Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office commemorates the death of Deputy Sheriff Josh Lancaster

On May 29, 2003, Deputy Sheriff Josh Lancaster was killed in the line of duty during a vehicle pursuit. A suspect was evading Sanger Police Officers when he crashed into Josh’s unmarked detective car. The crash happened in southeastern Fresno County in the area of Adams and Maple. The suspect’s fleeing car was traveling in excess of 90 miles an hour when it broadsided Josh’s unmarked patrol vehicle.

The suspect’s girlfriend was a passenger in the car and died, along with the unborn child she was carrying. The suspect survived and was sentenced to State Prison. At the time he was fatally injured, Josh had been working a night time burglary detail. That evening he, along with other detectives, were searching for a suspect nicknamed the “DC Shoe” burglar.

Josh was a rising star in the Sheriff’s Office, and became a detective just a few years after he was hired. He was diligent in his work, and loved to “catch a crook.” Many of those who worked around Josh will always remember his sense of humor, his drive for life, and just how great of a person he was.

Today, as co-workers, we keep Josh in our hearts and prayers. We keep Josh’s family in our thoughts as well. We are grateful for the memories we have of Josh at work and the memories his family has shared with us about how Josh was at home.

We miss Josh and will never forget the service he gave to the citizens of this County.

President's Message, May 2017

I want to thank you for allowing me to represent you for a fifth term as President of the Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association.

During the past nine years, I have worked incredibly hard to provide every one of you with better wages and working conditions. I am honored to serve you in this leadership role.