Matthew Eugene Yates

On July 24, 2022 Deputy Sheriff Matthew Eugene Yates was dispatched to a shots fired call where he sustained fatal gunshot wounds, and later succumbed to his injuries at Miami Valley Hospital.

Yates was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. He was brought up in a law enforcement family with his four brothers and two sisters. Yates’ father served with the Sheriff’s Department for over 30 years. His family enjoyed participating in many activities together, instilling in him strong family values. Yates loved sports and played football and basketball, and often helped out with the family concrete business.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Yates joined the Clark County Sheriff’s Department in March of 2007. Yates’ goal when he first joined was to join the Special Operations Team and make an impact on the youth of the community. Yates served in the jail division for 10 years, moved to road patrol in 2015, and was named officer of the year in 2019, and before joining the Special operations team in 2021. During Yates’s 15-year career he was able to accomplish both of the goals he had set for himself.

Yates was lovingly referred to as “Big Yates” by his community. He was a funny, caring, and loving person. He was a devoted husband and father and has left behind a legacy that will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Eugene Yates is survived by his wife Tracy, and his three children, Anthony, Andrew, and A’Kaylehana “AK.”