A devastating incident occurred late at night on April 15, 2024 in Plainfield, Indiana. Hendricks County Sheriff’s Deputy Fred Fislar died after touching live power lines. The fatal event happened near State Road 267 and County Road 300 South, following a single-car accident that resulted in hazardous conditions.

Hendricks County Sheriff Jack Sadler confirmed that Deputy Fislar, a respected officer and ex-Marine, arrived at the accident site where a car had struck a utility pole. The impact caused the power lines to become dislodged, leading to Fislar’s electrocution while he was surveying the area for safety.

An onlooker found Fislar unconscious at the location and swiftly used his radio to summon help. Despite prompt emergency responses and immediate transfer to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, Deputy Fislar succumbed to his injuries early on Tuesday, April 16.

The sudden loss of Deputy Fislar has deeply impacted the Plainfield community and his fellow officers. “Our hearts are shattered for the Fislar family, our department, and our entire community,” Sheriff Sadler stated in a press briefing, underlining the profound sense of loss affecting the community.

Deputy Fislar, who began his journey with the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, is remembered for his service in law enforcement and his tenure in the United States Marine Corps. Prior to his career with the law, Fislar served with honor and carried the same commitment and courage to his role in the sheriff’s office.

Expressing profound sorrow and solidarity, Rick Snyder, president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, said, “An officer or Hendricks County Sheriff’s Deputy will remain with Deputy Fislar continuously until he is interred.” This gesture is a longstanding tradition in law enforcement, honoring a fallen officer until their final farewell.

The driver involved in the initial collision with the utility pole also sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Eskenazi Hospital. An ongoing investigation into the accident aims to reveal more information and mitigate similar future incidents.

In his concluding remarks at the press conference, Sheriff Sadler reflected on the daily risks officers face. “We will request that the community keep Deputy Fislar’s family, our officers, and our community in their prayers during this challenging period,” he said, indicating a time of collective mourning and contemplation for all those affected.

Deputy Fislar is survived by his wife, Madi, and their two young children, aged six years and six months.