By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — UPDATE: A memorial service for Deputy Matthews will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, November 2 at Wilson Funeral Home.

 The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 12 pm to 3 pm, and a graveside service was held immediately after the memorial at Walker’s Chapel Cemetery. 

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office released a statement mourning the lose of one of their own: Our hearts here at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office are saddened this morning when we learned that one of our Deputies, Daniel Matthews was in a car accident that took his life. Daniel was 56 years old, was with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Reserves for 2 years before becoming a Deputy, he has been a deputy for 4 years and was also employed by the Fort Payne Housing Authority.  

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said, “I have worked with Daniel for many years. He was a good person and deputy. We are deeply saddened to have lost one of our deputies and it is hard for us because we are like family here at the Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to his family.”

Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson said, “We are a close knit family and we are saddened about this tragedy. We are praying for his family and close friends. We also ask for the citizens to pray for his family and work family in the days to come.”