Delaware County board orders flags at half-staff after deputy killed while assisting motorist

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12, 2025 unanimously approved an emergency resolution requesting that flags on county-owned and public properties be lowered to half-staff to honor Corporal Blake Reynolds, a Delaware County sheriff’s deputy who was fatally struck early that morning while assisting a stranded motorist on Interstate 69.

Board President opened a special emergency meeting and asked the clerk to call the roll before reading a brief statement about the incident. "This morning we lost 1 of our sheriff's deputies," the president said, identifying the deputy as Corporal Blake Reynolds. The statement said the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on I‑69 near the 247-mile marker and described Reynolds as a four-year veteran of the sheriff’s office and a member of the Indiana National Guard. The statement noted Reynolds was recently married in June 2025.

Commissioner Brann read the text of Resolution No. 2025-24, which declares an emergency and, citing Indiana Code 36-2-2-2, requests that all flags flown on county-owned, county-leased or county-operated properties, as well as flags at municipal buildings and public safety facilities in Delaware County, be lowered to half-staff. "Flags shall remain at half staff until sunset on the day following the funeral services for Corporal Reynolds," the resolution says. It also directs that notice of the resolution be provided to the county sheriff’s office, the county emergency management agency, the county veterans affairs office, municipal governments, local media and the public.

Commissioner Brann offered condolences on behalf of the board and called Reynolds’ service "an example of courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of others." Commissioner Reagan said the board was "just at a loss for words" and asked the community to keep Reynolds’ wife, family and fellow deputies in their thoughts and prayers. The board noted the emotional toll on first responders who were involved in the incident.

A motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-24 was made and seconded; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor. The board then voted unanimously to recess the meeting.

The resolution does not specify the funeral date; it directs flags to remain at half-staff until sunset the day after the funeral. The county identified the incident date in the resolution as Nov. 12, 2025. Additional investigation and family notifications were referenced but not detailed during the meeting. The sheriff’s office, county emergency management, and veterans affairs office were directed to receive immediate notice of the resolution.