“It is with a heavy heart, we share the passing of Retired Lieutenant, James E. Fetters.  Lt. Fetters served the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office from October 1, 1979 to March 14, 2007.

“During his 27-year tenure, Lt. Fetters served on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Snowmobile team, dive team and K-9 team. He was the first K-9 handler for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and served with a number of K-9 partners including Sonny, Sarge and Sam. Jim assisted several other Agencies with developing K-9 programs, organized a county-wide K-9 training program and was an inspiration and mentor to many K-9 handlers.

“We will always remember Jim for his years of dedicated service to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Hamilton County.”

Fetters died in a vehicle crash on Southeastern Parkway, near Isle of Man Boulevard, in Fishers Tuesday evening.