Slain deputy remembered for service to country

By Kyle B. Hansen

Published Saturday, May 1, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Updated Saturday, May 1, 2010 | 3:36 p.m.

Slain Nye County Deputy Ian Michael Deutch was remembered at a Saturday funeral service as a family man who gave his life in defense of his country and community.

Deutch died Monday night after being shot by 30-year-old James Lacy Chaffin at the Terrible’s Lakeside Casino and RV Park in Pahrump.

But friends and family said Deutch didn’t lose his life to a gunman – instead, he willingly sacrificed it when he became a sheriff’s deputy and when he served as a staff sergeant in the Nevada National Guard in Afghanistan.

“When he responded to that call on the 26th of April … he was laying down his life. It was not taken from him. He laid his life down willingly, courageously and with great nobility,” said chaplain’s assistant Sgt. Stan Harvey, who served with Deutch in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Travis Huggins, who worked with Deutch at the sheriff’s office, agreed.

“Understanding Ian’s character, I don’t believe that he would want us to think that he lost his life, nor do I believe at all that he would want us to think that his life was taken from him,” Huggins said. “The Ian that I recall, dedicated -- probably enthusiastically dedicated -- his adult life to serving his country and his community. So I think Ian would rather have us think that his life was given.”

Hundreds of people attended the funeral services at Canyon Ridge Christian Church in northwest Las Vegas. Deutch was also remembered at a vigil Thursday and a viewing was held Friday in Pahrump.

Deutch’s body was carried to Las Vegas on the back of a Nye County sheriff’s truck during a 95-mile funeral procession that was met at the church by Gov. Jim Gibbons, law enforcement officers from across the state and members of the military.

“His life was one of doing what he loved,” said his father, Richard Deutch. “There was no way in the world, no way that he would give up that life except in the service and protection of us all.”

Deutch was born and raised in Las Vegas, and graduated from Chaparral High School. He joined the guard after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and met his wife, Vicky, while stationed at McCarran International Airport.

He joined the Nye County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 and quickly became part of the K-9 unit.

“Ian loved his jobs – he loved the Army, he loved the police, he loved his dog, Chico – but most of all he loved his family. Family was everything to him,” mother Suzy Deutch said. “He was the glue that held the whole family together.”

After serving in Afghanistan for a year, Deutch returned to Nevada in March and was killed on his second day back to work at the sheriff’s office.

“We focus our thoughts and attentions to our men and women who serve and our military exposed to danger, with little thought at times to the danger (of) those who wish to do extreme evil here,” Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo said. “They are not confined to combat zones, large cities, other states, towns and communities, but live here among us. We know that. Ian knew that. That’s why Ian served and that is why we serve.”

Deutch is survived by his wife Vicky, son Jonathen, daughter Savonya; his parents Richard and Suzy; brothers Richard and Sean; and sister Samantha. Deutch will be cremated, so no graveside service followed the funeral.

A memorial fund has been established in Deutch’s name at Nevada State Bank. The account is 0258040427.