BATAVIA, Ohio – Today, Clermont County Commissioners join all the elected officials and employees of Clermont County in mourning a brave deputy sheriff who lost his life in the line of duty.
Commissioners extend their deepest condolences to the family of Clermont Sheriff’s Detective Bill Brewer, and thank him and Lt. Nick DeRose, who was injured, for their bravery.
On Saturday, Feb. 2, around 10:30 p.m., Detective Brewer and Lt. DeRose were shot by a male who had barricaded himself in his apartment in Pierce Township and was threatening to kill himself.
Detective Bill Brewer
Detective Brewer, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital, where he later died as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained. Deputy Brewer is survived by his wife and a 5-year-old son.
Lt. Nick DeRose, a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and was later released.
The suspect was taken into custody.
Lt. Nick DeRose
“There is no greater love than a man to lay down his life for a friend. Detective Brewer laid down his life in service for our citizens. Please lift his family up in prayer,” said Commissioner David Painter, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “Our deepest condolences go to the family of Detective Brewer, who bravely gave his life in the line of duty.
“We thank Lt. DeRose, whose injuries were, thankfully, not serious. We thank all the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and our local police departments and fire departments who responded throughout the night to work together to bring this situation under control.
“Our hearts are heavy today for this loss to our community. We send our prayers to the families of Detective Brewer and Lt. DeRose,” Commissioner Painter added.
Said Commissioner Ed Humphrey, Vice President of the BCC, “This is a sad day for Clermont County and for the brave men and women of our Sheriff’s Office. Every day, with courage and dedication, they go out into the community to keep us safe, never knowing what the day may bring. Today, it brought tragedy and a loss that is beyond understanding. We can’t thank Detective Brewer and his family enough for his ultimate sacrifice. God bless him, Lt. DeRose and our entire department of first responders.”
Commissioner Claire Corcoran said, “Words cannot adequately capture the grief in our hearts today. Detective Bill Brewer gave his life in the pursuit of protecting our community and Lt. Nick DeRose was wounded. How can we explain the shock and pain we feel at this terrible outcome? All we can really do is keep Detective Brewer and his family in our thoughts and prayers and hope that we never again experience this kind of tragic event.”
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