Spencer, IA (KICD)– Members of all three law enforcement agencies covering Clay County braved the cold Wednesday morning to remember a fallen brother who lost his life in the line of duty nearly a century ago.

Sheriff Chris Raveling says the death of Special Deputy Louis Dayton is believed to have been the result of an incident on March 20, 1929.

Sheriff Raveling says it was early members of law enforcement like Deputy Dayton that helped get us where we are today making it more important, in his mind, to remember the fallen.

Very little is actually known about Louis Dayton other than the theory of his death which until somewhat recently included his final resting place until it was discovered by longtime resident and former law enforcement officer Mike Harleman.

History shows the Louis Dayton’s death came less than five years after Clay County Deputy Frank Smith became the first local line of duty death. The 100th anniversary of that milestone will be commemorated later this summer.