Sgt. LaRue began his service with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 as a Detention Deputy Trainee. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2010. During his career, he received many recognitions, including a Live-Saving Award in 2017. Additionally, Sgt. LaRue served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1996.
In a memorandum to the members of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dennis Lemma stated, in-part, “Sgt. LaRue was a beloved member of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and served a majority of his career working the B-Pod. He was loved by his colleagues, and he was also very popular among JEPCF inmates, working closely with those inmates suffering from mental health issues.”
Although it is not believed that Sgt. LaRue contracted COVID-19 while working at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office will treat his passing as a Line of Duty Death, consistent with the provisions in the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 (S. 3067).
Left to cherish James' memory is his wife, Chenavia; parents, James and Betty Jo LaRue; sons, Andre Phillip LaRue, James Jordan LaRue, step son, Malachi Daley; granddaughter, Ava Joy LaRue; brother, Ricky Malmay; nephew, Trenton Malmay; niece, Tia Malmay; niece, Jessica Golden; aunt, Bernice Ebarb; aunt, Annie Pairre; aunt, Frances Hansford; aunt, Faye Smith; cousin, Evette Almanza; cousin Sandy; he also leaves behind many more cousins and many great friends.
We ask that you please keep the LaRue family and all of the members of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sgt. LaRue was a beloved member of the agency and will be deeply missed.
From The Family:
Babe,
We love and miss you so much! It's so hard to accept that you're not here. From the moment we first met, you have always gone above and beyond for me. The love you gave and made me feel was one of a kind. I thank GOD for bringing you into my life and blessing us to have baby James Jordan together. I know how much you wanted him and I'm very thankful that you and baby James Jordan got to spend his first year together. I promise you that I will continue to tell our boy all the great things you've done, how great of a father you were to him, how proud you were having our son in your arms, and how much you loved him. Your commitment and dedication to our family meant the world to me. You were such a hard worker, so funny, a great cook, and full of life with a big heart. I wish we had more time together babe. Thank you for being my best friend, a great father, and a wonderful husband. I will cherish all the lovely memories we created together forever. You are my soulmate and I will always love you babe.
Love always,
Nay
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