Placerville, Calif. — At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a proclamation designating Oct. 23, 2025 as Brian “Ish” Ishmael Day in the county.
The motion, introduced by Supervisor George Turnboo, was accompanied by a resolution that includes an annual lowering of the county flag each Oct. 23 as a symbol of respect for Ishmael’s sacrifice.
According to the official agenda, the proclamation reads: Ishmael was born at Marshall Hospital, raised in the Placerville area, graduated from Ponderosa High School, attended the Universal Technical Institute in Texas and returned to the community, working at local body shops before entering law enforcement.
In 2013 Ishmael joined the Placerville Police Department and later, in 2015, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Field Training Officer and Armorer. On Oct. 23, 2019, during a response to a theft call, he was fatally wounded while assisting a partner from another county.
Sheriff’s officials posted the full board recording as a social-media Reel and included this message:
“The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office deeply appreciates the support of our community and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors in honouring the memory and legacy of Deputy Brian ‘Ish’ Ishmael.” Facebook
For residents of El Dorado County, the proclamation ensures that annual remembrance of Ishmael’s service becomes part of the county’s civic calendar. By formally recognising Oct. 23 each year, county government provides a stable moment for reflection among law-enforcement peers, community members and the family of Ishmael.
The legistar text states:
“May this proclamation be a testament of our profound gratitude and appreciation of Deputy Sheriff Brian Ishmael’s ultimate sacrifice and legacy of service to the citizens of El Dorado County.”
Next steps / community role
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The proclamation will be read aloud at upcoming county board meetings and posted publicly in county records.
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The board authorises the county flag be lowered each Oct. 23 in honour of Ishmael.
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Community members and local institutions (schools, first‐responder agencies, civic groups) are encouraged to observe the day and reflect on Ishmael’s contributions.
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The full recording of the Oct. 21 board meeting is available as a Reel via the sheriff’s office social channels.
