News

November 7, 2009

Deputy sheriff found dead at W-B home

Department spokeswoman says Deputy Vesek, a 19-year veteran, was “one of a kind.”

A 41-year-old Luzerne County sheriff’s deputy died at home from complications from a blood clot.

Michael J. Vesek III, of Wilkes-Barre, unexpectedly died Thursday morning at his East South Street home. Vesek served as a deputy sheriff for the past 19 years.

Vesek, a 1986 graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, leaves behind two children, ages 9 and 6.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” said Jennifer Roberts, a deputy who supervises the special investigations unit. “Our whole office is still in shock because it was so sudden.”

In the past few years Vesek has worked in the sheriff’s civil division.

Vesek recently participated in one of the county’s largest multi-agency fugitive sweeps, dubbed “Operation VENOM.”

“Mike was an outstanding person and an outstanding deputy. He was one of a kind,” Roberts said of her colleague. “He was a pleasure to work with on a daily basis. It was an honor to work with him.”

Roberts further described Vesek as a devoted public servant who was “always available to do what you needed him to do.”

“Every police department in Luzerne County has worked with Mike in some form or another,” said Roberts who has known Vesek for about 12 years.

Law enforcement officials plan to honor Vesek at his funeral Monday.

Aside from his job, Vesek was known as a bowling enthusiast and a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also was a coach for a Dallas Little League team.

Vesek was a member of St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre.

For Vesek’s obituary, see Page 8A.

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