Fischer, 65, died suddenly Tuesday evening while at a Buckeye State Sheriffs Association convention in Sandusky. He served as sheriff since 2003 and before that served for 20 years on the Xenia Police Division.
Funeral arrangements are pending, Anger said, and an acting sheriff will be appointed.
“He loved people and he cared about this community and about this county in a way that I have never seen a public official care in the 17 years that I have been employed here in Greene County,” said Greene County Prosecutor David Hayes.
“What made him remarkable was his leadership. Gene Fischer was capable but humble. He was strong but full of compassion and he led by example,” Hayes said.
In Fischer’s honor, community members placed blue ribbons around trees and poles in Xenia, and flags are at half staff.
Fischer graduated from Fairborn High School in 1974, earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Clark Technical College, a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Capitol University and a master’s in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University. He also served as president of the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association in 2015.
Gov. Mike DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine said they saddened to hear of Fischer’s death and shared their condolences with his family.
“Fran and I first met Gene when he worked at the Xenia Police Department. What always struck me was how well loved he was by men and women who worked under him at the department, and he had that same strong relationship with the men and women who worked for him at the sheriff’s office,” the governor said. “Gene combined that respect and love with a real relationship with the community. Sheriff Fischer was doing community policing before those techniques even had a name.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, whose district includes Greene County, said Fischer will be dearly missed and offered condolences to his family and the county.
“He led many initiatives to make our community a better place, including his outstanding efforts to help reintegrate incarcerated individuals struggling with addiction back into our community. He improved the lives of many and made a lasting impact on our community.”
The sheriff’s office thanked everyone for their support.
“The Greene County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the outpouring of support during this time as we have lost Sheriff Fischer,” read a statement issued Wednesday morning. “As we work through our own grieving, we ask for the public’s patience during this time.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost called Fischer a dedicated public servant who took pride in representing the people of Greene County.
“I am so grateful that just yesterday [Tuesday] I was able to spend time with Sheriff Fischer,” Yost said. “He has always been well-respected – and for good reason. I admire and appreciate his dedication to the residents of Greene County and to law enforcement. We offer our condolences to his family and his community. Sheriff Fischer will be greatly missed.”
Former Beavercreek mayor Brian Jarvis wrote on twitter, “He was a dedicated law enforcement officer who truly cared for his community. He will be missed.”
So sad to hear about the death of Greene County (OH) Sheriff Gene Fischer this evening. I knew him for just over a decade, spoke with him often, and considered him a good friend. He was a dedicated law enforcement officer who truly cared for his community. He will be missed.
— Brian Jarvis (@BrianVJarvis) November 17, 2021
Greene County Republican Party Chairman John Caupp said that he had only found out a short time ago and that the party had not sent out an official statement.
Area law enforcement agencies also expressed their condolences.
The Fairborn Police Department said Wednesday that the sheriff would be “sorely missed” and called him “a friend to all who knew him.”
The West Milton Police Division shared a statement on Facebook saying they were saddened by news of Fischer’s death.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office!” the statement read. “We also pray for Sheriff Fischer’s family during this difficult time!!”
Franklin Police Department shared their condolences with the sheriff’s family.
“The Franklin Police Department offers our condolences to the family of longtime Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer who passed away unexpectedly last evening,” read a statement from the agency. “Our thoughts our also with the members the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.”
The Riverside Police Department extended their condolences to Fischer’s loved ones as well.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Sheriff Gene Fischer’s family, friends and the Greene County Sheriffs Office during this difficult time,” the department shared on Facebook. “Thank you for your service sir.”
“The Centerville Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office , as well as the family and friends of Sheriff Gene Fischer,” Centerville police said. “Sheriff Fischer passed away unexpectedly on November 16th, 2021.”
The Dayton Police Department thanked Fischer for his service.
“We are thinking of the friends, family, and colleagues of Greene Co. Sheriff Gene Fischer after his sudden passing,” read a statement from the department. “Sheriff Fischer dedicated his life to law enforcement service & community and was an outstanding partner to work with. Rest easy sir & thank you for your service.”
We are thinking of the friends, family, and colleagues of Greene Co. Sheriff Gene Fischer after his sudden passing. Sheriff Fischer dedicated his life to law enforcement service & community and was an outstanding partner to work with.
— Dayton Police Dept. (@DaytonPolice) November 17, 2021
Rest easy sir & thank you for your service. pic.twitter.com/oJo0NEisEB
We are working to learn more and will update this story with any new information.
