Holly MatkinBelvidere, IL – Boone County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Scott Bowers died on April 30 after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home, according to his department.
The 37-year-old deputy was working at his residence when the medical emergency struck, the BCSO said in a press release on May 2.
“Deputy Bowers was one of those officers [who] everybody loved,” Boone County Sheriff Dave Ernest told WREX. “He was so loved and well respected by his peers.”
Sheriff Ernest said that Deputy Bowers was a “pure quality individual” who made a positive impact on many people.
“He’s truly going to be missed,” the sheriff added.
Deputy Bowers served with the Belvidere Police Department (BPD) prior to joining the BCSO 12 years ago, the Rockford Register Star reported.
“We did quite a bit of hunting and fishing as he was growing up,” his father, Mike Bowers told the paper. “I know for the longest time he thought he wanted to be a Department of Natural Resources officer. What made him change his mind and go to regular law enforcement, I’m not sure. But it had been something he thought about for a long time.”
Deputy Bowers spent much of his BCSO career working as a member of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Regional Task Force as an undercover officer, the Rockford Register Star reported.
“He built quite a network of peers throughout this entire region,” Sheriff Ernest noted. “All of the undercover narcotics guys in the entire region are suffering. He was that good of a guy.”
“I can’t say enough about Scott,” the sheriff added. “I wish I had 20 more of him honestly because he was that good. He was just so dependable.”
Deputy Bowers leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Melissa, as well as their children, 10-year-old Brayden and eight-year-old Brooklyn, the Rockford Register Star reported.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, step-siblings, in-laws, and many friends and extended family members, according to his obituary.
Deputy Bowers was laid to rest on Friday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Boone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Bowers, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.