Latimer County, Okla. Deputy Dustin Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene after colliding head-on with an oncoming vehicle just before 6 a.m. on Feb. 4, according to Sheriff Chris Ford.
The 28-year-old deputy was still considered on duty as he was on his way home following a 12-hour shift. At some point as Duncan was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 270, he feel asleep at the wheel and veered into the westbound lane, Sheriff Ford said.
The department is filled with "Disbelief and sorrow," he said. "Being an eight-man department, we are very close knit. Everyone knows everybody and their families. We had been friends for 15 years."
Before serving with the Latimer County Sheriff's Office in October of last year, Duncan was a deputy in LeFlore County, Okla. and before that was an officer with the Wister, Okla. Police Department.
"I've never seen the guy in a bad mood as long as I've known him. He was always positive," Sheriff Ford said. "He exceeded all requirements" expected of a deputy.
Deputy Duncan was engaged to be married.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Funeral Information
Visitation for Deputy Duncan will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Evans and Miller Funeral Home in Poteau, Okla.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Cameron Civic Center.
Interment will follow at the Greenhill Cemetery, in Cameron, Oklahoma.
