Deputy Sheriff Gary Frederick Labenz

Gary Frederick Labenz

Deputy Sheriff Gary Labenz suffered a fatal heart attack in San Antonio, Texas, while returning to Arizona after participating in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The relief team Deputy Labenz was assigned to rescued more than 100 citizens and recovered more than 50 bodies while conducting recovery efforts.

After their assignment was over, the team stopped in San Antonio for the night on their return trip home. Deputy Labenz suffered a heart attack in his hotel room that evening. His body was found by other deputies the following morning.

Deputy Labenz had served with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.