On January 4, 2024, Detention Officer Garth Balcom III from Maricopa County in Arizona died following cardiac arrest.  His mother, Lorraine, was responsible for the cost of his funeral. CPOF’s catastrophic program was there to assist her during her time of need.

Detention Officer Balcom’s obituary reads as follows:

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that on Thursday, January 4, 2024, MCSO Detention Officer, Garth Balcom III passed away. Garth was born in New York, New York on December 22, 1977 to parents Garth Balcom Jr. and Lorraine Balcom. He graduated from Tottenville High School in Staten Island, New York. He followed his passion by attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology.

Garth committed his life to public service having been an officer with NYPD for 7 years prior to joining the MCSO family in September 2016. Between his time with NYPD and MCSO he also served the public working with Southwest Rural Metro Ambulance and at Banner Baywood Medical Center providing care for those in their moments of greatest need.

During his time with MCSO, he received ten commendations for his exemplary service and a Lifesaving Award from an incident in March 2018 in which he helped save the life of a critically ill inmate at the Durango Jail.

Fresh from the Academy, Garth made an immediate impact at the Durango Jail, quickly demonstrating his work ethic and devotion to the team. Garth gave 110% to everything he did, which, when coupled with his experience, he quickly became a leader and mentor to those he worked with, leaving an indelible impact. His desire to grow and serve led him to seek out other opportunities.

Moving to the Special Response Team, Garth was the consummate team player, with the team being recognized with eight commendations. Garth was passionate about the opportunity to serve in a unique capacity that helped ensure safety in the jails, the ability to help with the Winter Wonderland event in 2018, and representing the Office at high schools and colleges, providing demonstrations of the equipment utilized by SRT and discussing the unique career opportunities with MCSO.

While at Court Operations, Garth jumped in wherever he was needed, taking on additional duties when he was not in a courtroom, supporting his peers in any way he could, consistently putting service to others above his own needs. It was evident how much those Garth worked with cared about him, never hesitating to jump in to support Garth when he needed them the most. Garth developed very close relationships with the judges and court staff in the court divisions he was assigned. While many had the impression that Garth had a reserved demeanor, those close to him saw his true personality, that of a very charismatic and full of life individual, sharing his humor and keeping those around him laughing. Garth had a talent for discovering joy in the ordinary and making every interaction meaningful, leaving a positive and enduring impact on those lucky enough to be in his presence.

Beyond the Office, Garth had a profound and unwavering love and dedication for his fiancé, Christy, and her daughter Azalea, consistently going above and beyond to care for and support them. Garth discovered joy in riding his Harley, exploring the picturesque landscapes of Arizona alongside his father, creating cherished memories that extended beyond the confines of the jails and courtrooms where he worked. Not to be left out, Garth cherished his dog, whom he lovingly referred to as “His Little Buddy.””

Lorraine sent the following card to CPOF.