December 11, 2023 – Ozaukee Co., WI – Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Jeff Taylor who passed away at his home on November 29, surrounded by his family.
Undersheriff Taylor succumbed to a 7-year battle with cancer that he courageously fought.
Undersheriff Taylor started his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1991 and served the citizens of Ozaukee County for over 28 years.
Undersheriff Taylor rose through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office serving in the capacities of Jail Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Detective, Lieutenant, Captain, and retired in 2019 as Undersheriff.
Undersheriff Taylor had many contributions to the Sheriff’s Office but he was most notably remembered for his work as lead Detective for the Ozaukee County Anti-Drug Task Force, a role in which he held for 14 years.
As a long-time member of the Wisconsin Narcotics Officers’ Association, he was awarded the Drug Unit of the Year Award in 2000, awarded Officer of the Year Award in 2003, and also served as Past-President of the Association.
Undersheriff Taylor also played an essential role in helping solve a 35 year-old cold case homicide. Even after retirement, Undersheriff Taylor continued to work on the case, donating his own personal time and efforts to assist with the investigation. Using groundbreaking scientific techniques and genetic genealogy to help identify the suspect, the case was solved in 2019 after being relentlessly investigated.
The investigation served as a landmark case, being the first in Wisconsin to use forensic genetic genealogy to solve a cold case homicide. Undersheriff Taylor was part of the investigative team that was awarded the 2020 Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators Meritorious Service Award for this investigation.
Undersheriff Taylor was an outstanding detective who had an impeccable mind for investigations. He was also a caring Undersheriff who always looked out for his people. He will be greatly missed by friends, family, and co-workers.
Visitation and funeral service for Undersheriff Taylor will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 2-5pm at Eernisse Funeral Home located at 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI.
A law enforcement walk-through will be conducted at 5pm with a memorial service to follow.