Updated: Alachua County Sheriff’s Office mourns death of deputy

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has changed the profile picture on its Facebook page following the death of a deputy. Reports indicate that the deputy’s body was discovered last night, and numerous deputies and officers from multiple agencies escorted the body to the Medical Examiner’s office. The death is currently believed to be a suicide.

Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., issued the following statement:

“In the profession of law enforcement, there are moments that are truly unimaginable, gut-wrenching, and that shake you to your core. Yesterday evening our entire law enforcement family felt that moment.

“As your Sheriff, it deeply saddens me to notify the members of our agency and this community that we have lost one of our own.

“Late Yesterday Evening, our team received word that our brother, our friend, and your community protector, Deputy Nickolas Tilliman had unexpectedly passed while off duty.

“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are somber. Deputy Tilliman was a respected member of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Division, as well as a faithful and courageous soldier within both the United States Navy and the United States Army.

“During this solemn time, we would ask that you embrace your community’s Law Enforcement Officers as they try to pick up the pieces and continue in their service to you.

“Deputy Tilliman, ID #1883, you may be gone from this earth, but you will never be gone from our hearts. We have the watch brother.”