GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana search and rescue community are mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy Jay Groskreutz, a dedicated law enforcement officer whose specialized expertise in water rescue operations saved lives across the region. He passed away, leaving behind his wife, Billie Jo, and two children.
Deputy Groskreutz was more than a patrol officer; he was a highly skilled and indispensable member of water rescue teams. Colleagues describe him as a master of a precise and difficult craft: operating a boat in complex search patterns to guide sonar equipment.
“Jay had an exceptional talent for maintaining exact speed and perfectly straight grid lines during sonar operations—a skill few ever master,” said a senior member of the county’s search and rescue unit. “His work wasn’t just technical; it was critical. His focus and steadiness on the water directly led to rescues and recoveries, providing closure to families. He worked tirelessly on searches here in Cascade County, across Montana, and even into Canada.”
A Deputy Defined by Service and Heart
Beyond his technical prowess, Groskreutz was remembered within the sheriff’s office for his unwavering professionalism, steady leadership, and deep-seated kindness. Fellow deputies shared stories of a man who led with compassion, whether on a call or in the office.
In a touching tribute that has circulated among colleagues, friends recalled a specific act of thoughtfulness that captured his character. On a coworker’s 15th work anniversary, Groskreutz surprised her with a giant teddy bear—a lighthearted gesture that left a lasting impression and exemplified his generous spirit.
“Jay was the kind of guy who made everyone feel seen and supported,” a close colleague noted. “He spoke about his family with so much pride and love, and he extended that same care to his work family. He was truly one of a kind.”
A Legacy of Family and Community
Those closest to him say his greatest pride was his family. He shared a remarkable bond with his wife, Billie Jo, and was a devoted father to his children, Abbie and Cassidy. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the Cascade County community, where he was respected as both a public servant and a friend.
The family has requested privacy and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office has offered its full support, with counselors made available to personnel grieving the loss of their brother in arms.
Deputy Jay Groskreutz’s legacy is etched in the lives he saved on the water, the community he protected on land, and the countless personal connections he fostered with his humor, integrity, and unwavering dedication.