The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has released the names of the three deputies who lost their lives in Friday’s explosion at a training facility in East Los Angeles County.
The devastating explosion has been considered one of the agency’s deadliest internal tragedies in years.
The explosion occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of Deputies Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. These deputies were part of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail and were hailed as courageous individuals who served with honor and dedication, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They were committed to protecting and serving the community.
“There are no words to convey the pain and sorrow we are experiencing,” stated Sheriff Robert Luna. “These heroes embodied the best of our Department, showcasing bravery, integrity, and selfless service. This is indeed a devastating loss for their families and for all of us.”
Detective Victor Lemus began his career at LASD in 2003 where he served at Twin Towers and Century Station. Lemus reportedly excelled as a Senior Training Officer and Detective. He was also touted as a decorated Baker to Vegas runner and a K-9 handler. He joined the Arson and Explosives Unit in 2023. He is survived by his wife, Detective Nancy Lemus, their three daughters, and several family members also serving with LASD.
Detective William Osborn was an Arson investigator, he handled cases involving high dollar loss fires in residential properties, as well as fires involving the loss of life. He was a peer leader and took on the role of mentoring newly assigned investigators. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)
Detective William Osborn served in patrol, investigations, and training roles across the county and graduated in 1992. He was purportedly a longtime detective with a deep passion for investigative work. Osborn joined the Arson and Explosive Unit in 2019 and was well-known for being a mentor and his expertise. He was also a trusted leader in the bomb technician community.
LASD officials told Fox News Digital that the same deputies responded to a call Thursday at a complex in Santa Monica where they assisted the local police department in seizing explosives.
The incident is still under investigation, and it is unclear if the deputies were examining the explosives at the time of the blast.
An explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility Friday morning left three deputies dead. (KTTV)
LASD say homicide detectives are in the process of obtaining a search warrant for the Santa Monica location and “out of the abundance of caution,” the LAPD bomb squad, L.A. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Los Angeles will search the location for any potential explosive materials.
“At this time, it is not determined if the devices found yesterday have any correlation to today’s critical incident,” officials wrote in a statement to Fox Digital. “Santa Monica PD is assisting the Sheriff’s Department in this incident and have evacuated the residents in the complex. They are in the process of locating a shelter for displaced residents.”
Details regarding a memorial service for the deputies will be released soon, according to LASD.
“The family asks for privacy and compassion during this tragic time. The Department will continue to support the families, and our personnel throughout this difficult time,” LASD said.
Fox News Digital’s Alex Koch contributed to this article.
