Three Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies were killed in an explosion at a training facility in East Los Angeles on Friday morning. The deputies have been identified as Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn. This incident marks the largest loss of life for the sheriff's department since 1857, according to Sheriff Robert Luna.

The explosion occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy, which is located about six miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and it is unclear if it was related to a training session or if the deputies were handling evidence at the time. The Los Angeles Police Department's bomb squad rendered the scene safe by 11 a.m.

Sheriff Luna stated that the deputies had a combined 74 years of service. He emphasized their expertise, noting, "These aren’t people who don’t do this very often. They are fantastic experts, and unfortunately, I lost three of them today." The deputies were part of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail, a specialized unit within the sheriff's department.

Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund had been with the department for 20 years. He joined the arson and explosives team in 2022 and was recognized as an outstanding field training officer. He is survived by his wife and seven children.

Detective Victor Lemus served for 22 years and was known for his role as a K-9 handler before becoming an arson and explosive investigator last year. He is survived by his wife, who is also a detective, and three daughters. Lemus comes from a family of public servants within the sheriff's department.

Detective William Osborn had 23 years of service and was promoted to detective after receiving commendations for recovering stolen vehicles. He became an arson and explosive investigator in 2019. Osborn was described as a reliable bomb technician with extensive experience.

Sheriff Luna has met with several family members of the deputies, but some have not yet been notified of the deaths. He stated, "I can tell you, there is no threat to this community. This is an isolated incident."

Federal and local investigators, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation. The Los Angeles Fire Department's arson investigators and the LAPD's bomb squad are also on site to ensure no other explosive materials are at risk of detonation.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell expressed solidarity with the sheriff's department during this difficult time, stating, "We stand in solidarity with our Sheriff’s Department colleagues during this incredibly difficult time and we remain ready to assist in any way we can."

A memorial service for the fallen deputies will be announced in the coming days.