The Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association is devastated by the tremendous loss of Walton County Deputy Sheriff William May.
On April 2, 2025, Deputy May responded to a trespassing call at a Dollar General Market in Defuniak Springs. He was not scheduled to work that day but volunteered for overtime. He was responding to his last call of the day. After asking the suspect to leave the store, the suspect walked out and then abruptly turned around and opened fire on Deputy May. Despite being shot at, Deputy May had the courage and wherewithal to return gunfire and kill his assailant. Sadly, Deputy May succumbed to his injuries several hours later at a local hospital.
There is no such thing as a routine call for service. Every day a deputy straps on a gun and pins on a badge, there is a chance they may not return home. Still, they have the courage to go to work and answer the call. “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway” – John Wayne.
The Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association is the voice of more than 25,000 Florida deputy sheriffs. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. and the members of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy May’s family, friends, coworkers, and all those who knew him. If you would like to honor this fallen hero, you can donate online to FDSA’s Lend a Hand Fund. 100% of donations received will go directly to Deputy May’s family.
Sincerely,
Keith Dean
Executive Director
Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association
