INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) Tire-deflation devices are among the most common tools in a police officer's tactical toolbox.But like many other parts of police work, deploying a tire-deflation device carries significant risk.According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 42 line-of-duty deaths were directly linked to tire-deflation devices between 1996 and 2022. Seventeen of those deaths occurred between 2013 and 2022.Gary Woodruff, former chief of police with the Lawrence Police Department, said there is always inherent danger in the profession, but the devices remain effective and are safely used in many cases.They're successfully utilized to help bring conclusion to vehicle pursuits throughout central Indiana, throughout Indiana, throughout the country ... every day, Woodruff said.Lynn Town Marshal Bradley Fisher, a 27-year veteran of the local police department, was killed Wednesday morning while deploying the device to try to end a police pursuit.Indiana State Police troopers at the scene said Fisher took cover behind his truck, deployed the device, and ran into a nearby ditch to avoid the vehicle. The driver swerved and struck Fisher, who died from his injuries.State police told crews they lost two troopers in 2023 while trying to deploy tire-deflation devices.Woodruff said there are other, more high-tech options to help end pursuits, but not every department can afford them.The bottom line is, comply when the officer uses their lights and siren, comply with the indication to stop, and work things out in court, Woodruff said.Law enforcement personnel commonly refer to the devices as the trademarked product Stop Sticks, although other types of tire-deflation devices exist. https://youtu.be/jG4WzwIwtOI ...read more read less