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Utah's Fallen Officers  

Utah's Deadly Police Statistics:
Get more details - youngest, oldest, ethnicity & gender, experience ranges and more on our stats page.
Questions? For questions or additional information concerning Utah's fallen police officers, please contact Robert Kirby at kirby@utahsfallen.org.

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By Date | By Name | By Department | By Cause

 


June 25, 2007
Stephen R.  Anderson, 60
Department of Corrections
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Anderson was shot and killed by an inmate who gained control of the officer's weapon during treatment at University Hospital. The suspect escaped but was recaptured following a high speed chase.





November 22, 2006
Kevin S. Orr, 34
Uintah County S.O.
Accidental: Aircraft

Corporal Orr, 34, died of injuries suffered in a helicopter crash while searching for a missing woman. The aircraft struck an unmarked power line and plunged into the Green River. Transported to a Salt Lake hospital, Detective Orr died the following day. The civilian pilot was injured but recovered.





January 25, 2004
Jon C. Draper, 40
Utah Department of Wildlife Resources
Accidental: Medical

While checking the activities of trappers in a canyon near Orangeville, Officer Draper, 40, suffered a heart attack and died. The victim was hiking through deep snow when he succumbed. His body was found later that night by searchers.





May 27, 2003
Jeremiah K. Johnson, 30
Emery County S.O.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Deputy Johnson, 30, died when his patrol car crossed the centerline of SR-10 near Orangeville and collided head-on with a coal truck.





January 26, 2003
David C. Jones, 44
Garfield County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

Deputy Jones, 44, was shot and killed in an isolated canyon south of Escalante. The victim had arrested the driver of a vehicle for DUI when a passenger obtained a high-powered rifle from the vehicle and shot the officer. The assailant was also wounded. The two men fled the scene but were arrested a short time later. Both are serving prison sentences.





November 18, 2002
Ronald M. Wood, 39
West Jordan P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Wood, 39, was ambushed and killed in a public park. While searching for a juvenile who pulled a handgun during a dispute, Officer Wood observed the suspect entering the park. When he followed, the suspect was waiting and shot the officer in the head. Confronted by a second officer minutes later, the suspect committed suicide.





September 24, 2002
Edward N. Dare, 57
Iron County S.O.
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Deputy Dare, 57, died in an automobile accident while responding to assist officers from a neighboring agency. Dare's vehicle left the roadway and landed partially submerged in a drainage ditch. The accident was discovered an hour later by a passing citizen.





September 18, 2001
James E. Faraone, 48
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Sergeant Faraone, 48, was killed in a traffic crash on Interstate 80 near the Salt Lake International Airport. The sergeant had stopped to assist motorists involved in a previous crash. He was sitting in his police vehicle, with the emergency flashers operating, when struck from behind by an inattentive motorist.





August 04, 2001
Joseph D. Adams, 26
Lehi P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While attempting to arrest a drunken driver, Officer Adams was shot and killed. As the suspect was being searched, the officer discovered a packet of cocaine. The suspect pulled a concealed weapon and shot the officer. The suspect was wounded and fled the scene. Arrested hours later, he pled guilty, and is serving a life sentence.





July 06, 2001
Cecil F. Gurr, 50
Roosevelt P.D.
Homicide: Rifle

Chief Gurr, 50, was shot to death when he and other officers responded to a report of a man with a gun. The victim and other officers were fired on with an assault rifle as they pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store. The suspect was arrested, convicted, and remains in prison.





July 17, 2000
Michael J. Dunman, 30
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Pedestrian

Officer Dunman, 30, died after being a struck by a vehicle. Dunman was on bicycle patrol near 1500 S. State, when a reckless driver lost control of his vehicle and jumped the curb. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant, was apprehended and charged. However, before his trial he jumped bail and fled to Mexico.





February 11, 2000
Thomas S. Rettberg, 58
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Aircraft

Lieutenant Rettberg, 58, died in the crash of a UHP helicopter. Rettberg and a civilian mechanic were performing a test flight near Woods Cross. The helicopter’s engine failed during the flight, and the subsequent crashed killed both men.





July 25, 1998
Tracey D. Davidson, 28
Juab County S.O.
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Deputy Davidson, 28, was killed when his vehicle accidentally left the highway and struck a cement culvert. Davidson and two citizens were returning from a search for a missing man in Utah’s west desert.





June 08, 1998
Esther Todecheene, 24
Navajo Department of Public Safety
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Officer Todecheene died in a one-car accident while on patrol in southern Utah. The victim was responding to a call for assistance from another officer when she failed to negotiate a turn.





August 26, 1996
Michael A.  Beaulieu, 23
National Park Service
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Ranger Beaulieu, 23, died of injuries suffered in a single-vehicle accident while responding to a report of a wildfire. At milepost 12 on Route 10 in Bryce Canyon National Park, his patrol car slid off a rain-slick road, rolled over, and collided with a tree.





January 11, 1995
Norman K. Nisson, 39
Provo P.D.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Detective Nisson, 39, died while serving court papers in American Fork. Nisson was waiting to make a left turn at 620 South 500 East when struck from behind by another vehicle, forcing it into the path of a third oncoming vehicle.





October 12, 1994
Randy K. Ingram, 39
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Pedestrian

Trooper Ingram, 39, was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by a semi truck. Ingram was conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of Interstate 15 near Nephi when the accident occurred. The driver of the truck later pleaded guilty to negligent homicide.





July 30, 1994
Doyle R. Thorne, 52
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Aircraft

Sergeant Thorne, 52, died while piloting a Department of Public Safety helicopter during a search for a missing girl in Duschene County. Thorne, who was alone in the helicopter, was returning to Salt Lake City when the helicopter suffered an engine failure near Strawberry Peak. Searchers found Thorne's body in the wreckage three days later.





February 24, 1994
Michael S. Welcker, 38
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

While searching for a suspect in an assault, Deputy Welcker, 38, was shot and killed. The victim and other officers went to the suspect’s home and attempted to contact him. The suspect fired at officers through the door, killing Deputy Welcker and wounding a second deputy. The suspect then committed suicide.





June 16, 1993
Dennis L. Lund, 37
Utah Highway Patrol
Homicide: Rifle

Trooper Lund, 37, was shot and killed during a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 70, west of Green River. The victim and other troopers were attempting to stop a vehicle that failed to pay for gas at Thompson Spring, when an occupant began firing at them. The suspect vehicle crashed after the shooting. Two suspect were arrested, convicted, and are currently serving time in prison.





December 11, 1992
Joseph S. Brumett III, 24
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Pedestrian

While investigating a previous accident, Trooper Brumett was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. The accident, which occurred on Interstate 15 near 2800 South, caused a traffic slowdown. Trooper Brumett was helping to clear the freeway when he was struck. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant, fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged.





September 15, 1990
Steven W. Harton, 41
Denver & Rio Grande RR
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Agent Harton was northbound on Interstate 15 near 3900 South, in Salt Lake City, when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by an intoxicated motorist. The collision forced Agent Harton's vehicle to roll. He suffered severe head injuries and died a few minutes later.





August 26, 1990
Blake V. Wright, 38
Wasatch County S.O.
Accidental: Drowning/Suffocation

Deputy Wright, 38, died while fighting a large brush fire in the mountains above Midway. Together with another Wasatch County employee, Wright was constructing a firebreak with a bulldozer when the flames swept over them. Both men were killed.





January 28, 1988
Fred F. House, 35
Utah Department of Corrections
Homicide: Rifle

Lieutenant House, 35, was shot to death during a protracted standoff with religious fundamentalists in Marion. While attempting to deploy his K-9 partner, House was fired upon by one of the barricaded suspects. His assailant later surrendered, was convicted of manslaughter, and remains incarcerated in federal prison.





December 05, 1987
Roy L. Stanley, 27
Navajo Department of Public Safety
Homicide: Handgun

The bodies of Officer Stanley, 27, and Officer Begay, 36, were discovered in the back of a burned-out Navajo DPS vehicle near Lake Powell. Investigators determined that the two were taken hostage at an alcohol party, handcuffed, and shot, before being transported to an isolated location. Four Native American males were arrested. Two were convicted of the murders and remain in federal prison.





December 05, 1987
Andy Begay, 36
Navajo Department of Public Safety
Homicide: Handgun

The bodies of Officer Stanley and Officer Begay were discovered in the back of a burned-out Navajo DPS vehicle near Lake Powell. Investigators determined that the two were taken hostage at an alcohol party, handcuffed, and shot, before being transported to an isolated location. Four Native American males were arrested. Two were convicted of the murders and remain in federal prison.





November 14, 1987
Jackson D. Elmer, 29
Murray P.D.
Accidental: Pedestrian

Officer Elmer, 29, was killed, and another Murray officer injured, when struck by an intoxicated motorist near 5530 S. State. The two officers were investigating a previous accident when they were struck. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was later arrested and convicted.





September 24, 1987
Wade A. Hansen, 26
Emery County S.O.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Deputy Hansen, 26, was killed in an automobile accident on U.S. 6 near Green River when he inadvertently crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a semi trailer truck.





July 02, 1987
Gerry L. Ivie, 51
Duchesne County S.O.
Accidental: Shooting

Lieutenant Ivie, 51, died after he was accidentally shot by a fellow deputy. The shooting occurred two miles west of Roosevelt as officers were attempting to take a man into custody at a roadblock.





February 23, 1986
Thomas M. Rees, 32
West Jordan P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Officer Rees, 32, died two hours after he was accidentally shot by another officer during a training exercise. Rees and the officer were demonstrating techniques used to prevent suspects from taking officers' weapons away from them when the accident occurred.





July 04, 1984
Rodney W. Schreurs, 33
Park City P.D.
Accidental: Pedestrian

Officer Schreurs, 33, was struck and killed while directing traffic following a fireworks display. Schreurs was in the intersection of U-224 and Pay Day Drive when he was hit by a pickup.





March 18, 1984
Charles H. Dickey Jr., 30
Cache County S.O.
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Deputy Dickey, 30, died of injuries suffered in a one-car accident. Dickey was responding to a family fight in Benson when he failed to negotiate a turn at 3400 North 2400 West.





January 13, 1982
Ronald L. Heaps, 33
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While investigating a report of a suspicious individual, Corporal Heaps, 33, was shot and killed. Heaps and two other officers were talking to a man in a motor home when the man suddenly drew a weapon and opened fire. The officers were unaware that the man was wanted in connection with the murder of a California Highway Patrol officer. In the resulting shootout, Corporal Heaps, the suspect, and a third man were killed.





September 08, 1980
Dale E. Nelson, 51
Beaver County S.O.
Accidental: Drowning/Suffocation

Sheriff Nelson, 51, suffocated while attempting to rescue a father and son overcome by methane fumes in a concrete manure tank. The accident occurred on a dairy farm two miles west of Beaver. All three men died. Two other rescuers were injured.





August 25, 1980
Daniel W. Harris, 33
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Motorcycle

Trooper Harris, 33, lost control of his motorcycle and was killed while pursuing a traffic violator in Parley’s Canyon. The driver of the speeding vehicle has never been identified.





November 07, 1978
Ray L. Pierson, 30
Utah Highway Patrol
Homicide: Handgun

Trooper Pierson 30, died after being shot during a traffic stop north of Panguitch. The suspect fled the scene in a stolen pickup, but was arrested by pursuing officers. He is currently serving time for the murder in Utah State Prison.





July 20, 1976
Robert B. Hutchings, 32
Utah Department of Public Safety
Homicide: Shotgun

Agent Hutching, 32, lost his life when Hutchings and other officers forcibly entered a Salt Lake City home following an undercover drug buy. The suspect and Agent Hutchings traded gunfire and both were killed.





August 26, 1975
Lauren E. Dow, 27
Tooele County S.O.
Accidental: Drowning/Suffocation

Sergeant Dow, 27, died from burns received while fighting a brush fire east of Stockton. Dow and Tooele City Animal Control Officer Danny James, 19, were driving a fire vehicle when winds abruptly pushed the flames in their direction. Both men were overcome and later died of their injuries.





December 08, 1974
William J. Antoniewicz, 27
Utah Highway Patrol
Homicide: Handgun

Trooper Antoniewicz was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Echo Canyon. After an 18-month investigation, a man was arrested and charged with the crime. The first trial ended in a hung jury. The suspect subsequently pled guilty to second-degree murder. He served 11 years in prison and was paroled in 1989.





January 05, 1974
James R. Merrill, 39
Cache County S.O.
Accidental: Fall

Lieutenant Merrill, 39, died from head injuries suffered in a fall on an ice-covered county road south of Smithfield.





March 10, 1973
Melvin C. Colebrook, 42
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Deputy Colebrook, 42, was shot and killed at the scene of a domestic dispute when they attempted to arrest a man. During the struggle, the man was able to obtain one of the deputies’ weapons and used it to kill Deputy Colebrook. The suspect was arrested, tried and acquitted by a jury.





January 11, 1973
Percy L. Clark, 42
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Detective Clark, 42, was shot and killed at the scene of a drug store robbery. As the suspects left the store, a gunfight ensued during which Detective Clark and his assailant were killed.





September 22, 1971
John R. Winn, 36
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Trooper Winn, 36, was killed while constructing a police radio tower on Lake Mountain in Utah County. Winn was operating a loader on a steep grade when it rolled over, crushing him.





May 14, 1971
Donald P. Jensen, 42
Davis County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Deputy Jensen was shot and killed when he stopped to assist two men in a disabled vehicle. Unbeknownst to the 42-year-old officer, the two men had just robbed a gas station. After the murder, the suspects stole the police vehicle and used it to stop and seize a second. Arrested the following day in Wyoming, the two men served time in prison. Both have since been paroled.





December 23, 1970
Don Wagstaff, 56
Utah Department of Corrections
Accidental: Drowning/Suffocation

Officer Wagstaff died after being beaten by an inmate at the prison dairy. Knocked unconscious by his assailant, the 56-year-old officer was buried in grain, which caused him to suffocate. His killer was convicted of second-degree murder but has since been paroled.





May 02, 1970
Charles G. Porter, 59
Utah Division of Wildlife Services
Accidental: Pedestrian

Conservation Officer Porter, 59, was killed when struck by a train. Porter was checking fishing licenses along the Weber River near Stoddard. Witnesses said Porter apparently failed to hear the train coming because another train was passing on a parallel track.





September 19, 1967
Adolph F. Bush, 27
Ute Tribal Police
Homicide: Rifle

Officer Bush was shot and killed while investigating a domestic dispute in the community of Randlett. His killer was arrested and confessed to the crime, but was ordered released by a liberal federal judge.





August 20, 1965
Carlos M. Hall, 55
San Juan County S.O.
Accidental: Medical

Deputy Hall was assaulted by two intoxicated women he was attempting to place in a holding cell in Bluff. Following the struggle, he suffered a major heart attack and died in the ambulance taking him to the hospital.





October 18, 1963
Marshall N. White, 54
Ogden P.D.
Homicide: Rifle

The only African-American officer killed in the line of duty in Utah, Detective White, 54, died three days after being shot by an escapee from the State Industrial School. The juvenile surrendered to other officers. He pled guilty and served 12 years in prison. Paroled in 1976, the suspect was shot and seriously wounded after he robbed a gas station. He died in a convalescent center in 1984.





January 05, 1961
Lloyd A. Larsen, 21
Moab P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

After serving only six months, Officer Larsen, 21, was murdered in the city police station. An individual who had previously been arrested by Officer Larsen entered the police station and shot the officer as he was seated at a desk writing reports. The suspect then went home committed suicide.





October 14, 1960
Seth F. Wright, 53
San Juan County S.O.
Accidental: Aircraft

Sheriff Wright, 53, was killed in a plane crash near Montrose, Colorado. Wright and the pilot of the aircraft were returning from Texas with a prisoner when the plane plummeted into Black Canyon, 10 miles southwest of Crawford. All three men died.





July 02, 1960
George D. Rees, 41
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Trooper Rees, 41, died when his patrol car was struck head-on by two suspects in a stolen car. The accident occurred near Lagoon, at the junctions of highways 89 and 91. The two suspects who were being chased by other officers at the time of the collision also died.





December 03, 1959
Armond A. Luke, 54
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Trooper Luke, 54, was killed when his patrol car plunged into the Sevier River. The single-car accident occurred on Highway 89, six miles south of Circleville. Investigators speculated that the accident occurred while Luke was pursuing a speeding vehicle, and swerved to avoid deer crossing the road.





August 27, 1959
Edwin L. Edwards, 26
Logan P.D.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Officer Edwards, 26, and Deputy Sorenson, 54, were transporting four juveniles to the state industrial school in Ogden when they died in a traffic accident on Highway 91, seven miles northwest of Ogden. Reportedly, one of the juveniles attempted to grab Sorenson's sidearm. Sorenson lost control of the patrol car and collided head-on with another vehicle. Both officers and two of the juveniles were killed.





August 27, 1959
Alma P. Sorensen, 54
Cache County S.O.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Officer Edwards, 26, and Deputy Sorenson, 54, were transporting four juveniles to the state industrial school in Ogden when they died in a traffic accident on Highway 91, seven miles northwest of Ogden. Reportedly, one of the juveniles attempted to grab Sorenson's sidearm. Sorenson lost control of the patrol car and collided head-on with another vehicle. Both officers and two of the juveniles were killed.





June 28, 1959
Mckay C. Jewkes, 28
Salt Lake County S.O.
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Deputy Jewkes, 28, died when his patrol car collided with another vehicle in the intersection at 6400 South State. Jewkes, who had worked for the sheriff’s office for only five months, was pursuing a violator when he entered the intersection against the light. The driver of the other car was seriously injured.





June 01, 1955
Edwin J. Fisher, 58
Utah Department of Corrections
Homicide: Edged Weapon

Officer Fisher, 58, was stabbed to death at Point of the Mountain by an inmate he discovered carrying a knife. The assault took place in the prison’s boiler room. The suspect was convicted of the murder and is currently incarcerated in a federal prison in California.





October 27, 1954
Harold A. Peterson Sr., 54
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Motorcycle

Officer Peterson, 54, was killed while on routine motorcycle patrol. Peterson was struck by a vehicle that made an illegal turn in front of him in the intersection of 1300 South and 1300 East. The elderly driver of the car was not charged.





May 25, 1951
Owen T. Farley, 37
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

After arresting a suspected armed robbery suspect, Detective Sergeant Farley, 37, was shot to death while transporting the suspect to the police station. The suspect was arrested at a nearby business. Convicted of first-degree murder, he was executed at Utah State Prison in 1955.





January 31, 1951
Wesley Rosette, 45
Colorado State Patrol
Accidental: Multiple Vehicle Accident

Sergeant Rosette was killed in a Carbon County traffic collision while on a prisoner extradition from Colorado. On Highway 50&6, approximately two miles southeast of Price, a truck collided head-on with a vehicle driven by Mesa County (CO)Sheriff E.E. Redmon, who was seriously injured.





January 05, 1951
Thomas W. Stroud, 34
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Sergeant Stroud, 34, died during the preparation of a children's party at the police department. While unloading soft drinks from a vehicle, Stroud's automatic pistol fell from its shoulder holster and fired when it hit the sidewalk. The bullet hit Stroud in the heart, killing him instantly.





October 15, 1945
Alonzo T. Larsen, 45
Mt. Pleasant P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Marshal Larsen suffered fatal gunshot wounds after evicting a man from a restaurant. The suspect, who had been causing a disturbance, shot the 45-year-old unarmed officer and fled the scene. Arrested at his home a few hours later, the suspect was convicted of murder and sent to prison where he died in 1955.





May 01, 1945
Clarence M. Bean, 41
Ogden P.D.
Accidental: Medical

Officer Bean died of injuries received during the arrest of an intoxicated serviceman 14 months earlier. After being kicked in the abdomen by the suspect, Bean’s health rapidly declined. An autopsy revealed extensive internal injuries caused by the blow.





April 23, 1945
Samuel M. Bliss, 70
Carbon County S.O.
Accidental: Shooting

Sheriff Bliss died while attempting to capture a murder suspect one and a half miles northeast of Price. Approaching the cornered suspect in a dry wash, Bliss was accidentally struck in the chest by a bullet fired by a posse member. The suspect was killed an hour later during a pitched gun battle with officers.





February 11, 1941
Hoyt L. Gates, 41
Ogden P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Detective Gates, 41, was shot and killed when he walked into an ongoing robbery at an Ogden grocery store. The officer had responded to call of unknown trouble and was shot upon entering the store. The killer surrendered to police a few hours later and was executed at Utah State Prison in 1943.





August 22, 1936
William L. Black, 48
Emery County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

Sheriff Black and a civilian were shot to death during a water dispute at a Ferron farm. The officer had accompanied the civilian to his brother-in-law’s farm to settle the dispute when they were ambushed. The killer surrendered and served six years in prison.





June 02, 1936
John H. Cottam, 47
Washington County S.O.
Accidental: Medical

Sheriff Cottam, 47, suffered a brain embolism while assisting in the removal of a heavy safe from the county recorder’s office. An inquest later determined the cause of death was due to the sudden strain caused by the weight of the safe.





September 04, 1935
Blaine L. Baxter, 28
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Motorcycle

Patrolman Baxter was killed in a motorcycle accident while chasing a speeding vehicle. Upon entering the intersection of 200 North 300 West, Baxter was forced off the road by another vehicle that turned in front of him. He struck the side of a building and died of his injuries a few hours later.





July 12, 1935
Joseph H. Quigley, 35
Ogden P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While dressed in period costume for the city’s Pioneer Days celebration, Officer Quigley, 35, attempted to arrest two men for stealing gasoline. Believing he was a robber, the suspects shot the officer to death. Arrested for murder, they were acquitted by a jury. However, both served time in prison for stealing a car to escape the scene of the shooting.





May 23, 1931
George E. VanWagenen, 46
Utah Highway Patrol
Accidental: Fall

Trooper Van Wagenen, 46, died May 23, 1931, of injuries suffered while investigating a stolen car report. Van Wagenen stopped at a beet processing plant near Provo to question the owner of the car. While leaving, he slipped on a pile of loose lumber and fell into the saw blade.





September 05, 1929
Richard D. Westwood, 65
Grand County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Deputy Westwood was alone in the jail with two burglary suspects when one of them produced a pistol he had smuggled into their cell. The 65-year-old former sheriff was shot and killed during the escape. The two men were recaptured and sentenced to prison. The killer died in the Utah State Hospital in 1963.





May 04, 1929
Willard R. Dahle, 53
Logan P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While interviewing a man recently arrested for bootlegging, Officer Dahle, 53, was shot and killed. Officer Dahle had gone to the man’s home and was seated in a chair discussing the matter of the man’s bail when the murder occurred. The suspect committed suicide at the scene.





March 09, 1929
Carl J. Carlson, 39
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Fall

Patrolman Carlson died March 9, 1929, approximately twelve hours after sustaining a basal skull fracture during a South Temple Street vice raid. Carlson and other officers were moving a barrel of mash when it landed on Carlson's foot, causing him to jump back and strike his head against a wall. He died a short time later in the hospital.





August 26, 1928
Oscar Fullmer, 50
Salt Lake County S.O.
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Deputy Fullmer, 50, died when his patrol vehicle plunged off the road in Bingham Canyon. Fullmer and his passenger, a Latino interpreter, were in the process of investigating a murder. While driving down the canyon after dark, Fullmer failed to negotiate a hairpin turn. Both men were killed.





April 15, 1928
J. Ray Ward, 42
United States Marshal
Accidental: Single Vehicle Accident

Marshal Ward died in a single car crash on Old Bingham Highway. The 42-year-old officer was returning to Salt Lake City from Bingham when his car swerved on the highway and overturned. An investigation determined that Ward braked suddenly to avoid something and lost control.





June 15, 1925
James M. Burns, 52
Castle Gate P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Thirty-one years after the murder of his father, Sanpete County Sheriff James C. Burns, Night Marshal Burns was also killed in the line of duty. Marshal Burns was conducting his rounds when ambushed by a man who held a grudge against him for an earlier incident. The suspect, an African-American miner, fled the scene but was captured four days later and lynched.





August 25, 1924
Gustave J. Lund, 61
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Pedestrian

Patrolman Lund, 61, was killed when struck by a vehicle near 2100 South and 1100 East. Lund, who directed noon traffic at the intersection, stepped between a passing brick truck and the trailer it was pulling.





February 16, 1924
Brigham H. Honey Jr., 34
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Following the robbery of a café on 300 South, officers Honey and Huntsman were shot and killed on Main Street as they closed in on the robber. Officer Huntsman, 26, died at the scene. Officer Honey, 34, died several hours later at Holy Cross Hospital. The badly wounded suspect retreated to the doorway of a nearby shop and committed suicide.





February 15, 1924
William N. Huntsman, 26
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Following the robbery of a café on 300 South, officers Honey and Huntsman were shot and killed on Main Street as they closed in on the robber. Officer Huntsman, 26, died at the scene. Officer Honey, 34, died several hours later at Holy Cross Hospital. The badly wounded suspect retreated to the doorway of a nearby shop and committed suicide.





October 12, 1923
David H. Crowther, 45
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Crowther, 45, was murdered a few blocks from his home by transients he was attempting to assist in locating transportation out of town. The men stole the officer’s automobile and fled to California where they were arrested. In 1926, the killer was executed at Utah State Prison.





March 26, 1923
Nephi P. Pierce, 53
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Four months after being shot and paralyzed by a robber, Sergeant Pierce died of infection. The shooting occurred on 500 South when the 53-year-old victim and another officer attempted to question two men regarding a string of robberies. The suspects escaped but were captured the following day. The killer was executed at Utah State Prison in 1925.





October 02, 1922
Floyd L. Rose, 26
Millard County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

Deputized to assist the county sheriff in the apprehension of an escaped jail inmate, Deputy Rose, 26, was shot and killed. The murder occurred when the two officers discovered the fugitive hiding at home and a gun battle erupted. The suspect fled the scene but was shot to death by a posse two hours later.





April 15, 1922
Gordon A. Stuart, 27
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Shotgun

Deputy Stuart, 27, was shot and killed as he attempted to enforce the court-ordered seizure of some livestock in Welby. The killer also murdered his brother-in-law before surrendering to authorities. He was executed for the crimes in 1923.





August 05, 1921
Lee F. Isbell, 47
Richfield P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Marshal Isbell, 47, died two weeks after being shot by an intoxicated man. The officer had previously warned the man, whom he knew well, to stay off the street. When the man refused, and Marshal Isbell attempted to arrest him, the man shot him in the stomach. Found guilty of second-degree murder, the killer was paroled four and a half years later.





May 08, 1921
Charles Manzel, 45
Ogden P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

On his first shift after a three-year hiatus from law enforcement, Officer Manzel was shot and killed by a burglar. The 45-year-old officer was escorting two suspects to their boarding room to recover stolen items when he was shot. A suspect was arrested and convicted of the burglary but not the murder.





February 08, 1921
Green B. Hamby, 49
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Detective Hamby, 49, was shot to death while attempting to arrest the last member of a burglary gang. Officers had cornered the suspect in his room at a 200 South hotel. The suspect shot Detective Hamby in the head and was killed in turn by other officers. Detective Hamby’s son was also a member of the force.





April 17, 1920
Albert G. Smalley, 20
Ogden P.D.
Accidental: Motorcycle

Officer Smalley, 20, died five months after being sideswiped by a car while patrolling on his motorcycle near Ogden Canyon. The driver of the car was not charged.





August 23, 1918
Rudolf E. Mellenthin, 34
U.S. Forest Service
Homicide: Rifle

Ranger Mellenthin, 34, was murdered in the mountains above La Sal while attempting to arrest an army deserter. His killer was wounded, captured, and sentenced to prison. He served six years of a life sentence before being paroled.





December 05, 1915
Alexander J. Robertson, 40
Eureka P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While escorting a man he knew well to jail for public intoxication, Night Marshal Robertson, 40, was shot and killed. The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was captured by citizens. He pled guilty to second-degree murder and served five years in prison before being paroled.





September 26, 1914
Ernest G. Berri, 35
Utah Division of Wildlife Services
Homicide: Shotgun

The body of Deputy Game Warden Berri was discovered hidden in a marsh by searchers scouring Williams Lake (currently Salt Lake International Airport) for the missing wildlife officer. A coroner’s inquest revealed that Berri had been dead for nearly a week, shot by duck poachers who were never identified.





November 29, 1913
Thomas Manderich, 35
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

In the bloodiest episode in Utah law enforcement history, an itinerant miner murdered five police officers before escaping. After killing a man in Bingham Canyon, the suspect fled to Saratoga Springs where he ambushed a pursuing posse, killing Bingham City Marshal Grant, and Salt Lake County deputies Witbeck and Jensen. The killer then returned to the mines of Bingham Canyon where, during a siege, he killed posse members Manderich and Hulsey. The killer eventually eluded capture. He was reportedly shot to death by Texas Rangers in 1921.





November 29, 1913
James D. Hulsey, 44
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

In the bloodiest episode in Utah law enforcement history, an itinerant miner murdered five police officers before escaping. After killing a man in Bingham Canyon, the suspect fled to Saratoga Springs where he ambushed a pursuing posse, killing Bingham City Marshal Grant, and Salt Lake County deputies Witbeck and Jensen. The killer then returned to the mines of Bingham Canyon where, during a siege, he killed posse members Manderich and Hulsey. The killer eventually eluded capture. He was reportedly shot to death by Texas Rangers in 1921.





November 21, 1913
John W. Grant, 39
Bingham P.D.
Homicide: Rifle

In the bloodiest episode in Utah law enforcement history, an itinerant miner murdered five police officers before escaping. After killing a man in Bingham Canyon, the suspect fled to Saratoga Springs where he ambushed a pursuing posse, killing Bingham City Marshal Grant, and Salt Lake County deputies Witbeck and Jensen. The killer then returned to the mines of Bingham Canyon where, during a siege, he killed posse members Manderich and Hulsey. The killer eventually eluded capture. He was reportedly shot to death by Texas Rangers in 1921.





November 21, 1913
George O. Witbeck, 41
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

In the bloodiest episode in Utah law enforcement history, an itinerant miner murdered five police officers before escaping. After killing a man in Bingham Canyon, the suspect fled to Saratoga Springs where he ambushed a pursuing posse, killing Bingham City Marshal Grant, and Salt Lake County deputies Witbeck and Jensen. The killer then returned to the mines of Bingham Canyon where, during a siege, he killed posse members Manderich and Hulsey. The killer eventually eluded capture. He was reportedly shot to death by Texas Rangers in 1921.





November 21, 1913
Nephi S. Jensen, 40
Salt Lake County S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

In the bloodiest episode in Utah law enforcement history, an itinerant miner murdered five police officers before escaping. After killing a man in Bingham Canyon, the suspect fled to Saratoga Springs where he ambushed a pursuing posse, killing Bingham City Marshal Grant, and Salt Lake County deputies Witbeck and Jensen. The killer then returned to the mines of Bingham Canyon where, during a siege, he killed posse members Manderich and Hulsey. The killer eventually eluded capture. He was reportedly shot to death by Texas Rangers in 1921.





June 25, 1913
Thomas F. Griffiths, 39
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Griffiths was shot and killed by a man he had arrested for slashing a victim during an argument in a bar on 200 South. The 39-year-old officer was attempting to use a call box to summon transportation when the suspect broke and ran. Officer Griffiths pursued and was gunned down. The suspect, an Italian immigrant, was captured, convicted and sentenced to prison. He later escaped from a work camp and was never recaptured.





December 25, 1912
William C. Nelson, 21
Midvale P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Hired as a temporary special officer to augment the city’s police force during the holidays, William Nelson, 21, was shot to death while trying to quell a disturbance on Main Street. His killer was never identified.





August 07, 1912
Francis A. Colclough, 53
Midvale P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Night Marshal Colclough, 53, was killed during a gun battle in the Vienna Saloon with two armed robbers. One of the robbers was also killed. A suspect later identified as the second robber was arrested and convicted. The Utah Supreme Court overturned the conviction and the man was released. Four months after Marshal Colclough’s murder, the fiancé of his daughter was shot and killed while serving as a temporary officer for Midvale.





July 08, 1911
John H. Johnston, 42
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Sergeant Johnston, 42, died of peritonitis a week after being shot during a domestic dispute at a hotel on West Temple. While attempting to take a pistol away from an intoxicated man, Sergeant Johnston received a wound in his abdomen. His killer was sentenced to life in prison, but was paroled in 1918.





October 05, 1909
Charles C. Riley, 35
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Special Residential Officer Riley, 35, was shot and killed at 150 S. State by a robbery suspect he was escorting to the police station. Riley’s killer was later arrested in Arizona and returned to Utah where he was sentenced to prison and later paroled.





November 27, 1908
Seymore L. Clark, 37
Weber County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Chief Deputy Clark, 37, died near Uintah after being shot by a man he and Deputy John Murphy discovered breaking into a boxcar. Deputy Murphy and a prisoner the two officers were escorting to jail at the time were wounded. Their assailant was never identified.





January 12, 1908
Albert Holindrake, 43
Park City P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Officer Holindrake, 43, who had been an officer for just six days, was examining his new revolver in the city marshal’s office when it discharged, striking him in the face.





December 14, 1907
Charles S. Ford, 51
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Working his third shift after returning to police work from a 16-year absence, Officer Ford, 51, was mortally wounded by two robbers at 600 West and 200 South. One of the killers was later shot to death by Seattle officers. The other killer was arrested in Portland, Oregon, and returned to Utah. Sentenced to life in prison, he was paroled in 1918.





June 16, 1904
Frank J. Tucker, 35
Provo P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Officer Tucker, 35, was killed when he accidentally dropped his automatic pistol while preparing to go on patrol. The weapon fired when it hit the floor, the bullet striking Tucker in the abdomen.





October 24, 1903
James D. Snipes, 29
Ogden P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

While working as a special officer for Ogden City, Officer Snipes, 29, was a shot and killed by a railroad employee on West 24th Street who mistook him for a robber.





May 26, 1900
Samuel F. Jenkins, 
Grand County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Sheriff Tyler, 36, and posse member Samuel Jenkins were ambushed and shot to death in the Book Cliffs near Thompson Springs while searching for rustlers. It was widely believed, though never entirely proved, that Tyler and Jenkins were gunned down by Harvey “Kid Curry” Logan, a member of the Wild Bunch. Logan died four years later in a botched train robbery in Colorado.





May 26, 1900
Jesse Tyler, 36
Grand County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Sheriff Tyler, 36, and posse member Samuel Jenkins were ambushed and shot to death in the Book Cliffs near Thompson Springs while searching for rustlers. It was widely believed, though never entirely proved, that Tyler and Jenkins were gunned down by Harvey “Kid Curry” Logan, a member of the Wild Bunch. Logan died four years later in a botched train robbery in Colorado.





June 27, 1899
William Strong, 59
Provo P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While attempting to arrest a transient in the Provo rail depot, Officer Strong, 59, was shot to death. The killer was apprehended the following day, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment. In 1902 the Utah Supreme Court ordered him to be retried. He was subsequently acquitted and released in 1912 after serving the remainder of a burglary sentence.





April 30, 1899
William A. Brown, 35
Ogden P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Captain Brown was a member of a posse pursuing two robbers in the mountains above Willard when he was shot and killed. One of the robbers was also killed. The second robber, Brown’s killer, surrendered and was convicted of second-degree murder. He was paroled in 1918.





November 22, 1897
Silas E. Clark, 43
Springville P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

City Marshal Clark, 43, was accidentally shot by one of his deputies when a pistol the inexperienced deputy was loading discharged as the two men were preparing to go on patrol. Struck in the abdomen, Clark lived for four days before succumbing to his wound.





July 30, 1895
Edward N. Dawes, 43
Uintah County (Wyoming) S.O.
Homicide: Rifle

Deputy Dawes, 43, suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a shootout with two suspects in the attempted murder of a Utah peace officer. Dawes and Echo City Constable Thomas Stagg died approximately seven miles northwest of Evanston, Wyoming. The suspect were later captured, tried and convicted. The shooter was executed by firing squad.





July 30, 1895
Thomas A. Stagg, 63
Echo P.D.
Homicide: Rifle

Constable Stagg, 63, suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a shootout with two suspects wanted for the attempted murder of a Utah peace officer. Stagg and Echo and Wyoming posse member Edward N. Dawes died approximately seven miles northwest of Evanston, Wyoming. The suspects were later captured, tried and convicted. The shooter was executed by firing squad.





July 06, 1895
J.C. Morrissey, 35
Bingham P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Special Officer Morrissey, 35, died after being accidentally shot by another officer during the arrest of an intoxicated man. During a struggle to take the suspect into custody, the other officer struck the suspect with his pistol. It discharged and the bullet struck Morrissey in the heart, killing him instantly.





September 26, 1894
James C. Burns, 45
Sanpete County S.O.
Homicide: Handgun

Sheriff Burns died during a gunfight with sheep rustlers in the mountains above Spring City. Although their identities were known, the two killers fled the scene and managed to permanently elude authorities. Thirty-one years later, the sheriff’s son was shot to death while serving as the night marshal of Castle Gate.





April 12, 1894
Alonzo M. Wilson, 54
Salt Lake City P.D.
Accidental: Shooting

Sergeant Wilson, 54, died five hours after being struck by a bullet fired from a gun dropped by a new patrolman. The accident occurred in police headquarters. Wilson underwent surgery for the removal of his right leg, but failed to rally from the procedure and died minutes before his wife reached his side. Their daughter was born the following day.





August 25, 1883
Andrew H. Burt, 54
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Rifle

While attempting to arrest a mentally disturbed man, Marshal Burt was shot and killed at 200 South Main. The city water master, who was accompanying the marshal, was wounded but managed to overpower the African-American suspect. An hour later, a mob stormed the city jail and lynched the killer.





August 05, 1883
Daniel Mahoney, 40
Frisco P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

While conducting his evening rounds, Officer Mahoney encountered three intoxicated individuals causing a disturbance. When he ordered them off the street, one of the men drew a pistol and shot the officer in the stomach, causing his death six hours later. The suspect was arrested a few hours later, convicted, and sentenced to prison.





March 16, 1876
Mathew B. Burgher, 37
Utah Department of Corrections
Homicide: Blunt Force

Warden Burgher died a day after being beaten by inmates escaping from the Utah Territorial Prison. While escorting inmates on a work detail, Warden Burgher was struck in the head by clubs. His killers were recaptured, but managed to escape again two months later.





October 16, 1873
Albert H. Bowen, 44
Provo P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

City Marshal Bowen lived for three days after being shot in the head by a man he was attempting to arrest for disorderly conduct. The suspect eluded authorities for two months before being arrested in Nevada. He was sentenced to prison and was subsequently killed by other inmates.





May 02, 1870
William R. Story, 31
United States Marshal
Homicide: Shotgun

Marshal Story, 31, was shot and killed in Grantsville while attempting to arrest a murder fugitive from Nevada. The suspect managed to disarm a Nevada deputy and flee the scene, but was surrounded in a nearby canyon and killed by a posse the following day. A member of the posse, 39-year-old Festus Sprague, was also killed.





May 02, 1870
Festus Sprague, 39
Grantsville Posse Member
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Sprague was shot and while attempting to arrest the suspect who murdered Marshal Story. Following the marshal's murder, the suspect was pursued to a nearby canyon where a gun battle ensued. The suspect and Officer Sprague were killed. A second member of the posse was badly wounded.





May 07, 1860
Levi W. Davis, 24
Springville P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Levi W. Davis, 24, was a member of the posse attempting to arrest a man for the theft of government livestock. Contacted at his home, the suspect initially agreed to surrender but then began firing on the officers. Officer Davis and the suspect were mortally wounded, dying on the same day a week later.





October 18, 1858
William Cooke, 55
Salt Lake City P.D.
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Cooke, 55, died six days after being shot in the city jail while attempting to prevent an escape. An armed man came to the jail and attempted to force Officer Cooke to release an inmate. When Cooke refused, he was shot in the leg. Rather than flee with his would be liberator, the inmate remained with the wounded officer. Cooke’s assailant was shot to death in Wyoming a week later.





April 29, 1853
Rodney Badger, 30
Salt Lake County S.O.
Accidental: Drowning/Suffocation

Deputy Badger drowned in the Weber River while attempting to rescue an immigrant family stranded in a wagon. Badger had already successfully rescued four children and the mother. While swimming to shore with the last two children, he was swept under the water. His body and those of the children were recovered more than a year later from a sand bar about a mile and a half downstream.




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501(c)(3) approved. Audited by certified public accountants Hawkins, Cloward & Simister, L.C. Orem, Utah.