Never Forgotten
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends
John 15:13
William J. Shea
Night Marshal
Department/Agency: Victor Police Department
EOW: August 11, 1895
Age: Unknown
History: Night Marshal Shea was shot and fatally wounded by Bill Gibson in Victor around 4:30 a.m. A train robber informant complained to Shea that Bill and Norman Gibson had threatened his life and the officer disarmed the two men on a previous night. Some hours afterwards Norman started a fight in Shea’s presence and was promptly arrested. About fifteen feet from the jail, Bill Gibson came from behind a fence corner and with rifle in hand ordered the officer to release his brother. The prisoner jerked away and Shea drew his revolver, but before he could shoot Gibson’s rifle cracked and the officer fell. Shea died a few hours later, the ball having lodged in his spine. It is said that Bill Gibson obtained the rifle and then lay in wait, the plan being arranged for the murder of Marshal Shea.
Bill Gibson was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. His brother Norman was acquitted.
Benjamin F. Bish
Officer
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: June 28,1896
Age: 33
History: Officer Bish was shot and killed while checking an alley between Tejon Street and Cascade Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs. During his check, he observed two men he believed to be burglarizing nearby businesses. Officer Bish found a revolver in William H. Clark's pocket and began to escort them out of the alley and towards the police station. The other man, Patrick Coyne, then pulled out a concealed handgun from under his coat and shot Officer Bish once in the chest. Although mortally wounded, Officer Bish was able to return fire while lying on the ground. A posse was formed shortly after the incident to search for the suspects. Patrick Coyne, whom shot Officer Bish, had hid in a coal bin where he took his own life with a pistol. William H. Clark was convicted and sentenced The man's sentence was commuted on July 1st, 1913, and he was released the following week after serving only 17 years in prison.
Officer Bish was a veteran of the Colorado State Militia.
Michael Hayes
Constable
Department/Agency: Victor Marshal's Office
EOW: June 28, 1897
Bio: Constable Michael Hayes, a well-known constable attached to the court of Judge Calderwood of Victor, was shot from ambush and killed at 3 o’clock on June 28, 1897 by Charles G. Nickell at the latter’s ranch two miles below the Beaver Park Mill and about five miles east of Victor. From all accounts obtainable, the killing was an assassination of the most cold-blooded description. The victim was riddled with buckshot and died almost instantly. Nickell arose from behind a breastwork of logs in a cattle corral and fired at the constable as Hayes was approaching the premises.
At 6 o’clock in the evening Nickell presented himself to Jailor lay of the county jail and surrendered. From his ranch he had come with a companion named W.A. Smith, a teacher of the town of Love. Smith witnessed the shooting and last night stated to a Gazette reporter that Nickell shot only after repeated warnings to the constable to keep away and after the latter was shot to draw a gun. When the officer had partially drawn the weapon from his pocket and said “you are afraid to shoot,” to Nickell, the ranchman drew a bead and instantly shot him. Smith said Hayes died almost simultaneously with the explosion. He and the frightened shooter then mounted horses and proceeded to cautiously, yet swiftly escape from the scene of the tragedy. Nickell was fearful of vengeance and decided to give himself up to the authorities.
Charles E. Nicholl was found guility of murder in the second degree.
Elim T. Clark
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Cripple Creek Police Department
EOW: August 9, 1901
Bio: Patrolman Elim Clark was electrocuted as he attempted to sound the fire alarm in response to a house fire. Patrolman Clark touched a cable that was crossed with live wires and died at the scene. A coroner's jury concluded that the local electric company was responsible for Patrolman Clark's death.
Augustine P. Cate
Night Marshal
Department/Agency: Goldfield Marshal's Office
EOW: September 21, 1902
Bio: Night Marshal Cate was shot and instantly killed by a burglar in Stowe’s drug store at 2:30 on September 21, 1902.
The night marshal, in making his rounds, discovered the rear door of the drug store open, and entered. He advanced but a short distance when he was fired upon by the burglar who fired two shots, both of which struck Marshal Kate in the head and he fell dead. A young man who was sleeping in a room curtained off from the store, was aroused by the shots and an exchange of shots took place between him and the burglar, without result. The burglar escaped through the front door. A posse, which was formed to search for the suspect, exchanged shots later with a suspicious character between Goldfield and Independence, but failed to capture him.Night Marshal Cate's murderer was never identified or located.
Albert B. Smith
Night Patrolman
Department/Agency: Cripple Creek Police Department
EOW: November 10, 1908
Bio: Night Patrolman Albert Smith was shot and killed on Bennett Avenue in front of the Turf Saloon by the owner George Goode. Patrolman Smith had responded to a fight which was occurring between Goode and Bob Dalton. The two men were having a disagreement over a woman and Patrolman Smith stopped the initial confrontation. However, the argument then continued into the street where Patrolman Smith confronted Goode about waving his gun on the street. As Patrolman Smith turned to walk away Goode fired a fatal shot at Patrolman Smith who staggered and then fell to the sidewalk dying. Goode, realizing what he had done turned the gun on himself firing it into his head. A lynch mob was formed over the fact Goode had also killed three other men but lacked a leader and he died two days later of the self-inflicted gunshot wound.
John W. Rowan
Chief of Detectives
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: September 13, 1918
Bio: Chief of Detectives John Rowan had received information that a notorious group of bank robbers, known as the Lewis-Jones Gang, were in town and had been seen at a local gas station. Detective Rowan and a small group of Officers responded to the Pikes Peak Oil Filling Station, located on the Northeast corner of Colorado and Nevada Avenues, in an attempt to arrest several members of the gang. As Detective Rowan approached the gang's car one of the robbers pulled out a weapon and shot Detective Rowan. The bullet entered Detective Rowan's right shoulder and exited his left side, killing him a short time later. The members of the Lewis-Jones Gang escaped the shootout that day. However, all of the members of the gang were either apprehended or killed in gun battles with other law enforcement agencies by the end of November 1918.
John H. Lindamood
Night Marshal
Department/Agency: Fountain Police Department
EOW: April 8, 1921
Bio: Night Marshal John Lindamood was shot and killed, while on duty patrolling his rounds, when he interrupted a burglary of the town's bank. Investigators believe a trio of bank robbers, known as the Lucas Gang, drove up to a filling station just across the street from the Fountain National Bank, located at the Northeast corner of Main and Missouri. One of robbers crossed the street to get a closer look of the bank. However, when he crossed the street he noticed Marshal Lindamood walking along the opposite side of Main street and ducked into the shadows. Marshal Lindamood spotted the man trying to hide in the shadows and followed him for about two blocks. When Marshal Lindamood tried to confront the man he was shot in the chest and fatally wounded. Night Marshal John Lindamood's body was found that morning of April 8th 1921 lying in the street. The Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation and arrested two men for the murder but neither were convicted due to the lack of evidence in the case.
Harvery C. Neese
Night Marshal
Department/Agency: Cripple Creek Police Department
EOW: July 3, 1921
Bio: Night Marshal Harvey Calvin "Cal" Neese was killed while arresting a suspect who was creating a disturbance in the downtown area in the early hours of Friday July 3rd 1920. It was reported to Cripple Creek Officers that William Sloan was intoxicated, making threats. Witnesses stated Sloan had consumed a quantity of liquor and was carrying a .45 revolver with him and expressed he was prepared to shoot up the town. After Sloan struck a man, Michael Heslin, over the head with the butt end of his revolver, he encountered Marshal Neese on Bennett Avenue. Marshal Neese approached Sloan telling him he was under arrest but while doing so, Sloan pulled out his .45 caliber revolver and shot Marshal Neese in the chest. Despite being fatally wounded Marshal Neese was able to disarm the man. William Sloan was initially charged with drunkenness and caring a concealed weapon and when Marshal Neese died later that day he was also charged with first degree murder. Sloan was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Marion E. Sanders
Undersheriff
Department/Agency: El Paso County Sheriff's Office
EOW: December 20, 1923
Bio: On the morning of December 20, 1923, Undersheriff Marion Sanders was waiting with several deputies to intercept an expected illegal alcohol shipment en route from Teller County. While manning their post on Ute Pass their car's battery began malfunctioning. They took the car to the Tourist Garage service station in Manitou Springs to have a mechanic take a look at the faulty battery. With the intent of leaving the station to continue their duties, Undersheriff Sanders attempted to crank his vehicles engine to get it started when his .45 caliber service weapon fell from his holster. The weapon discharged when it hit the ground, and the round struck Undersheriff Sanders. The other deputies attempted lifesaving efforts, but he died a short time later.
Morris W. Dolan
Chief of Police
Department/Agency: Cripple Creek Police Department
EOW: August 23, 1940
Bio: Chief of Police Morris Dolan was killed after rushing into a burning rooming house in an attempt to rescue occupants. Chief Dolan was called to a fierce fire at the Louis Weiner Building, located at 230 East Bennett Avenue, in downtown Cripple Creek. When he arrived much of the building was already fully engulfed in flames, but being told that a child might still be in the building, Chief Dolan rushed in with his gas mask anyway. The fire was so great the Victor Fire Department, seven miles away, was need to gain control of the blaze. It wasn't until this time someone noticed Chief Dolan was still in the building. Victor's Fire Chief Armour Olson along with Victor Firefighter Henry "June" Hack rushed into the remains of the smoldering building with their gas masks on. Climbing a damaged and dangers staircase they found Chief Dolan alive but unconscious in an upper room of the building. Chief Dolan was rushed to the hospital where he later died from the smoke and heat encountered in the blaze.
George Kaltenberger
Detective Sergeant
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: June 12, 1941
Bio: On May 31 of 1941, Detective Sergeant Kaltenberger was accidentally shot in the abdomen, while at work in the City’s police station, now the old City Hall building. Kaltenberger’s own .45-calliber automatic dislodged from his holster, fell to the floor, and discharged. He died one day after his 24th anniversary of his appointment to the Colorado Springs, Police Department.
Harold M. Bechtelheimer
Trooper
Department/Agency: Colorado State Patrol
EOW: September 14 1949
Bio: While patrolling Highway 85/87, Trooper Bechtelheimer stopped a 1949 Buick for speeding. Unbeknownst to Trooper Bechtelheimer, the vehicle has been stolen in Denver and the subjects had just robbed a liquor store in Castle Rock. A gunfight ensued. Harold died at the scene. Both of the suspects were in custody within thirteen hours of the shooting, through a cooperative effort between the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Trooper Bechtelheimer was the first Colorado State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty as a result of a shooting.
Richard S. Burchfield
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: November 16, 1953
Bio: Rich Burchfield had been involved in investigation a series of armed robberies occurring in the city. On Thanksgiving night, Officer Burchfield has been checking an area of town for the robbery suspect. Officer Burchfield radioed Dispatch that he would be en route to Headquarters to meet with detectives. Shortly thereafter, Officer Burchfield was found lying dead in his patrol car, shot seven times. Much of what happened to Officer Burchfield remains a mystery. Because of evidence at the scene, it is believed that Officer Burchfield had taken the robbery suspect into custody and was shot by the suspect while transporting the suspect to Headquarters. No arrests were ever made in this case.
Bernard L. Carter
Pilot Officer
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: May 14, 1975
Bio: Berney Carter and a civilian observer has been assisting patrol officers in attempting to control a riot involving 250 junior and senior high school students. After remaining on scene for several minutes, Officer Carter advised Dispatch that the riot appeared to be subsiding and he cleared the area. A few minutes after the last transmission, Police Communications Center was advised of an aviation crash at an intersection off South Carefree Circle. Witnesses at the scene stated that the helicopter looked as if it was losing power. IT would have crashed into some nearby homes. However, the pilot was able to gain some power back and literally hop over the top of the house, then crashed into the street.
Jack R. Coler
Special Agent
Department/Agency: Federal Bureau of Investigations
EOW: June 6, 1975
Bio:On June 26, 1975, Special Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams were killed while attempting to serve arrest warrants for robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon on the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation in the Ridge South Dakota. Four people were indicted for the murders of Special Agents Williams and Coler. The government dismissed this charges against one of those individuals and two others were acquitted by a jury on July 16, 1976. The fourth person indicted, Leonard Peltier, was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Special Agents Williams and Coler.
Dennis J. Ives
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: August 7, 1975
Bio: Denny Ives had been en route to assist in the Pageant of the Rockies Parade. While traveling southbound on I-25, just south of Uintah, Officer Ives was involved in an accident. Officer Ives’ motorcycle left the right side of the roadway, coming to rest in an area hidden from view of the roadway and nearby houses. The accident was not discovered until several hours after it has occurred. When officers arrived on the scene to investigate, the y found that Officer Ives was dead.
Donald R. Laabs
Detective Sergeant
Department/Agency: Manitou Springs Police Department
EOW: December 18, 1975
Bio: Detective Laabs was an undercover narcotics agent for the Manitou Police Department. Don Laabs was found shot to death, in his car, on the roadside of Interstate 25 near the Arvada Street exit. Prior to succumbing to his wounds Detective Laabs was able to fire who shots at his assailants. Investigators have not determined a clear motive in the killing. No suspects have been identified to this point.
Harry L. Allen
Investigator
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: December 22, 1975
Bio: On a cold December evening, Harry Allen had been dispatched to a single car rollover accident at the intersection of Platte Avenue and Powers Boulevard. At the time, traffic investigators’ cars were not equipped with overhead light bars. The intersection was dark and unlit. The victim of the accident was transported to a local hospital while Officer Allen remained on the scene to investigate. As Officer Allen was taking measurements of the accident scene, he was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling south on Powers. Officer Allen was carried on the hood of the car for at least 150 feet before he fell to the pavement. The driver was cited for careless driving and fined $25.00 for the accident.
Augustus J. Perriera
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: April 12, 1980
Bio: Patrolman Augustus Perreira was shot and killed after stopping at a local convenience store. He had entered the store unaware that a disturbance call had just been placed from there. He began to escort a male out of the store when the man stated he was not going to go to jail. The suspect then produced a handgun and shot Patrolman Perreira several times. He was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. The suspect was found guilty by reason of insanity and sent to the Colorado State Hospital where he still remains to this day.
Michael J. Hurley
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: March 27, 1981
Bio: While off-duty, Mike Hurley had been involved in an altercation. Rather than face a serious confrontation, Officer Hurley went to a nearby house in the Eastlake’s area to try to get help. Officer Hurley was asking for help and requesting to use the phone. When he was refused assistance, Officer Hurley turned and went back towards the disturbance. Officer Hurley was then stabbed and died a short time later at a local hospital. The suspect was tried and convicted, and was later paroled after serving four years in prison.
Mark L. Dabling
Patrolman
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: December 6, 1982
Bio: Officer Dabling made a traffic stop in the 300 block of West Fillmore. Unknown to Officer Dabling, the person he pulled over was a prison escapee from Florida and had committed murder before. As Officer Dabling exited the patrol car and walked towards the violator’s car, the violator slid to the passenger’s side and exited the car with a sawed off .44 caliber carbine. Officer Dabling turned, trying to move toward cover, was shot and fatally wounded. An out-of-state off-duty officer used Office Dabling's radio to call for help. The suspect fled the scene and was later apprehended. The suspect is serving a life sentence at the Colorado State Penitentiary.
Charles A. Fry
Trooper
Department/Agency: Colorado State Patrol
EOW: September 26, 1987
Bio: While Trooper Fry was on a traffic contact at the summit of Monument Hill, a vehicle drove onto the shoulder of the road and struck him. The vehicle that hit Trooper Fry did not stop. A Flight for Life helicopter quickly responded to the scene and transported Trooper Fry to Colorado Springs where he died as a result of his injuries, later that night. A description of the hit and run vehicle was aired and it was stopped in Denver. The driver of the vehicle was found to be intoxicated and later convicted of vehicular homicide.
Cecilia M. Cipriani
Lieutenant
Department/Agency: El Paso County Sheriff's Office
EOW: November 16, 1990
Bio: Just after 1:30 a.m. on November 16, 1990, Lieutenant Cecilia M. Cipriani "C.C." arrived home after her shift. When Lieutenant Cipriani failed to show up for work the next day, deputies went to her home and found her lying dead on the floor from a single gun shot wound. Lieutenant Cipriani was still dressed in her uniform from the night before. To this date, the case remains unsolved.
Hugh A. Martin
Deputy
Department/Agency: El Paso County Sheriff's Office
EOW: April 13, 1992
Bio: During the evening of April 13, 1992, Deputy Hugh Martin was on the entry team for a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Team operation involving a dangerous narcotics dealer. While Conducting the tactical entry Deputy Martin was first through the door and was shot once in the chest with a round from a high powered rifle by the suspect. Deputy Martin was killed instantly as a result of his wound. Deputy Martin's S.W.A.T. Team members returned fire and subdued the suspect. He pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison, where he later died.
Brent A. Holloway
Deputy
Department/Agency: Teller County Sheriff's Office
EOW: October 16, 1995
Bio: Deputy Brent Holloway was guarding the scene of a suspected residential arson fire in the Trout Haven subdivision of Teller County. During the early morning hours, a suspect walked up to the driver’s side of Deputy Holloway’s patrol vehicle and shot Deputy Holloway once in the head with a 12 gauge shotgun. Deputy Holloway was killed instantly. Taking Deputy Holloway’s service weapon with him, the suspect entered an unoccupied home in the immediate vicinity, and committed suicide with Deputy Holloway’s service weapon.
Jared S. Jensen
Detective
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: February 22, 2006
Bio: Detective Jared Scott Jensen served the citizens of Colorado Springs for three and a half years, and was appointed to the position of Detective with the Colorado Springs Police Department Metro Vice, Narcotics an Intelligence Unit. On February 22, 2006, Detective Jensen received information on the location of a suspect wanted for the brutal and violent attempted murder of the suspect’s sister. Detective Jensen located the suspect in the area of Costilla Street and Hancock Avenue. As Detective Jensen contact the suspect, the suspect produced a handgun and fatally wounded Detective Jensen. The suspect fled the scene, but was apprehended and hour and a half later by law enforcement.
Kenneth C. Jordan
Police Officer
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: December 5, 2006
Bio: Officer Kenneth Chua Jordan served the citizens of Colorado Springs for seven years. On February 15, 2004, Officer Jordan began working as one of eight DUI Enforcement Officers on the Colorado Springs Police Department. On December 4, 2006, Officer Jordan responded to the 4400 block of East Fountain Blvd to assist two officers on a traffic stop of a driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. When Office Jordan contacted the suspect, the suspect produced a handgun and fatally wounded Officer Jordan. The other two officers took the suspect into custody.
Matthew R. Tyner
Police Officer
Department/Agency: Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: July 24, 2012
Bio: On July 24, 2012, Motor Officer Matt Tyner was killed in a motorcycle accident while performing traffic enforcement on Austin Bluffs Parkway between Oro Blanco and Old Farm Drive, shortly after 2:30 PM. His motorcycle collided with another vehicle, causing him to suffer fatal injuries.
Thomas L. Clements
Executive Director
Department/Agency: Colorado Department of Corrections
EOW: March 19, 2013
Bio: Thomas “Tom” Clements was a devoted public servant who dedicated more than 30 years of his life to corrections in Missouri and Colorado. Guided by dignity, compassion and integrity, Mr. Clements approached positive change for offenders strategically and progressively and was committed to creating exceptional leadership in corrections. During his time with the Colorado Department of Corrections, Mr. Clements emphasized evidence based practices and created a common mission, vision and value for the Colorado Department of Corrections. His vision “To build a safer Colorado for today and tomorrow” continues in his absence. Mr. Clements began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections in 1982 as a probation and parole officer. He would go on to hold many different positions in the Division of Probation and Parole and Division of Adult Institutions until his promotion in 2007, to the Director of Division of Adult Institutions. In January 2001, he was appointed as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections by Governor John Hickenlooper. Mr. Clements was murdered at his home in Monument, Colorado. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was the 16th DOC employee to lose his life in the line of duty.
Garrett Swasey
Officer
Department/Agency: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Police Department
EOW: November 27, 2015
Bio: On Friday, November 27, 2015, at approximately 11:38 AM, a call came in to the Colorado Springs Emergency Communications Center regarding an active shooter. Members from the Colorado Springs Police Department responded to Planned Parenthood at the 3400 block of Centennial Blvd. Officers encountered active gunfire and requested additional assistance from surrounding agencies. Officer Garrett Swasey, an officer with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Police Department responded to the scene to assist and was killed.
Micah L. Flick
Deputy Sheriff
Department/Agency: El Paso County Sheriff's Office
EOW: February 5, 2018
Age: 34
Bio: Deputy Sheriff Micah Flick was shot and killed while conducting an auto theft investigation in the area of Galley Road and N Murray Boulevard, in Colorado Springs, at approximately 4:00 pm.
Several officers attempted to take a suspect into custody, but the man began to struggle and then opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Flick and wounding two other deputies, a Colorado Springs police officer, and a bystander. The man was shot and killed by return gunfire.
Deputy Flick had served with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. He was killed on the 11th anniversary of starting with the department.
