Holly MatkinIndependence County, AR – Independence County Sheriff’s Department (ICSD) Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez died in the line of duty early Thursday morning after he was involved in a single-vehicle crash, according to his department.
Deputy Ramirez, 29, was responding to a call at the time of the wreck, The Batesville Daily Guard reported.
He was driving his 2018 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle eastbound on Highway 14 at approximately 12:50 a.m. when his vehicle left the roadway on a curve and slammed into a culvert, according to a report from the Arkansas State Police (ASP).
The patrol vehicle went airborne and landed on its roof, KTLO reported.
Deputy Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to KAIT.
The ASP noted the roadways were wet from rain at the time of the crash.
“We are devastated to report that Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez #121 was killed in the line of duty early this morning,” the ICSD said in a Facebook post. “Patrol Deputy Ramirez was involved in a one vehicle accident and succumbed to his injuries.”
He leaves behind his wife and two young children.
“This is a time of tremendous grief for our agency, his family, and our communities,” the ICSD said. “Pray for Ramirez’s family blood and blue, our community, and our department!”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Deputy Ramirez, The Batesville Daily Guard reported.
“Deputy Frank Ramirez lost his life in service to his community,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “Susan and I are praying for the comfort of Deputy Ramirez’s wife, two children, extended family, and fellow deputies.”
“Deputy Ramirez’s death is a reminder that there is no such thing as a routine assignment for a police officer,” the governor added. “I am grateful that in spite of that risk, hundreds of Arkansas officers such as Deputy Ramirez choose law enforcement as a career and go to work every day to assist and protect the rest of us.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a statement about the fallen deputy on Tuesday morning, KTLO reported.
“My heart and prayers are with Deputy Frank Ramirez’s wife, two young children, his family, friends and his brothers and sisters in blue following the tragic accident that took his life early this morning,” Rutledge said. “Deputy Ramirez will always be remembered for his steadfast commitment and dedication to serve and protect his community, and I ask the entire state of Arkansas to join with me in prayer for Deputy Ramirez’s family, the Independence County Sheriff’s Department, and all of my home folks in Independence County.”
Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters at Independence County Sheriff's Office for the loss of Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez. His family, friends, and colleagues will remain in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/2DQRFVciG6
— FBI Little Rock (@FBILittleRock) November 18, 2021
My statement on the passing of Deputy Frank Ramirez. I have ordered the United States flag and state flag of Arkansas to be flown at half-staff in his memory. pic.twitter.com/ZvifFrB9Dg
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) November 18, 2021
Rest In Peace: Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez. Independence County Sheriffs Department. Arkansas. End of Watch Thursday, November 18, 2021. @IndependenceSO @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/3kwXx3EC5a
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) November 19, 2021
Sad news out of Independence County — the Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Frank Ramirez died in the line of duty this morning and was involved in a car accident. He leaves behind a wife and two kids.
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office is asking for prayers. pic.twitter.com/xiqCBVhHp3— Hunter Hoagland (@HunterHoagland) November 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Independence County Sheriff’s Department (ICSD) Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
