Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Colorado
End of Watch Monday, February 8, 2016
Add to My HeroesDerek Mace Geer
Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day while attempting to question a juvenile in the area of 30 Road and E Road, in Grand Junction, at approximately 11:15 a.m.
He and other deputies were investigating reports of an armed subject in the area and spotted the juvenile, who matched the description of the subject. As Deputy Geer spoke to the juvenile, the boy asked him if he was being detained. When Deputy Geer told him that he was being detained the boy pulled away from him and a struggle ensued.
Deputy Geer deployed a taser, however, the subject was able to pull out a handgun and open fire. Deputy Geer was struck multiple times, including in the face. He was able to radio for assistance but had become unresponsive by the time another deputy arrived at his location. He was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he remained on life support so his organs could be donated.
The juvenile was arrested a short time later after being found hiding in the backyard of a nearby home. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison in June 2018.
Deputy Geer was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In November 2018, Grand Junction's Post Office was renamed Deputy Sheriff Derek Greer Post Office Building.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 70 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 192 ReflectionsOfficer Geer, i'm sorry for what happened to you on that day 9 years ago. The person who killed you was nothing but a coward who was not raised right by his parents, thus resulting in him ruining his own life by taking the life of an individual, this case being an officer who was being professional and doing his job. But thankfully, he was sentenced to a long time in prison, which should guarantee that he will never see the light of day again, meaning that his time will come after karma gets him one way or the other. Also, i can tell you were a good man who didn't just love his career and his job, but also served his country as an army veteran, meaning you had strength that not alot of people were born with or had inside them. On top of that, you were a good man who loved and took care of his family, and who's kids will grow up knowing their father was a hero. But like i said earlier, you were a good man who served his country, and his people, and you did not have to die the way you did. But as a supporter of the army and police, i salute you for being the brave and courageous man you were to step up and make a change, and you're serving your place in the afterlife and watching over those you love. As of right now, may you rest in peace knowing your service is appreciated as an officer, a soldier, and as an individual who defended the weak. Rest Well Mr. Geer
Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line
April 15, 2025
