Now, it appears he may have been lying the entire time. Deputy Joe Russell, who was named the Deputy of the Year in 2008, had reportedly been battling brain cancer. An autopsy, following his suicide last Wednesday, has revealed he was not suffering from the disease.

According the Delaware City Police Department, they were called to Russell’s Delaware home after he and his wife argued over medical deductions on their tax return.

That was when Russell shot himself. His handling of the disease was commended by colleagues and superiors, including Sheriff Tim Bailey, who cited Russell for his job performance, especially considering his battle with cancer.

The citation was for 2007, when Russell missed six months on medical leave, according to a press release at the time.

Fundraisers sent money his way, including several in Marion. Fellow deputies donated sick days to Russell so he could maintain a paycheck.

Russell, 39, was a 1988 graduate of Marion Catholic. He had been on the Sheriff’s force since 2004.

Medical documents have been sent to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department as the investigation continues into how Russell was able to perpetrate the fraud.