Holly MatkinNogales, AZ – Nogales Police Department (NPD) Officer Jeremy Brinton died in the line of duty on May 21 after a driver crashed into him as he was outside his patrol vehicle at a construction site the night prior.
The 40-year-old officer was working an off-duty assignment assisting with a lane closure at a construction zone on Interstate 19 when the collision occurred at approximately 8:14 p.m. on May 20, The Arizona Republic reported.
Officer Brinton was outside his vehicle at the time of the impact, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sergeant Jimmy Chavez told the news outlet.
The collision remains under investigation, but police noted they do not believe the driver was impaired at the time of the crash, The Arizona Republic reported.
Officer Brinton was airlifted to Banner University Medical Trauma Center in Tucson, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“We ask for prayers for his family, friends and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time,” the NPD said in a news release, according to KOLD.
Officer Brinton, an 18-year veteran of the NPD, leaves behind his wife, Denise, and four children, the NPD said in a press release.
“Arizona’s prayers are with Officer Jeremy Brinton’s loved ones and @NogalesPoliceAz at this difficult time,” Arizona Governor Doug Ducey tweeted on Sunday afternoon. “Officer Brinton dedicated years to protecting our communities, and we will not forget his bravery and service.”
AZDPS is deeply saddened by the death of Nogales Police Officer Jeremy Brinton. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/1tu4Q1E5e2
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) May 21, 2021
🔹 Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹
Police Officer Jeremy Brinton
Nogales Police Department, Arizona
EOW: Friday, May 21, 2021#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/9cNS4aamph
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) May 23, 2021
Our hearts are with the Nogales Police Department and the colleagues, family and friends of Officer Jeremy Brinton who has lost his life in the Line of Duty after being struck by a vehicle yesterday evening.#EOW #WeStandWithYou pic.twitter.com/3Qu7KLjfd4
— 100 Club of Arizona (@100ClubAZ) May 21, 2021
@INTERPOL_USA extends condolences to our law enforcement partners at the Nogales Police Department, Arizona, for the line of duty death of Officer Jeremy Brinton. pic.twitter.com/JABd9GyZhu
— INTERPOL Washington (@INTERPOL_USA) May 24, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Nogales Police Department Officer Jeremy Brinton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
