California: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detectives
The Californer/10320489

~ On July 19, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis expressed their condolences for the deaths of three Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives. Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn were killed in an explosion at the Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles on July 18.

The tragedy marks the largest loss of life in a single incident for the agency since its establishment in 1857. In a statement, the governors praised the detectives for their courage and service to the community. They also extended their sympathies to the families of the fallen officers and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Detective Kelley-Eklund had been with the department since March 2006 and had served in various roles including as a Field Training Officer at South Los Angeles Station and as an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau. He is survived by his wife and seven children.

Detective Lemus joined the department in 2003 as a Security Assistant before completing his training at the Deputy Sheriff Academy. He had worked at Twin Towers Correctional Facility and Century Station before becoming an Arson and Explosive Investigator last year. Detective Lemus leaves behind his wife, who is also a detective with the department, three daughters, and siblings who are also employed by the department.

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Detective Osborn graduated from Deputy Sheriff Academy in 1992 and had served at Men's Central Jail before becoming a Patrol Deputy at Pico Rivera Station. He was later promoted to Detective at Industry Station before joining the Training Bureau as an Emergency Vehicle Operations Center Instructor. In 2019, he became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau. Detective Osborn is survived by his wife, four sons, and two daughters.

In honor of Detectives Kelley-Eklund, Lemus, and Osborn, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

In other news, Governor Newsom announced the deployment of three additional Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts. A total of 42 California US&R members are now assisting in the rescue efforts.

The governors also expressed their sadness over the death of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. They described his passing as a "heartbreaking loss" and extended their sympathies to his family.

In addition, Governor Newsom announced that the High Speed Rail Authority is suing the Trump administration over its decision to terminate federal grants funding for the project. The governor called it a "politically motivated attack" and stated that the state will fight to protect this important infrastructure project.

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