Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheets,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Marathon County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 21, 2024

I was one of the officers who attended your memorial service. It's been 30 years, and I still remember.

Amy R, former PO

May 15, 2024

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Sheets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 15, 2020

I worked with Jeff at the Marathon County Sheriff's Dept. and he was a really great man. Jeff was what the community looks for in a law enforcement officer; honest, integrity, fair, committed, empathetic, thorough, and so much more.

I responded to numerous calls for service with Jeff and knew I was getting one of the best Deputies in the department to work with.

I would like to extend my condolences to his family and remind them Jeff is still in our hearts and not forgotten. Also, to his children, please know that your father was really a great man, Deputy, and father. On many occasions when we talked about family, Jeff would always beam proudly when discussing his wife and children like all extremely proud fathers and husbands do.

May you rest in peace Deputy Jeffrey Sheets.

Sergeant (Retired)
Bullhead City Police Dept. Arizona

January 5, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 21, 2015

I remember responding to a natural death in Kronenwetter and Jeff was there. He was very appreciative and helpful. I started working at the Marathon County Sheriff's Department six months before he passed away so I didn't get to know him that well. I will forever remember him because he was killed the day I got married to my first husband. A very bittersweet moment for me.

Sarah De Voy
Former Marathon Co Sheriff's Dept Dispatcher & Retired EMT/Firefighter

June 18, 2014

I went to school with Jeff at NCTI. Today, they added two names to the Fallen Officer Memorial, near the capital, in Madison. Jeff's name is on there. I think of him every time I pass that memorial.

Last time I spoke with Jeff, he was a stay at home dad for his first child.

miss you!

Lori (LaSee) Wessel
State Public Defenders Office

May 9, 2014

Missing you still every day and now I am teaching your granddaughter about her heroic Grandpa Sheets.

You will NEVER be forgotten, Dad.

Erin Blaschka (Sheets)
Daughter

May 6, 2014

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly 20 years since this tragedy. I had the privilege of getting to know Jeff in the early days, as he was dating his future wife and going to school for police science. His enthusiasm for police work was unmistakable. I'll never forget him standing in my kitchen and reciting the various statutes. Once he started on patrol as a deputy, that enthusiasm never diminished. He had a passion for being the best officer he could be.
As Jeff got married and his family grew, he loved them with all his heart, but his passion for his profession continued.
Another set of images that is forever ingrained in my mind is being part of the funeral procession that May. I especially see the long line of squad cars heading north on Interstate 51, (which had been closed for the procession) and drivers on the other side of the highway stopping their cars to get out and stand at the side of the road in respect. I can still see the people standing silently on the bridges as we drove under them, and then the lines of cars parked at the edge of the rural road at the cemetery as the bagpiper played.
Jeff, we still miss you and think about you.

Terry Schoessow
Friend, Mequon, Wisconsin

April 28, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

February 25, 2014

Thank you for your reflections. I was to young to remember my Uncle Jeff but what I do remember and see to this day is the hurt in my father's eyes when we visit Jeff's grave. I have heard so many wonderful stories and wish he was here to tell them himself.

Our family appreciates all your kind words and cannot thank you enough.

Crystal Redmann (Sheets)
Niece of Jeff Sheets

October 29, 2013

When I was a child growing up in Wausau I always wanted to be a police officer. I met Deputy Sheets while he was on a lunch break and he was nice enough to show me his squad car and other police equipment. I have never forgotten his act of kindness to me as a child. RIP Deputy Sheets

Officer Joseph Bresette
City of Galesville Police Department

May 21, 2013

To my best friend Jeff,

We both grew up in Clark County. Both started our law enforcement career there in the early 80's and became best friends. Miss those days, miss your family, and miss you! Think about you & your family often.
Dallas

U.S. Marshal
U. S. Marshal Service, Western Dist. WI

January 30, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 21, 2012

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 12, 2012

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 22, 2008

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

September 24, 2007

I grew up in Marathon County and my father worked with Mr Sheets as a deputy. Thank you for ensuring the safety of my family and all the others in the county. You are not forgotten.

Rest in peace

Corections Officer
La Crosse County

March 14, 2007

To the family of Deputy Sheets.You have family within law enforcement. GOD BLESS!!

WH

February 22, 2007

NEVER FORGOTTEN

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT, SPARTA WI

February 12, 2006

Jeff and I attended the same high school. I graduated with his brother. I carpooled with Jeff for a year while we both attended the Police Science program in Wausau, WI. We talked about everything that young guys getting started in law enforcement talk about. He was dating the lady who became his wife and I know he loved her. Later, he stayed in WI and I went to Phoenix, AZ. I always meant to get in touch but who could have guessed the future.
In my role as a trainer, I use what happened to Jeff as an example of what can happen even out here in the country. In that way, his loss is not without meaning. Maybe his story will prevent something similar from happening to another family.

Bill Socwell, Port Director
US Customs & Border Protection, Sarles, ND

April 14, 2005

Rest in peace deputy
You're gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth SO

December 19, 2003