Deputy Sheriff John J. O'Leary

John J. O'Leary

Deputy Sheriff John O'Leary died as a result of rheumatism of the heart after becoming ill during the search for the murderer of Detective Frank Campbell and Sergeant John Brame, of the Fresno Police Department.

At the time of the murders, Deputy O'Leary was on sick leave with a case of the flu but refused to stay home. He reported for duty to help officers with the search for the killer. As a result, he became even more ill.

On March 31st, 1931, he and another deputy were returning to Fresno after transporting two prisoners to San Quentin Prison. They had stayed at the Pickwick Hotel, at 85 5th Street in San Francisco, and were preparing to leave for Fresno when Deputy O'Leary suddenly collapsed in front of the building.

Deputy O'Leary had served in law enforcement for almost 20 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.