John "Spike" Schmitt

On September 7, 1998, Deputy Sheriff John Schmitt was killed in a vehicle crash while he and his partner were responding to a request for backup from a neighboring law enforcement agency.

Their patrol car collided with two other vehicles. A total of seven others were injured. Deputy Schmitt's rookie partner was admitted to a local hospital for observation.

Deputy Schmitt had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for eight years and was survived by his wife.

The Washington County Deputy Sheriff's Association (WCDSA) is proud to care for Spike's Memorial located in front of the Sheriff's Office.

On September 7, 2018 the road in front of the Washington County Sheriff's Office was officially dedicated as John M. Schmitt Memorial Drive.