HollyMatkinJacksonville, AR – Jacksonville Police Lieutenant Jason Tilley died at the police station from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 29, according to the department.
Lt. Tilley, 42, used his duty weapon to take his own life, and passed away just after 2 p.m., the Jacksonville Police Department said in a statement, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“We are completely devastated and greatly saddened by the turn of events,” department spokesperson April Kiser said. “We ask the community to join us in prayers for Jason Tilley’s wife, daughter, family and friends.”
The agency said administrators were aware that Lt. Tilley had been struggling with personal issues since May, and that they were in “constant communication” with him regarding his well-being as he sought the help of a therapist, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
His death is being investigated by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Tilley, an 18-year-veteran of the force, served in the U.S. Air Force prior to his career in law enforcement, according to his obituary.
On Monday, the department posted a video of Lt. Tilley’s “escort home.”
Sirens blared as the procession passed by law enforcement officers and citizens who lined the streets. Some saluted, while others placed their hands over their hearts. An American flag was draped from a crane that stretched out over the roadway, the video showed.
“There was so much love for Jason shared,” the lieutenant’s wife, Erica Tilley, said in a Facebook post. “Every hug, every tear shed, laugh, smile, memory, picture, gift, flowers, text, call…. it all meant so much to me and our family.”
“Heartbroken doesn’t begin to describe the feeling, but all of the support and love …. I don’t know how I could get through this without it. Thank you all,” she wrote.
Lt. Tilley also leaves behind his daughter, Shelby, as well as his parents, brother, and many friends and extended family members, according to his obituary.
He was laid to rest on Thursday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jacksonville Police Lieutenant Jason Tilley, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.