On November 12, 2025, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department faced one of the most devastating events any law enforcement agency can experience. Corporal Reynolds was tragically killed in the line of duty on Interstate 69. In the hours and days that followed, the department was thrust into a complex and emotional balance of honoring a fallen deputy, supporting a grieving family and workforce, coordinating with investigators, and addressing the immense public and media attention surrounding the incident.

Before continuing, it is important to clarify that I was not part of the public information team managing this incident. I am writing this analysis as an outside observer. However, I have served as the lead Public Information Officer during other line-of-duty deaths throughout my PIO career, and I offer this perspective based on that experience. My goal is to highlight the strong leadership demonstrated in this response and to help other agencies prepare for the unthinkable.

A line-of-duty death (LODD) is not just a law enforcement tragedy—it is a community tragedy. It creates an immediate demand for information, clarity, and reassurance. The public wants to know the who, what, when, where, and how. Investigators, however, must protect sensitive details while completing a thorough and accurate investigation. These competing needs create a challenging environment for any agency, particularly in the first 24–48 hours.

During this time of unimaginable loss, Delaware County Sheriff Skinner and Chief Deputy Stanley demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism. Their ability to manage public information operations while safeguarding the dignity and privacy of the Reynolds family set a clear example of how agencies should communicate during a LODD.

Leadership in Crisis: Balancing Transparency and Privacy

Sheriff Skinner and Chief Deputy Stanley led with compassion, discipline, and composure. They managed heavy media interest with a strategic approach that ensured accuracy and respect remained the priority.

They were strongly supported by the Indiana State Police, who served as a coordinating agency throughout the incident. The Indiana State Police worked closely with the sheriff’s administration—not only conducting the crash investigation, but also releasing timely, accurate information to the public. Their coordination with Sheriff Skinner and Chief Deputy Stanley ensured that all messaging remained consistent, professionally managed, and aligned with investigative priorities.

Their actions reflected the fundamental responsibilities of command staff during a LODD:

• Maintaining the privacy and emotional wellbeing of the fallen officer’s family
• Ensuring the timely release of accurate, verified information
• Upholding investigative integrity
• Providing support and stability to agency staff
• Demonstrating professionalism to the community during a period of grief and high visibility

Their leadership helped the department navigate a deeply painful moment with dignity.

Key Principles for Managing Public Information During a Line-of-Duty Death

A LODD generates significant public interest and immediate news coverage. Agencies that prepare in advance and rely on disciplined communication strategies are better equipped to manage these difficult situations. Below are key principles highlighted through effective LODD response.

1. Prepare for Intense and Immediate Media Coverage

The death of a law enforcement officer will always draw extraordinary attention. Within minutes of the incident on I-69, multiple news agencies began requesting information. Reporters wanted details on:

• The identity of the fallen officer
• The circumstances of the crash
• Ongoing investigative steps
• Agency response actions

Agencies must anticipate this surge and have designated personnel ready to receive, document, and manage media inquiries.

2. Utilize Assistance from Surrounding Public Information Officers

A single PIO—or even a small internal team—can quickly become overwhelmed by the volume of calls, emails, and social media messages. Mutual aid applies to public information just as it does to operational response.

Benefits of bringing in outside PIOs include:

• Additional staffing for press briefings
• Support managing social media and rumor control
• Relief for internal staff focused on supporting the family and agency
• Assistance drafting, editing, and distributing press releases

This collaborative approach ensures that messaging remains timely, accurate, and consistent.

3. Ensure All Public Information Is Approved by the Lead Agency

In incidents involving multiple agencies or investigative partners, message discipline is essential. Only the lead agency—in this case, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, supported by the Indiana State Police—should authorize:

• Press releases
• Factual incident updates
• The identification of the fallen officer
• Funeral and procession information
• Any ongoing investigation statements

This prevents conflicting narratives, protects the family, and maintains professionalism. Sheriff Skinner and Chief Deputy Stanley executed this principle effectively by centralizing all communications.

4. Protect the Family’s Privacy and Wishes

Before any public release, the family of the fallen officer must be notified and given space to grieve. Their wishes should guide all external messaging. This includes:

• The timing of releasing the officer’s name
• Use of photographs or personal information
• Public statements or comments
• Media access at memorial services

5. Separate Investigative Facts From Emotional Messaging

A LODD creates two parallel communication tracks:

• Operational updates (brief, confirmed, factual)

• Emotional/community messaging (sympathy, support, remembrance)

Keeping these distinct prevents confusion, reduces speculation, and maintains trust.

6. Actively Monitor Social Media and Address Misinformation

Social media reacts almost instantly to critical incidents. In the aftermath of a LODD death, posts, livestreams, and unverified rumors spread quickly.

Effective LODD communication includes:

• Monitoring online discussions
• Correcting false information
• Reminding the public that official updates come from the agency
• Encouraging patience and respect during the investigation

This digital vigilance protects the integrity of the incident and the reputation of the agency.

7. Schedule Regular Media Briefings to Control the Narrative

When agencies proactively schedule media briefings, they reduce speculation and demonstrate transparency. Briefings offer controlled opportunities to:

• Provide verified information
• Address community concerns
• Set expectations for future updates
• Reinforce the unified message

This structured approach prevents misinformation and ensures the media receives timely, accurate content.

8. Support Your Personnel Through the Grief Process

A line-of-duty death deeply affects every member of the agency. Internal communications and mental health support must not be overlooked.

Essential considerations include:

• Connecting personnel with peer support and counseling
• Providing clear internal updates before external releases
• Allowing staff time to grieve
• Ensuring supervisors check on the welfare of their teams
• Planning for ceremonial and memorial responsibilities

Agencies must care for their people just as diligently as they manage external communication.

Conclusion

As a veteran Public Information Officer with more than three decades of experience in crisis communication and public safety, I understand how overwhelming and emotionally devastating a line-of-duty death can be for an agency. No amount of training can fully prepare a PIO for the moment the unthinkable occurs—but having a structured plan and clear guidance can make a profound difference.

To help PIOs navigate these critical moments, I have created a comprehensive Line-of-Duty Death Quick Guide for Public Information Officers, now available as a downloadable PDF. This guide is designed to support any PIO—regardless of agency size or experience level—in managing communications with professionalism, compassion, and confidence when their agency needs them most. LODD Quick Guide for PIOs