For Immediate Release

January 15, 2010

Dixie County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) Captain Chad Reed, 33, was killed in the line of duty yesterday following a shooting incident in Cross City, Fla. Suspect John Kalisz, 55, allegedly fired the fatal wound. FDLE is investigating the incident.

Capt. Reed joined the DCSO June 1, 1998 as a Sheriff's Deputy and served as a captain since Jan. 1, 2007. Capt. Reed supervised several areas including D.A.R.E. and crime prevention programs. He also oversaw the agency's school resource officers and the dive team unit. Capt. Reed is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Class 238 Session.

"Captain Reed dedicated his life to serving others and protecting our community. He was a dedicated deputy who we were proud to know and honored to serve with," said Sheriff Dewey Hatcher. "In his final acts, Captain Reed was exhibiting the selflessness for which he was so well known. He will always be part of the Dixie County Sheriff's Office family. He will never be forgotten."

Capt. Reed was elected president of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and demonstrated his leadership skills while working for the Dixie County Department of Emergency Management.

"Today, Florida's emergency management community is mourning the loss of one of our own," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Interim Director David Halstead. "Chad's dedication and unwavering commitment to those he protected and served in Dixie County and around the state will be sorely missed. A wonderful human being was taken from us much too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

The viewing is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rick Gooding Funeral Home in Cross City.

The funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m at First Baptist Church in Cross City.

For Further Information Contact:

Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky or Mike Morrison

FDLE Office of Public Information

(850) 410-7001

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