In Memory of Detention Officer Joseph Quillen Jr.

Texas Losing Far Too Many Officers in 2020

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Texas officials were sad to announce the loss of yet another Texas officer to COVID19. This is nearly 60 law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty in Texas for 2020. Detention Officer Joseph Quillen Jr. died due to complications arising from contracting coronavirus.

Quillen had spent many years working in law enforcement and was considered a veteran. He wore the badge of a detention officer for the Collin County Sheriff’s Office for more than 19 years. He worked hard and earned a Master Jailers Certification and license. Among his peers and other law enforcement officers, Quillen was well-respected and a dedicated public servant. Quillen was considered an inspirational leader to those he helped to train.

His leadership and dedication in life started early. Quillen was a six-year US Navy veteran.

Collin County Sheriff’s Office

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office has a great responsibility for protecting the seventh most populous county in Texas and 45th largest by the US population. Recently the county has seen a significant growth in its residents, which can be reflected in the department’s development. In 2010, the number of residents in Collin County was estimated at approximately 785,000, and by 2019 the numbers had reached nearly 1.1 million.

The CCSO is responsible for providing security and protection to all the unincorporated areas of Collin County and maintaining the detention centers within the county limits. While deputies patrol the 886 square miles, it includes a few ghost towns. Collin County is home to three old west ghost towns Biggers, Parris, and Nickelville. The city of McKinney is the county seat and the location of the sheriff’s office and county jail.

Leaving Family and Friends Behind

Victims of the coronavirus leave a trail of family and friends behind. Detention Officer Joseph Quillen will be remembered for all those he helped in the community. Leaders, family, strangers, and other law enforcement departments will come together to show their respect and honor him in death. This same community will come together and provide support and prayers to Quillen’s family as they sort through their grief.

Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner stated that the loss of Quillen was a tremendous loss for the department. “Joseph was that commensurate professional who led by example, who always completed the task at hand, and who mastered the difficult work of managing inmates in a large jail. His knowledge, professionalism, and devotion to duty inspired all of his colleagues. Joseph was a loving husband and father and a true friend to all who knew him. He will truly be missed.”

Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office posted their condolences on their social media pages. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office for their loss of Detention Officer Joseph Quillen.”