DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Mourns Volunteer Chandler Magee
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is grieving the loss of one of its own. Chandler Magee, a longtime DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office volunteer who first joined the agency as a teenage cadet, has died following what the department called a “horrific accident.”
The sheriff’s office shared the news in a condolences post on its official Facebook page, describing Magee as “a special part of our DCSO family.” The agency did not release details about the accident.
From Cadet to DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer
Magee’s connection to the sheriff’s office began years ago through its Cadet Program, which introduces young people to law enforcement through training and community service. According to the sheriff’s office, he remained in the program until he turned 20.
His service did not stop there. Magee went on to complete the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, a course that gives residents an inside look at how the department works, and then became a member of the agency’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. VIPS volunteers support deputies and staff at community events, traffic details and other assignments, freeing sworn personnel for other duties.
A photo shared by the sheriff’s office shows Magee in his cadet uniform beside a police bicycle, a reminder of how young he was when he first stepped up to serve.
A Family Commitment to Service
For the Magees, volunteering with the sheriff’s office was a family affair. The department said Chandler served alongside his wife, his mother, his father and his sister.
“Service truly became a family commitment for the Magees,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
The agency said Magee’s dedication, his willingness to serve and his love for his family “will never be forgotten.” It added that deputies and staff are grateful for the time they had with him and will keep his family in their prayers.
Magee was 27, according to published reports, and also worked as a service technician at a Southaven car dealership.
Community Response
The sheriff’s office post drew hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments from deputies, fellow volunteers and community members offering condolences to the Magee family. Volunteers like Magee often work behind the scenes at events across DeSoto County, from parades and festivals to safety programs, and their contributions are a big part of how the department connects with the community it serves.
The sheriff’s office post did not include funeral arrangements. DeSoto County News extends its sympathy to the Magee family and to the DCSO family.
Related: DeSoto Sheriff’s Captain Stephen Raines retires after 27 years.
Source: DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook)
