Feb. 6, 2019
Commissioner David Painter, President of the Board of County Commissioners, opened today’s session with these remarks about Detective Bill Brewer, who was killed in the line of duty Feb. 2:
On Saturday February 2nd, Deputy Nick DeRose and Deputy William Brewer responded along with Clermont County Special Response Team to a call for help from a 23 year old man. The two deputies sustained gunshot wounds as a result of their commitment to serve and protect the citizens of Clermont County. Lt. DeRose was later treated and released from the hospital, returning to work later that Sunday. Lt. DeRose was shot twice, once in the lower leg and another that struck his utility belt and protective vest preventing a life-threatening injury. He is a true testament to the resolve of the department. Detective William Brewer sustained life ending injuries as a result of his commitment to serve. I pray that Lt. DeRose has a speedy recovery.
Today, the Board of Clermont County Commissioners honor and mourn the loss of Detective William Brewer of the Clermont County Sheriff’s office. On behalf of the Board we extend our deepest condolences to Bill’s family and thank them for sharing him with us.
Bill and Nick spent over 20 years protecting and helping the citizens of Clermont County. On that Saturday, Bill along with his partner Lt. Nick DeRose, answered a call for help whereby Bill and Nick sustained gunshot injuries. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friend. Bill and Nick’s selfless courage goes well beyond God’s word in that they both were willing to lay down their lives for a man they did not know. Bill gave his life that evening in an effort to help. William Brewer was that kind of guy.
Bill was a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, and a beloved family member. He leaves behind his loving wife Jamie, his beloved son Braxton, his brother Michael, his parents Bill and Angie, his in-laws, his nieces, his nephews, his Clermont County Deputy family and all the citizens of Clermont County that he took an oath to protect.
There are a few professions whereby a man is required to commit his life to the protection of others. Bill was a Clermont County Deputy. Once a Deputy, always a Deputy. To the 200,000 residents of Clermont County, Bill will always be our Deputy.
To Bill’s wife and son, there are no words that I can speak to answer the question why such a tragedy as this is allowed to happen. For God’s plan is so vast that even if he were to show it to us, we wouldn’t understand it. Rest assured that there are two people that now understand his plan and one of them is Bill. May God comfort you in your time of loss. Our prayers are with you.
