On Friday, a tragic explosion at a training facility in East Los Angeles claimed the lives of three deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Identified as Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, these dedicated officers were part of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail. Sheriff Robert Luna expressed profound grief over the incident, emphasizing the bravery and honorable service of the fallen deputies, describing them as heroes who represented the best qualities of their department. The loss is not only a heart-wrenching blow for their families but also a heavy sorrow felt throughout the entire agency.
Collectively, the deputies boasted 74 years of service. Detective Steven Kelley-Eklund, who joined LASD in 2006, had notable career milestones including becoming a Field Training Officer and later a Detective with the Narcotics Bureau. In 2022, he achieved certification as an Arson and Explosive Investigator. Tragically, he leaves behind a wife, Jessica, and seven children. Detective Victor Lemus, who began his career in 2003, was recognized for his excellence as a Senior Training Officer and as a decorated participant in the Baker to Vegas relay race. He joined the Arson and Explosives Unit in 2023 and is survived by his wife Nancy and their three daughters. Detective William Osborn, a longtime member of LASD since his graduation in 1992, was known for mentoring others and had a passion for investigative work. He joined the unit in 2019 and was a respected leader in the bomb technician community.
The explosion occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. while the deputies were engaged in a typical day at their training facility. Just the previous day, the deputies were involved in assisting the Santa Monica police department with a call regarding seized explosives. It remains unclear whether they were inspecting those materials at the time of the explosion, as investigations are ongoing. The LASD has initiated a thorough inquiry into the incident, and homicide detectives are currently working to obtain a search warrant for the Santa Monica location linked to the previous day’s activities.
In light of the explosion, authorities, including the LAPD bomb squad, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI, are collaborating to search the previous site for any remaining explosive materials. However, officials noted that it is still undetermined whether the devices found in Santa Monica had any connection to the deadly blast, underscoring the complexity of the investigation. The Santa Monica PD is actively assisting the LASD and has taken precautionary measures, such as evacuating residents from nearby complexes to ensure public safety.
As the mourning continues, the LASD has stated plans for a memorial service for the fallen deputies, details of which will be shared shortly. The department has committed to supporting the families of the deceased during this painful time, reinforcing camaraderie and compassion within the community. A heartfelt appeal has been made to the public for respect for the families’ privacy as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.
This incident marks one of the most devastating losses for the LASD in recent years, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their daily duties. The brave service of deputies Kelley-Eklund, Lemus, and Osborn will be remembered not only by their families and colleagues but also by the wider community they dedicated their lives to protect. Their legacy of courage, integrity, and selfless service stands as a testament to the commitment that all law enforcement personnel have toward ensuring public safety.