We lost another great Deputy today:

PHOENIX -- A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call in the North Valley Sunday morning.

Deputies responded to a medical plaza in Anthem at approximately 4 a.m. The burglar was in a van when deputies confronted him, according to the sheriff‘s office.

The suspect opened fire with an automatic rifle, fatally shooting one of the deputies. Other deputies fired back and the suspect was killed.

“It’s a sad day for law enforcement and for the people of Maricopa County that he’s trying to protect,” Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.

Arpaio said William Coleman had been with MCSO for almost 20 years.

Arpaio called Coleman an outstanding deputy and said he dedicated his whole life to law enforcement.

Coleman, a resident of New River, leaves behind two young children in Arizona and other children out of state.

"This tragedy is one more example of the danger that our brave members of law enforcement confront on a daily basis," Gov. Jan Brewer said. "We owe them our gratitude."

Brewer ordered flags lowered to half staff until sundown Sunday.