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Monongalia Co. Sheriff, Friend Remember Fallen Deputy

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (KDKA) -- Monongalia County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Michael Todd May leaves behind a mother, father and younger brother he called, "Frankie."

May was supposed to get off at 11 p.m. the night he was killed, but he decided to stay and work a DUI detail.

Flags are at half-staff and badges are covered with a black band in Morgantown, W.Va., in mourning of Sgt. May.

"I have to tell you, I mean, overwhelming support from our law enforcement family," Monongalia County Sheriff Al Kisner said. "I can't say enough about the Pennsylvania State Police, their investigation."

Sgt. May loved hunting, fishing and riding his Harley with his buddies. They were planning a trip to the West. May, his dad and his brother were building a cabin in the West Virginia hills.

"I don't know anybody that could ever say anything bad about him," Kisner said.

Late Saturday, a call came in. A high-speed chase was in progress. The 41-year-old Monongalia County Sheriff's Deputy pulled his SUV onto the median on Interstate 79. His vehicle was clearly marked and he had his emergency lights flashing.

That's when investigators say that chase suspect Jared Green veered his pickup truck directly into Sgt. May, killing him.

Green, 35, of Oklahoma, is working here in the Marcellus gas drilling industry. He is suspected of driving drunk and taking prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Deputy Brandon Snider was working the late shift that night.

"He'd give you the shirt off his back," he said of his friend. "Good guy."

"Right now, that's our focus is doing everything that the family would like to do to honor their son and our friend," Kisner said.

Visitation and funeral services are set for Thursday and Friday at the Chestnut Ridge Church.

"I believe that their main seating area holds over 2,000 people," Kisner said.

In the Dominion Post, Frankie May wrote a tribute to his brother which in part said: "He loved unconditionally and was always there with a broad shoulder to take on the problems of those he loved and even those he did not even know. He gave selflessly. I love you brother and will see you again in Heaven."

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