Holly MatkinSt. Augustine, FL – St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) Deputy Coby Seckinger died unexpectedly on Dec. 14 after suffering a medical emergency, according to his department.
The 42-year-old deputy was at a coworker’s home when the acute medical issue struck, the SJCSO said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Deputy Seckinger, the son of a career Marine officer, graduated from St. Johns River Community College with an Associate’s Degree in 2003, according to his obituary.
He joined the SJCSO on March 8, 2004, and went on to spend nearly 17 years serving his community.
Deputy Seckinger was a handler for both K9 Drake and K9 Max at the time of his death.
He also served as a Clandestine Lab Enforcement Team investigator, and was a field training officer for new hires, according to the SJCSO.
Deputy Seckinger was honored with a multitude of awards during his career, including the Meritorious Service Award, Lifesaving Award, Sheriff’s Commendation, Ten-Year Commendation, Combat Medal, Exceptional Service Award, Joshua E. Blyer Award, and the Sheriff’s Unit Award, according to his obituary.
“On behalf of Sheriff Shoar, Sheriff-Elect Hardwick and all of us at the SJSO, our thoughts and prayers go out to Coby’s family and friends as they navigate this loss,” the department said in the press release. “He will be missed.”
Deputy Seckinger leaves behind his wife, Lauren, and his daughter, Mallory, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, brother, nephew, grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Deputy Seckinger was laid to rest on Dec. 21.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our partnering agency, @SJSOPIO, and the family and friends on the loss of K-9 Deputy Coby Seckinger. pic.twitter.com/RDcflmYFsO
— Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL (@ccsofl) December 16, 2020
Sheriff Shoar hosted a promotion ceremony today:
DET Michael Kunovich & CPL Coby Seckinger have been promoted to SGT.
SGT Sidney Mickler & SGT Keith Oke have been promoted to LT
LT Kevin Cronin, LT Shawn Lee, & LT Russell Martin have been promoted to CDR
Congrats, Gentlemen! pic.twitter.com/qmJ8dCGY7D
— SJSO (@SJSOPIO) March 4, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Coby Seckinger, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
