In Loving Memory of Deputy Jeremiah Stewart

In Loving Memory of Deputy Jeremiah Stewart

The community of Hillsborough County is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Deputy Jeremiah Stewart, whose life was tragically cut short on the morning of March 3, 2026. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Stewart, 36, was found deceased outside his home in the Ruskin–Wimauma area from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A family member discovered him at approximately 7:20 a.m., bringing devastating news to his loved ones, colleagues, and the community he faithfully served.

Deputy Stewart dedicated seven years of honorable service to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Most recently assigned to patrol in District IV, he was known among fellow deputies as dependable, courageous, and committed to the safety of others. Each shift he worked reflected his sense of duty and quiet strength. Whether responding to calls for help, offering reassurance to residents, or standing watch in times of uncertainty, he carried himself with professionalism and heart.

Before answering the call to law enforcement, Jeremiah Stewart served his country with distinction in the United States Army. During his six years in the Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, he demonstrated bravery and resilience under challenging circumstances. His military service shaped his deep sense of responsibility and his unwavering dedication to protecting others—values he carried with him into his career as a deputy sheriff.

Those who knew Jeremiah describe him as more than a uniform. He was a son, a family member, a friend, and a brother in blue. Behind the badge was a man who had experienced the weight of service—both in combat abroad and in the daily realities of policing at home. His life reflected sacrifice, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to something greater than himself.

In the wake of this profound loss, Sheriff Chad Chronister affirmed that the agency is providing support and resources to deputies and employees as they process their grief. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stands united in honoring Deputy Stewart’s memory while also recognizing the importance of mental health awareness within the law enforcement community.

The loss of Deputy Stewart serves as a solemn reminder of the invisible burdens often carried by those who dedicate their lives to service. Law enforcement officers and veterans alike frequently confront extraordinary stress, trauma, and emotional strain. As a community, we are called not only to remember Jeremiah’s service but also to deepen our compassion and commitment to supporting those who serve.

Today, we remember Deputy Jeremiah Stewart for his courage, his years of service, and his willingness to stand in the gap for others. We honor the soldier who deployed overseas, the deputy who patrolled our neighborhoods, and the man whose life touched many in ways both seen and unseen.

May his family find comfort in the love that surrounds them. May his colleagues find strength in one another. And may Deputy Jeremiah Stewart’s memory forever be a reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and humanity behind the badge.

Rest in peace, Deputy Stewart. Your service will not be forgotten.