The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1850. In it's 169 year history, there have been three deputy sheriff's killed in the line of duty. This cache is one in a series of three, each paying tribute to the deputies who have given their lives in protecting the citizens of El Dorado County. This cache is located along the El Dorado Trail.
On October 22, 1961, Deputy Sheriff Ora Owen was killed in South Lake Tahoe by a drunk driver. Deputy Owen had been involved in a vehicle accident and was directing traffic. An off-duty deputy was going by and was asked by Deputy Owen to help direct traffic and in setting out flares, while they awaited the arrival of the California Highway Patrol and a tow truck. The two deputies had just put out additional flares when the sound of screeching tires rang out. As the off-duty deputy turned to see what the commotion was about, he witnessed Deputy Owen being hit by a vehicle, and tumbling through the air. Deputy Owen died at the scene.