Hero Down: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Sandiford Jr. Dies Unexpectedly

Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Police Officer Joseph Sandiford Jr. died unexpectedly on Dec. 18.

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams released a statement about the 25-year-old officer’s death later that day, according to WTLV.

“The entire JSO family is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Police Officer Joseph Sandiford, Jr.,” Sheriff Williams said. “We are grieving alongside his family and friends. I ask the community to please join us in praying that they may find some peace during this incredibly difficult time.”

The sheriff did not release details regarding the young officer’s cause of death.

Officer Sandiford was a 2014 graduate of West Nassau High School and went on to participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), according to his obituary.

He subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served four years before joining JSO.

“Joseph’s biggest goal in life was to help others and did everything he could to help others better themselves,” his obituary read. “Joseph was the true definition of what a true hero is.”

He enjoyed traveling, hiking, working out, and making others laugh.

“Most of all, Joseph enjoyed spending time with his friends and family,” according to the tribute.

His brother-in-law, David Mikell, said he is proud of the man Officer Sandiford became during his short life, according to a Facebook response Mikell made on the Nassau Funeral Home page.

“I’m proud of you for serving our country, I’m proud of you for serving your community but, the most thing I’m proud of is being able to call you my brother in law,” Mikell wrote. “I love you and will miss you.”

Officer Sandiford leaves behind his wife, Ronnye.

He is also survived by his parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Officer Sandiford will be laid to rest on New Year’s Eve.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Police Officer Joseph Sandiford Jr., both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.