City Honors Lone Fallen Sheriff's Deputy

Kevin Truesdale was just six months old in 1981 when his father, William Truesdale, was slain while serving as an Alexandria sheriff’s deputy.

On Thursday, as the adult detention center was renamed in his father’s honor, Kevin Truesdale was sworn in as a new member of the sheriff’s office.

“There’s just a heavy sense of pride,” Kevin Truesdale said. “I am very proud of my father’s work and the work of law enforcement everywhere.”

William Truesdale is the only Alexandria sheriff’s deputy to die in the line of duty.

Along with the renaming of the detention center, the department unveiled a monument during a ceremony attended by Truesdale's family, city officials and a multitude of public safety employees. The monument was financed entirely by private contributions.

On Jan. 27, 1981, William Truesdale was overpowered by an inmate while he was transporting prisoners from a court hearing to the jail located at 519 Princess Street. Wilbert Lee Evans took Truesdale’s weapon, fatally shot the deputy and then freed himself from his handcuffs with the service revolver. Truesdale, a veteran of the Korean War, was 47 years old.

Evans was apprehended the same day. He was convicted of capital murder in 1981 and executed in 1990. 

On Thursday, William Truesdale’s former colleagues and family remembered him as man with a great sense of duty and pride. He mentored younger members of the department, reminding them to keep their cool in front of the inmates. 

“He told me to remember they’re only cursing the badge and the uniform,” said Robert McCray-Brown, a retired sergeant with the sheriff’s office. 

William Truesdale’s wife, Zita Noyes, said he loved to fish, dance and watch movies.

“He was held in high regard,” said Noyes, who now lives in Florida. “Even the inmates expressed remorse when I spoke with them [in 1981].”

Truesdale and Noyes had four children together, the youngest being Kevin. The family has since grown to include six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.  

“Today we remember a sacrifice, but we also look forward to the future,” Sheriff Dana Lawhorne said. “Deputy Truesdale knew what he faced. He knew the men he transported could harm him. Yet, knowing this, he chose to serve.”

Kevin Truesdale was sworn in shortly before the new lettering on the detention center was unveiled.

Lawhorne and Chief Deputy Lenny George said Kevin Truesdale received no special treatment in the application process.

“He contacted us,” George said. “He had to compete. … The sheriff made the decision. We’re honored to carry on the name.”