Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office deputies and staff are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Deputy Sheriff Philip Benjamin Doremus, III, 54, died at his South Kitsap home Nov. 30, from complications of cancer.
“We have lost one of our own,” said Sheriff Steve Boyer. “It’s never easy to say goodbye. This much is clear: we greatly miss a much loved son, brother, dad and partner, and a trusted and respected friend, colleague, law enforcement professional and public servant.
“However, Phil will live on,” added the sheriff, “In the exemplary manner that he performed his job and in the thoughts, the feelings and the memories of him that we hold close.”
Boyer said his department extends their sincere heartfelt condolences to the Doremus family.
Doremus began his career with KCSO on March 23, 1992, after spending several years in construction supply sales and grocery retail management.
He was born Nov. 3, 1960, in Seattle to Audrey and Philip Doremus.
Later the family moved to Monroe, where Doremus was an honors student and a talented athlete. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1979, with the encouragement of his friends and teachers, he attended Washington State University and studied criminal justice.
His childhood dream of becoming a motorcycle police officer was realized when he became a deputy with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.
During his 22-year career, Doremus held primary positions and collateral duty assignments as patrol officer, field training officer, cadet advisor of Law Enforcement Explorer Post 1514 and was appointed to detective March 9, 1998.
He also served as president of the Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild for two separate terms of office.
Doremus was the recipient of numerous commendations and letters of appreciation for his professionalism, work ethic and attention to detail in his role as a detective and crime scene investigator.
He was the runner-up as the 2002 National Sheriff’s Association Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year.
He is survived by his children, Erika Doremus of Port Orchard, Ben Doremus of Grapeview; children’s mother, Judith Doremus; sister, Michelle (Rodney) Brunson of Everett; brother, Cecil (Morrey) Doremus of Everett and once niece.
A memorial service is set for 1 p.m. Dec. 6, at Christian Life Center, 1780 SE Lincoln Ave., Port Orchard.
Internment will follow the memorial service at Haven of Rest, 8503 State Route 16 NW, Gig Harbor.
