In Memoriam

Deputy Brian Ishmael

If you had the pleasure of knowing Deputy Brian Ishmael, you know he had a genuine and infectious smile. Known by many of his friends as "Ish", Brian had a heart of gold who always found the best in every person he met. Brian was a local kid, having been born at Marshall Hospital in Placerville and raised in El Dorado County. In high school, Brian showed a special interest and excelled at auto body shop and peer counseling. It was during these early years that Brian made some of his lifelong friendships, which would lead him to meeting his wife, Katie, at the age of 16.

After high school, Brian moved to Texas and attended Universal Technical Institute where he became an auto body technician. Brian loved his work wrenching on cars but confided into his wife that he had a calling to become an officer and he had regretted not serving in the military. With his 30th birthday approaching, Brian felt it was his last chance to follow through on his dream. With a wife, two young daughters at home and working full time, Brian was able to enter into the basic law enforcement academy through Los Rios American River College. He completed his training and in March of 2013, Brian found his first law enforcement family with the Placerville Police Department.

In October 2015, Brian found his final law enforcement family with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office. Within his first year there, Brian and Katie welcomed their son and third child completing their happy family of 5. As he did in every facet of his life, Brian immediately became a favorite of his partners at the Sheriff's Office and all that met him on a personal and professional level. Brian's demeanor while performing law enforcement duties exemplified fairness, compassion, and a willingness to serve that will leave a lasting impression on those who he came in contact with throughout his career. Brian was one who you could tell was meant to be an officer, it came naturally to him, and he took much pride in wearing the badge. Brian was a hard worker, a role model, and a leader who shared his joy for life with anyone he met.

In the early hours of October 23, 2019, Brian was on patrol and responded to a call for a theft of marijuana from what was later found to be an illegal marijuana grow. Brian, along with an off-duty ride along, were met immediately with gunfire and returned fire. During the gun battle, Brian was struck multiple times. The off-duty officer, having also been shot, was able to assist in removing Brian from the scene in an attempt to save his life. Sadly, Brian passed away in the ambulance on his way to the same hospital he had been born in 38 years before. Four arrests were made after an extensive investigation, 3 men who were tending the illegal marijuana grow and the homeowner.

Brian is survived and forever remembered by his wife Katie, children Prudence, Zoey, and Cash, Parents Kim and Don, sister Brenda, and his loving extended family and friends. Brian will be missed by his friends, family, and the entire El Dorado County Sheriff's Office family. Brian is our hero for the man he was husband, father, friend, and so much more to so many.