Holly MatkinLexington, SC – Newberry County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Master Deputy Janna Lane Longshore died on April 26 after a courageous battle against cancer, according to her department.
The 29-year-old deputy was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in mid-2021 at the age of 28, Newberry Now reported.
Deputy Longshore was an avid runner and strength trainer who bench-pressed 240 pounds, deadlifted 385 pounds, and squatted 335 pounds prior to the onset of vision disturbances and headaches in the summer of 2020.
She sought medical attention, but the cancer diagnosis was not pinpointed until after the deputy suffered a grand mal seizure in July of 2021, Newberry Now reported.
An x-ray revealed a tumor the size of a lime in her left lung.
The cancer had also metastasized to her brain.
Deputy Longshore told Newberry Now she never smoked a day in her life.
“My best advice for everyone would be to work towards being the strongest, healthiest version of yourself so that when you are faced with the fight of your life, whether it be cancer or some other obstacle, you will be ready to fight and can give it all you’ve got!” Deputy Longshore told the news outlet in March.
“Keep your faith and know that God is with you and will be your strength in the moments when you feel like you have none left,” she added.
Deputy Longshore passed away at the Lexington Medical Center, according to her obituary.
“It is with deep regret that we acknowledge Deputy Sheriff Janna Longshore has won her valiant fight against cancer and has entered Heaven,” the NCSO said in a Facebook post the following day.
Deputy Longshore served her department for over five years and was the first woman to serve on the agency’s SWAT team, WLTX reported.
“Janna was energetic and athletic with an infectious smile,” the NCSO said. “She deeply loved her family, both blood and blue, and was committed to the people of Newberry County. We are heartbroken and extend our prayers to Janna’s family. The strife is o’er the battle done.”
Deputy Longshore graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2016, and later graduated from Newberry College in 2021, according to her obituary.
She leaves behind her fiancé, Chris, as well as Chris’ two children.
Deputy Longshore is also survived by her mother, brother, and nieces.
She will be laid to rest on May 1.
Our community has lost an amazing person, Janna Longshore. We are honored to have gotten the chance to share her story in Newberry Living just last month. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
“My best advice for everyone would be to work towards … pic.twitter.com/A56H6Pb2DK
— Newberry Now (@NewberryNow) April 28, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Newberry County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Janna Lane Longshore, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
