In a tragic turn of events, Deputy Fred Fislar of the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office lost his life after encountering live power lines in Plainfield, Indiana.
The fatal incident occurred late on Monday, April 15, 2024, at around 11:50 p.m., in the vicinity of State Road 267 and County Road 300 South, following a solo-vehicle collision that created hazardous conditions.
Hendricks County Sheriff, Jack Sadler, verified that Deputy Fislar, a devoted officer and ex-Marine, arrived at the crash site where a car had struck a utility pole. The collision resulted in the dislodgment of power lines, which subsequently led to Fislar’s electrocution while he was evaluating the scene.
An onlooker identified Fislar on the ground at the scene and swiftly radioed for assistance. Despite prompt emergency response and subsequent admission to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, Deputy Fislar succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, April 16.
The unexpected loss of Deputy Fislar deeply impacted the Plainfield community and his colleagues at the sheriff’s office. “Our hearts are shattered for the Fislar family, our department, and our entire community,” Sheriff Sadler articulated during a press briefing, emphasizing the widespread sorrow that the community is grappling with.
Deputy Fislar, who began his tenure with the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, is celebrated for his service in law enforcement and his earlier role in the United States Marine Corps.
Rick Snyder, the president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, expressed his profound condolences and support, stating, “An officer or Hendricks County Sheriff’s Deputy will remain with Deputy Fislar continuously until he is interred.” This gesture is a law enforcement tradition, honoring the memory of a fallen officer until their final farewell.
The driver involved in the collision with the utility pole also sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Eskenazi Hospital. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, to uncover additional details and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In his concluding remarks at the press conference, Sheriff Sadler reflected on the daily risks officers face. “We will request that the community keep Deputy Fislar’s family, our officers, and our community in their prayers during this challenging period,” he urged, signaling a time of mourning and reflection for all concerned.
Deputy Fislar is survived by his wife, Madi, and their two young children, aged six and six months.
