COVID Claims Beloved Area Deputy
COVID-19 has claimed the life of a local law enforcement officer beloved by his fellow officers, community members, and even the inmates he guarded at the jail.
Just a week after Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis warned that the hospitals and morgues were full as a result of the deadly virus, Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless announced the death of one of his officers.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this about my friend and colleague, Deputy Boyd Blake. Deputy Blake passed away yesterday after a long battle with COVID,” Lawless said in a statement. “Deputy Blake fought a good fight, but just could not overcome this horrible virus. Lawrence County has lost a good man and a dedicated public servant.”
Deputy Boyd Blake was only 50 years old.
Deputy Blake began his career 25 years ago as a patrolman with the Proctorville Police Department and later went on to serve as the Proctorville Chief of Police.
Blake became part of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office in 2001 and marked his 20th year with the department on September 10th.
Sheriff Lawless said Blake started out as a corrections officer and rose through the ranks to road deputy before becoming a process server.
Lawless said Boyd Blake served with honor and dignity and described the late officer as “Well-liked by all who knew him.”
Blessed are the Peacemakers
The Sheriff turned to his faith to speak about the loss of his friend, “As we mourn our loss of Deputy Blake, I reflect on a passage from the Holy Bible. Matthew 5:9 (NIV) reads: Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of GOD. Often, law enforcement officers are referred to as peacemakers. Biblical scholars have said that the term “peacemaker” in this passage from the Bible does not imply pacifism, but means: One who actively brings conflict to an end; One who is willing to fight to resolve a conflict. Deputy Blake, like the vast majority of law enforcement officers, was a peacemaker.”
Lawless asked that every join him in honoring the life of Deputy Blake and his 25 years of dedicated service to the community.
Inmate Remembers Blake as Cool Guy
Community member shared their memories of Blake, “I remember this officer from a few years ago when I was having issues with my son. He was a very nice man who helped me out a lot/ I pray he rests in peace. I pray for his family and send my condolences.”
One of Blake’s former charges at the jail, said, “I’ll never forget how cool you was with me when you was a CO at the jail. You always treated me like a person, not an inmate. Heaven gained a great guy.”
The Ironton Police Department said, “We here at the Ironton Police Dept are heartbroken at the news of the passing of Boyd Blake. Boyd was an awesome friend and deputy but was a truly outstanding father. Please keep Boyd’s family and law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers. Godspeed.”