Holly MatkinOklahoma City, OK – Canadian County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy Justin Baxter died on Sept. 8 after suffering a heart attack.
The 32-year-old deputy was off-duty at home when the massive heart attack struck, according to KOCO.
He was just days away from his 33rd birthday.
His wife, Tiffany Baxter, said her husband also suffered a heart attack years ago, but that he seemed to have made a full recovery, according to KOTV.
She described him as “a kind and gentle man” who would “give you the shirt off his back.”
Deputy Baxter served seven years in the National Guard prior to beginning his law enforcement career, KOCO reported.
After working as a police officer in Canton and Gary, he joined the CCSO.
“He told me from the time he was little that he was going to be a popo,” his mother, Lindy Kilpatrick, told the news outlet. “And he achieved it.”
Deputy Baxter was driven by a desire to help others, Kilpatrick said.
“He said, ‘mama…if someone is hurt, I want to be the one there. If someone needs help, I want to be the one there,’” she recalled.
Canadian County Sheriff Chris West said Deputy Baxter was hardworking and dedicated, and that he will be sorely missed by his department, KOCO reported.
Deputy Baxter leaves behind his wife, Tiffany, and his daughters, Kayla and Kinley, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, three sisters, two brothers, and many nephews and nieces.
A fundraising page established to help Deputy Baxter’s family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $4,900 so far.
Deputy Baxter was laid to rest on Sept. 17.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Canadian County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Baxter, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
