway Patrol and was a respected member of the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office for 25 years.
End of Watch: March 13, 1954
Deputy Mattox was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in Fernandina Beach. He had returned to the address a second time when the suspect, James Merritt, fatally shot him. His wife, returning from the beach, witnessed the tragic incident.
Deputy Mattox was a WWII veteran and the first Black deputy in the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office. He served for four years and was survived by his wife and child.
End of Watch: September 6, 1906
Chief Deputy Johns was assassinated after being lured out of town under false pretenses. A suspect had filed a bogus theft report, claiming stolen fishing nets, and requested Johns accompany him. His body was discovered two days later with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, likely murdered to prevent his testimony in a federal trial.
No suspects were ever arrested.
Johns had served with the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office for four months and had previously served eight years as Sheriff of Bradford County.
End of Watch: July 21, 1895
Deputy Higginbotham was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant for assault. Despite being wounded, he was able to return fire and fatally wound the suspect.
End of Watch: May 17, 1891
Deputy Robinson was killed while assisting in the apprehension of Floridaโs most wanted fugitive at the time, Harmon Murray. During an attempt to arrest Murray in Fernandina Beach, Deputy Robinson was fatally shot.