Community mourns deputy's passing

The Sisters and Camp Sherman community is mourning the sudden death of Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Dave Blann, at the age of 63.

Blann was a beloved fixture of the Camp Sherman community, serving as its resident deputy for more than 20 years.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Marc Heckathorn reported that on Friday, February 15, at about 5 a.m., medics from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department were summoned to the Camp Sherman home of Senior Deputy Blann. Medics were informed Senior Deputy Blann was unresponsive and CPR was in progress. Upon arrival medics continued advanced medical care but ultimately Senior Deputy Blann was pronounced dead.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police investigated his death in coordination with the district attorney and medical examiner. Senior Deputy Blann is believed to have died from natural causes.

A multitude of personnel from different agencies responded to the call, and an impromptu procession of emergency service providers escorted Senior Deputy Blann from his home to Bel-Air Funeral Home in Madras. More than 50 vehicles were in the procession that went from Camp Sherman to Madras. Heckathorn extended thanks to members of the Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, and Redmond and Madras police departments for closing side streets allowing the procession to safely make its way across two counties.

Senior Deputy Blann began his law enforcement career as a reserve with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in November of 1995. Blann was hired full time in April 1997 as the Camp Sherman resident deputy. Since 1997 Senior Deputy Blann has been the face of Jefferson County and the Sheriff's Office in the greater Camp Sherman area. Senior Deputy Blann patrolled "The Basin" as a deputy sheriff, coordinated our search and rescue team, and plowed the roads in Camp Sherman in the winter.

"Senior Deputy Blann is irreplaceable in the community, and our office is devastated with his sudden and unexpected passing," Heckathorn offered in a statement. "Senior Deputy Blann represented the Sheriff in a dignified and professional manner, but was known for his love of the outdoors, humor, and compassion for people. Hanging on the wall in Senior Deputy Blann's home was a picture of him and a phrase that sums up who he was. It read:

BLANN'S RULES TO LIVE BY:

1. Have FUN!

2. Make someone smile

3. See Rule #1

"Members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office are in mourning and we miss our coworker, friend, and brother."

There was an outpouring of comment from law enforcement and fire personnel who worked with him, and residents of the local community - all recalling Blann's dedication to serving his community, whether it was in a patrol vehicle keeping motorists from speeding through Camp Sherman or behind a snow-plow blade keeping the roads clear.

"Dave was one of the really good guys," Jeff Perin of The Fly Fisher's Place commented on The Nugget's Facebook page. "I always knew I could rely on him out there, and he was a great guy to talk to and shoot the bull. The day he apprehended the thieves that ripped us off at the fly shop and pulled them out of the river near Allingham was a story for the books and classic Sheriff Dave stuff! Deputy Blann, you will be missed."