HENDRICKS COUNTY, Indiana — A Hendricks County Sheriff's Office deputy has died after coming into contact with power lines while responding to a crash late Monday.
Around 11:50 p.m. on April 15, Hendricks County sheriff's deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 2600 block of South State Road 267, just north of Plainfield.
A 2009 silver Honda car hit a utility pole, shattering the pole and leaving electrical wires hanging low near the crash scene, according to a spokesperson with the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office.
Hendricks County Deputy Fred Fislar arrived at the scene just before midnight. Minutes later, someone driving by used Fislar's radio to contact the Hendricks County Communications Center to advise them that an officer was down.
Medics took Fislar to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition after he came into contact with the low-hanging power line. Despite all life-saving measures, Fislar was pronounced dead at 12:59 a.m.
Plainfield police are handling the investigation, at the request of the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Chief Joe Aldridge said the driver, who was the only person in the car, was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in serious condition. The investigation into the driver's suspected impairment is ongoing, according to Aldridge.
"This is a sad day for the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office," Hendricks County Sheriff Jack Sadler said. "Our heart is broken."
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office hired Fislar in December 2021. He served in the enforcement division for approximately 2 1/2 years.
A graduate of Cloverdale High School, Fislar was part of the 226th Basic Class of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.
Fislar is survived by his wife, Maddy, and two children, ages 6 and 6 months.
"We would like to ask our community for prayers and support as we grieve the loss of our brother, Fred," the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
Fislar's patrol car has been parked in front of the sheriff's office, where a steady stream of visitors have stopped to place flowers and messages, mourning his loss and celebrating his life.
"The amount of support and outreach from the community has been staggering and deeply appreciated," the sheriff's office wrote in a release Wednesday.
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office has established a fund to make donations to Fislar's wife and his two young children. Donations may be made online here or by mailing a check to the Central Indiana Police Foundation at 1525 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Include "Deputy Fred Fislar" in the memo line of the check to identify the donation.
The department also warned the public about remaining vigilant about scammers who may use Fislar's death to try to solicit donations. If you're unsure about a donation request or method, contact the Hendrick's County Sheriff's Office.
Funeral arrangements for Fislar are also being finalized and will be shared at a later date, the sheriff's office said.