This past weekend, we tragically lost one of our work family members, Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling, who was shot and killed Saturday night while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

We understand that the law enforcement community accepts a level of risk in their jobs that the rest of us rarely encounter. But when the reality of that threat hits home, it’s a devastating loss for family, friends and co-workers.

Let me tell you a little bit about Deputy Reckling. He was dedicated to public service, starting his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and assigned to the Rochester Hills substation. He recently transferred to the Auto Theft Unit where he was serving on Saturday night, tracking a vehicle that had been stolen earlier in the day from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights.

His co-workers called him a selfless colleague, an amazing fisherman and hunter and a person who could always be counted on to lighten the mood with a joke and a laugh.

But more importantly, he was an incredible husband to Jacqueline and father to Alayna, Isabella and Scarlett with a fourth child on the way. Jacqueline has described Brad as her family’s rock, her best friend and an exceptional human being.

My heart breaks for the extended Reckling family who deserved so much more time with Brad, who was committed to serving his community by keeping it safer for us all.

We are determined to do everything we can to support the Reckling family in the days, months and years ahead. And I’ve been incredibly touched by the outpouring of emotion and generosity from the community who want to do anything and everything they can to ease the burden on this young family.

We intend to wrap them in our love and support for as long as they need it.

And we’re doing the same for the Oakland County family who are grieving the loss of their friend and co-worker. Our Employee Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counseling and one-on-one sessions are available for any employee who needs the support.

And for those who want to help the family, there are several options for donations, including Mission Oakland and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association Family Benevolent Fund.

Please keep the Reckling family in your thoughts and hearts.