Gainesville, Florida – Alachua County officials marked the 108th anniversary of a deputy’s line-of-duty death.
According to a Saturday post from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff Cornelius “Neal” Rain was killed on Feb. 21, 1918, while assisting in the apprehension of a fugitive connected to the murder of another law enforcement officer in Berrien County.
Authorities said the suspect had fled to a relative’s home in Levy County, where local officials requested assistance. Deputy Rain, who lived in Archer, responded to help bring the individual into custody.
When officers arrived at the residence, they encountered an armed occupant who opened fire from inside the home, according to the Sheriff’s Office. After the situation briefly stabilized, officers were warned that the fugitive was hiding in an adjacent room. As Deputy Rain attempted to make entry, he was shot.
Despite efforts by those at the scene, Rain died from his injuries. The suspect fled but was later located and fatally shot after wounding several members of the pursuing posse, authorities said.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that Rain had served just over one year with the agency. He was survived by his wife and two children.
The agency said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the lasting impact on families and communities. For students and young residents learning local history, the memorial highlights one of the county’s earliest recorded line-of-duty losses.
Officials said Rain’s service and sacrifice continue to be remembered more than a century later.
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