The mood at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is somber. That’s the word from Public Information Officer Debbie Bowe.
An deputy was killed in the line of duty Monday night for the first time in the 92-year history of the Sheriff’s office. Bowe said 42-year-old Sergeant Michael Wilson was very affable and liked by all his colleagues.
“He was always smiling and had a joke that could make you smile. He’s going to be truly missed by everyone,” she said.
Sergeant Wilson joined the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1992.
He was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call at an apartment complex. The family of the alleged shooter, Jay Vanko, said the 49-year-old then turned the gun on himself. Vanko, who also died, had no criminal record.
Sgt. Wilson leaves a wife and three teenage children. A viewing will be held Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda. His funeral will also be at the Event Center Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.
