An honor guard saluted fallen colleague Deputy Brian Sneed as his casket was returned to Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station)
Personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station paid tribute on Feb. 25 to Deputy Brian Sneed, 37, who died while off duty on Feb. 13 in what was described as an unfortunate accident.
Sgt. Omar Luevano said few details are being released out of respect for Sneed’s family. He said Sneed died while out of the country on vacation with his family, but declined to specify where the death occurred or what happened.
“It was nothing criminal. Just an unfortunate accident,” Luevano said.
Sneed’s body was flown back to Los Angeles on Feb. 25. An honor guard of deputies from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station greeted the plane, standing and saluting Sneed’s flag-draped casket in a solemn tribute on the tarmac at LAX. The deputies also accompanied Sneed’s casket as it was transported to Rose Hills Memorial Park, Luevano said. The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station posted a tribute on social media.
“Brian was more than a deputy, he was our partner, our friend and a valued member of our family. His dedication to service, his unwavering character and the impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten,” the statement read. “We miss you deeply. Your watch may have ended, but your legacy lives on in all of us.”
Sneed joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2013. He was assigned to the West Hollywood Station more than four years ago, Luevano said.
The West Hollywood City Council adjourned in Sneed’s memory on Feb. 17. Plans call for Sneed to be honored on a memorial wall located inside the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.
A funeral service will be held for Sneed on March 7 at Calvary Chapel Downey. The ALADS-Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff’s is raising funds for Sneed’s family through its nonprofit C.A.R.E.S. Foundation. Donations are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 25 at donorbox.org/support-the-family-of-deputy-brian-sneed.