Holly MatkinSandusky, OH – Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer died on Nov. 16 after suffering a medical emergency while attending a law enforcement conference.
The 65-year-old sheriff was rushed to Firelands Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his medical condition shortly after his arrival, WHIO reported.
Sheriff Fischer’s exact cause of death has not been released.
“We all lost a very good leader and good friend,” Greene County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Chief Deputy Scott Anger told WHIO. “He was the glue that kept the collaborations in the county going.”
Chief Deputy Anger said the longtime sheriff’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the entire community.
He left “a void we’ll never be able to fill,” the chief deputy added.
Sheriff Fischer was a lifelong resident of Greene County, according to his obituary.
He graduated from Clark State University and Capital University before later earing his master’s degree from Tiffin University.
Sheriff Fischer began his law enforcement career serving as a volunteer police officer with the Fairborn Police Department, according to his obituary.
He began working as a full-time officer with the Xenia Police Department (XPD) in 1983.
Sheriff Fischer was working as an XPD sergeant when he was chosen as sheriff of Greene County on June 30, 2003.
“Sheriff Fischer was extremely honored and proud to serve the residents of Greene County and was re-elected five times to the office,” his obituary read.
Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said he will remember Sheriff Fischer as “an all-around nice person,” WHIO reported.
“He’s a professional and he gets the job done,” Sheriff Simpson said. “You couldn’t ask for a nicer guy to work with, socialize with.”
Greene County Judge Adolfo Tornichio said Sheriff Fischer had a fantastic sense of humor and “was telling dad jokes before they were called dad jokes,” WHIO reported.
“He loved people and he cared about this community and about this county in a way that I have never seen a public official care in the 17 years that I have been employed here in Greene County,” Greene County Prosecutor David Hayes told the Dayton Daily News.
“What made him remarkable was his leadership,” Hayes added. “Gene Fischer was capable but humble. He was strong but full of compassion and he led by example.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he and his wife first met Sheriff Fischer back when the sheriff was still an XPD officer.
“What always struck me was how well loved he was by men and women who worked under him at the department, and he had that same strong relationship with the men and women who worked for him at the sheriff’s office,” DeWine told the Dayton Daily News. “Gene combined that respect and love with a real relationship with the community. Sheriff Fischer was doing community policing before those techniques even had a name.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said he is thankful he was able to spend time with Sheriff Fischer shortly before his sudden passing.
“He has always been well-respected – and for good reason,” Yost told the Dayton Daily News. “I admire and appreciate his dedication to the residents of Greene County and to law enforcement. We offer our condolences to his family and his community. Sheriff Fischer will be greatly missed.”
Sheriff Fischer leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Gail, as well as his daughter, Brittany, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his sister, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many friends and extended family members.
Sheriff Fischer will be laid to rest on Nov. 24.
Our Community is devastated about the loss of an outstanding Citizen and Sheriff. Our condolences are with the Fischer Family and Greene County Sheriff's Office. pic.twitter.com/AerLMqpSz6
— Beavercreek Township (@BcreekTownship) November 17, 2021
Members of the Police Wives of Ohio Inc. are hanging blue ribbon around Greene County to honor Sheriff Gene Fischer.
Visitation = Tuesday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Xenia Nazarene, 1204 W. Second St.@Payton247Now will provide a full report tonight at 6. pic.twitter.com/mUYo3o8TNU
— Dayton 24/7 Now (@dayton247now) November 22, 2021
The City of Fairborn sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer who passed away on Tuesday, November 16th.
Sheriff Fischer made lasting impacts within this community and region. He will be greatly missed. 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/QxrmMpS7Eu
— City of Fairborn (@CityofFairborn) November 17, 2021
The City of Xenia is extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer. pic.twitter.com/qBDnZV9Nq0
— City of Xenia (@cityofxenia) November 17, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
