Tragedy struck Oswego County early Wednesday morning when Deputy Cailee Campbell, 33, was killed in a crash while responding to an emergency call. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Route 176 and Rowlee Road in Volney, left the Oswego community mourning the loss of a bright and dedicated law enforcement officer.
According to Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton, Campbell had served as a deputy in the department for 17 months. Despite her relatively short tenure, she made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community. Hilton described Campbell as “fantastic,” adding that she was always smiling and passionate about her job. “I asked her just last week if she was still enjoying it,” he said, reflecting on their last conversation.
Campbell’s path to law enforcement was marked by a commitment to service. She began her career as a corrections officer for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, as confirmed by state payroll records. In 2021, she was sworn in as a juvenile transport officer, a position that involved the safe transport of young offenders. Her dedication to both her role and her community was apparent to all who worked with her, and her loss has been deeply felt by those she served alongside.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:42 a.m. on Wednesday. Campbell was on her way to respond to a call when the collision took place at the rural intersection of Route 176 and Rowlee Road. This area, like much of Volney, consists of two-lane roads, and Rowlee Road is marked with stop signs at the intersection where the crash occurred.
Details from Oswego County 911 dispatches suggest that shortly after Campbell was asked for a status update, multiple 911 calls came in reporting that a vehicle had flipped at the intersection. Witnesses described seeing a car overturned, and emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews found Campbell trapped inside her patrol vehicle, requiring a “heavy rescue” to extricate her.
Despite the swift efforts of emergency personnel, Campbell was pronounced dead after being transported to Oswego Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the identity of the second driver, and there were no passengers in either vehicle.
In the hours following the crash, first responders from across the region paid tribute to Campbell. Her body was transported to the Wallie Howard Forensic Center in Syracuse, where local first responders lined the bridges over Interstate 81 in a solemn show of respect. This scene was reminiscent of a similar procession in April, following the deaths of Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hoosock, who were killed in a shooting in Salina.
Campbell’s death is a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. Her role as a patrol officer placed her on the front lines of protecting the community, and she faced those challenges with dedication and a positive attitude. As Sheriff Hilton emphasized, she “loved the job” and gave her all to the role.
While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, the focus now is on remembering and honoring Campbell’s service. Her untimely death marks a significant loss for Oswego County law enforcement and the broader community. As details continue to emerge, support is pouring in from fellow officers, community members, and other first responders.
The loss of Deputy Cailee Campbell comes at a time when law enforcement officers across the nation are being celebrated for their service and sacrifice. Her dedication to her community and the law enforcement profession will not be forgotten. As her colleagues and loved ones process this loss, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and were touched by her service.
In the coming days, a more formal remembrance of Deputy Campbell’s life and service is expected. For now, Oswego County is left to grapple with the sudden loss of a bright, promising deputy whose life was tragically cut short in the line of duty.