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Deputy Edward Innes EOW 9/27/1906 |
On September 26, 1906, Deputy Edward Innes was struck from behind with a piece of wood and became the first Mesa County law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty. Inmate George McGarvey, jailed since April 1, 1906 on charges of attempting to criminally assault a nine–year-old girl, used the attack on Innes to escape the Mesa County Jail. 28-year-old Innes passed away the following day.
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First Mesa County Jail |
Edward Innes, a resident of Grand Junction since the age of four, was the only child of William and Lucy Innes. Edward’s father was the first elected Sheriff of the newly formed Mesa County from 1885 to 1886. Edward was Chief of the Grand Junction Fire Department for several years prior to his employment in the Mesa County Jail. When William Innes passed away November 28, 1926, it was noted that Edward was “named to the responsible position of Undersheriff.” No other mention of this title has been found.
Although Edward never married and had no children, descendants of the Innes clan can be found throughout the country, including Harold Daniels of Grand Junction whose mother Josie was Edward’s cousin. Harold and his wife Claudelle attended Edward Innes’ induction into the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial on May 5, 2000 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy.
In December of 2017, Innes was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Family members still living in Colorado accepted the award on his behalf.
Following Correctional Officers Week tradition, a wreath first displayed in the Mesa County Sheriff's Office lobby, will be placed on Edward Innes' grave to honor and remember his sacrifice.