INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police are investigating the death of a central Indiana police officer at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
According to officials, Timothy Guyer, 49, was found dead in his bunk Tuesday morning due to what investigators believe was a medical issue.
Deputy Guyer was sworn into the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in December and was set to finish training in two weeks.
Once his training was completed he was already scheduled to begin his first shift.
Guyer, by trade, owned his own construction businesses. However, he started communicating with the Johnson County Sheriff's office and eventually applied to be deputy.
"Tim was here to fulfill a dream and it's something that we need to think about," Major Andy Fisher with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office said. "This is a sad day But Tim was also doing exactly what he wanted to do and that was to try and fulfill his dream of becoming a deputy for us."
Guyer was part of the the 230th class of The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, but the age in which he decided to enter law enforcement set him a part from many of the other recruits.
"It's unusual for a 49 year old person to be here," Timothy Horty the Executive Director of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy said. "Typically they are 25 years old and starting a new career. Deputy Guyer saw it differently. God bless him for being here and being willing to go back and serve the community in Johnson county where he was raised. "
Major Andy Fisher with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office says, Guyers strong Christian faith and love for the community is why he wanted to serve, even if it meant being older than many of the other recruits.
"You couldn't talk him out of it," Major Fisher said. "I don't think there was anything we could have said to him to discourage him from wanting to do it no matter what worst case scenario we gave him. His goal was to I think to do 10 years and I think that would have fulfilled his dreams of what he wanted to do. "
The academy canceled classes until Wednesday and have grief councilors on site to help other recruits through this difficult time.
Guyer is survived by his wife and four kids.
Johnson County Sheriff's Office released the following statement on the incident:
"It is with great sadness that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office announces that Deputy Tim Guyer passed away from a medical emergency while training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy this morning Tuesday, August 1st, 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's family as they navigate this difficult time."
The office said Deputy Guyer's patrol vehicle will be parked in front of the Sheriffs Office at 1091 Hospital Road, Franklin, Indiana. The public is welcome to visit the vehicle to pay respects to Deputy Guyer and his service.
