On April 8, 2025, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello unveiled a memorial sign inside the Monroe County Office Building in dedication to fallen Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Lewis Miles. Deputy Miles died of a heart attack in the line of duty on October 6, 1885, at the age of 54, inside what was then the Monroe County Courthouse, now known as the Monroe County Office Building.

 Although nearly 140 years has passed, it came to the Sheriff’s attention that Deputy Miles was never formally publically memorialized, in the same way 11 other members of the Sheriff’s Office, who died in the line of duty, are remembered. To the best of our knowledge, Deputy Miles has no living relatives, however, Sheriff Baxter felt it honorable and just to dedicate a memorial sign in his name at the location of his death.

 “No matter how much time has gone by, honoring Deputy Miles and his service to our community is the right thing to do,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “A memorial sign in Deputy Miles’ honor now hangs in the Monroe County Office Building Atrium, a reminder to us all that he was a servant of the people, and died while in the performance of his duties. Deputy Miles, you served with honor and distinction, and you are no longer forgotten.”

 Deputy Miles was appointed by Sheriff Alonzo Chapman on January 1, 1864. He would go on to serve under eight sheriffs, to include Sheriff Caleb Moore, Sheriff Joseph Campbell, Sheriff Charles Campbell, Sheriff Henry Richmond, Sheriff James Burlingame, Sheriff Francis Schoeffel, and Sheriff John Hannan. By all historic accounts, Deputy Miles was well known and greatly admired.

 "When law enforcement officers lose their lives in the line of duty, we promise to honor their service and preserve their memory, no matter how much time passes," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. "This memorial sign is a lasting tribute to a man who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community. Its presence in the County Office Building will ensure that Deputy Miles' dedicated service is never forgotten, and will be a permanent reminder of the commitment our first responders make for the people who pass through this building each day."

 While researching Deputy Miles’ and his service to our community, MCSO Historian Todd Allen came upon a newspaper article from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, dated Oct. 7, 1885, that reported Deputy Miles was tasked with “drafting” potential jurors, a process called “summoning talesmen” for the Circuit Court. Upon his return to the Sheriff’s Office, he suddenly fell back in his chair and died within minutes of a heart attack.

 “I believe with my whole heart that we die twice,” said MCSO Historian Todd Allen. “Once when we pass on from this earth, and again when we are forgotten. For 139 years, Deputy Miles was not part of our collective memory.  However, from this day forward, he will be remembered for his service and sacrifice, and as such will live on in our history forever.”

 Deputy Sheriff Miles was 54 years old. He was survived by his wife and six children.

 

###

Amy Young
Communications Director
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4518