LCSO Issues Statement Concerning Deputy Odell McDuffie

LIBERTY, October 25, 2010 - On October 25, 2010, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputy Odell Mc Duffie Jr.was killed in the line of duty. Deputy McDuffie was involved in a car accident, and died at the scene of the accident.

Deputy Mc Duffie was in Hardin County. He had transported a juvenile to the Hardin County Juvenile Detention Center. Deputy McDuffie was returning to Liberty County, and was driving through Saratoga on F.M. 770, when his patrol car left the road. Initial investigation indicates McDuffie overcorrected, with the car leaving the road and striking some trees. There was a car fire and Deputy Mc Duffie was not able to escape. Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol is investigating the fatality accident.

Deputy Odell McDuffie was 43 years old. He had been with the department for 16 ¾ years and was assigned to the Civil Division. He had also served as a Mental Health Officer, Patrol Deputy, a court bailiff, and a jailer. He was well known throughout the Liberty County law enforcement community. His calm, easy-going presence made him asset in the Civil Division, where diplomacy and tact was needed in emotionally charged situations, many times coming at the hardest times of a person’s life. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office will sorely miss our brother, friend and true law enforcement partner.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department expresses their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the entire Mc Duffie Family. Their loss is felt deeply by the department and the community. Deputy Odell Mc Duffie is survived by his wife, Emily, and three daughters, ages 16, 7, and 4.

Additional details will be forthcoming from LCSO, when they become available. These details will include funeral announcements and information, accident investigation results, and any other pertinent information.

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