TARRANT COUNTY, TX
Tarrant County Archives
Law Enforcement Memorial
To lose an officer is to lose a hero.
Law enforcement officers dedicate not only their careers, but their entire lives to bringing peace and justice to our society - a blessing that can never be repaid. It is a particularly inexplicable loss when an officer is killed in the line of duty.
The Tarrant County Law Enforcement Memorial remembers these officers, their stories and their service.
DEPUTY JASON S. JONES
End of Watch: April 11, 2023
Deputy Jason Jones was devoted to the law enforcement field. He came to Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 after previously serving with other police agencies. Deputy Jones was known for his laid back and fun-loving attitude and was always willing to stand-up for good against evil. He contracted COVID-19 while working in the Patrol Division. Deputy Jones, with his fighter spirit battled various setbacks and succumbed to this virus after nineteen months. He served Tarrant County Sheriff’ Office for fourteen years.
Deputy Jason Jones, age 51 was survived by his wife, Erin and six children: Brittany, Savannah, Jacob, Dakota, Jerry, and Wyatt.
DEPUTY BILLY W. SCHEETS
End of Watch: June 05, 2022
Deputy Billy W. Scheets, began his career with Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office in 2003 in the Confinement Division as an Officer. He promoted to Deputy and the Patrol Division in 2006. Deputy Scheets was known for his kindness, helpful nature, dedication to the community and his co-workers. Serving north Tarrant County, Deputy Scheets responded to a dispatched domestic disturbance call. After arriving on scene, he suffered a medical emergency and later passed away after being rushed to the hospital.
Deputy Billy Scheets, age 55 was survived by his wife, Kimlee Kingston.
DEPUTY WILIAM H. GUDGELL
End of Watch: September 17, 2021
Deputy William H. Gudgell was a servant leader. He served as a fire fighter and active in many related advocate groups for twenty-nine years. He obtained his peace officer’s license while working for a Texas Fire Marshall office and changed careers to law enforcement. He began working for Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 in the Judicial Division. In 2015, Deputy Gudgell retired but realized his life serving others was not over. He returned to TCSO in 2018 and worked for the Warrants Division. Deputy Gudgell contracted COVID-19 while on duty serving his community and died of medical complications from this exposure. He served fourteen years with Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy William H. Gudgell, age 72 was survived by his wife, Betty and two sons, William H. Gudgell, Jr. and Allen.
SECURITY CONTROL SPECIALIST JERRY W. JONES
End of Watch: December 23, 2020
Security Control Specialist Jerry W. Jones was raised in Azle, worked for Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office for almost 19 years. He was assigned to the Lon Evans Corrections Center in the jail’s main control center. Specialist Jones contracted COVID-19 during an outbreak of the worldwide pandemic virus in Tarrant County Jail. He died of medical complications as a result of confirmed exposure while on duty serving his community. Jerry was a dedicated and loyal employee known for his friendly and witty personality.
Specialist Jones age 57, was survived by his wife of 37 years, Penni, son Casey and daughter Lacey.
