COWLITZ COUNTY, WA (KPTV) -
The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of Wahkiakum County Sheriff Jon L. Dearmore, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound late Tuesday afternoon.
Wahkiakum County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call from Dearmore's wife, who said her husband was making suicidal statements and she was concerned for his welfare.
According to Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson, deputies arrived and found Dearmore in his shop. When they entered the door to talk to him, he shot himself, they said.
Both of the deputies are long-time sheriff's office employees and friends of Dearmore.
The Wahkiakum County undersheriff, Mark Howie, contacted Nelson and asked for assistance.
Cowlitz County Sheriff's investigators are handling the investigation, as well as providing patrol services for the eastern portion of Wahkiakum County. Pacific County Sheriff Scott Johnson's office is providing patrol response to the west end of the county.
"The sheriff's of Washington State are all committed to be there for each other in a time of need" Nelson said.
The Cowlitz County Coroner's office is handling the coroner duties at the request of Wahkiakum County Prosecutor and Coroner Dan Bigelow.
It appears Dearmore may have been depressed over medical issues he had been experiencing due to a lingering line-of-duty injury suffered several years ago.
Other circumstances prior to Dearmore taking his own life are under investigation.
Dearmore was a veteran officer with more than 25 years of law enforcement.
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