An on-duty Highlands County, Florida, deputy was found dead Wednesday morning after taking his own life near the sheriff's office's headquarters, officials said.
Florida Deputy Kills Self Near Agency’s Headquarters
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said they are now conducting a death investigation at their headquarters in Sebring. Authorities identified the deputy as 56-year-old Paul Robitaille, a detention deputy.

Highland County (Florida) Sheriff's Deputy Paul Robitaille killed himself Wednesday, authorities say..
Highland County SO
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said they are now conducting a death investigation at their headquarters in Sebring. Authorities identified the deputy as 56-year-old Paul Robitaille, a detention deputy who was assigned to the Highlands County courthouse, Fox 13 reports.
"Paul was a great employee with a great attitude," Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. "We are all shocked and heartbroken over this, and I ask that everyone keep his family, friends and our agency family in their prayers."
Shortly before 10 a.m., Robitaille asked his supervisor for a break, and security cameras showed him walking out of the courthouse and to a nearby parking lot.
Robitaille didn't give any indication that something was wrong, according to officials with HCSO. However, he was found dead from a self-inflicted wound near the northeast corner of the sheriff's office's headquarters, according to deputies.
More Patrol

What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
How are LE Boots Different for Women?
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →
Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Read More →