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Incident
Officer Michael Conley and Trooper Hugh Purdy, of the Colorado State Patrol, drowned while assisting victims of the Big Thompson Flood. Officer Conley was off duty at the time and in the area of Big Thompson Canyon when he heard of the need for help. He offered his assistance and was responsible for the rescue of at least 60 people before being killed in the flood.
Survivors
Officer Conley was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Conley served with the Estes Park Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Estes Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Conley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Michael is the only officer of Estes Park Police Department remembered here.
Michael is one of 101 officers lost to accidents in CO, 28% of the 361 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 3 officers in CO were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 66 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 4.
In 1976, 59 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 76th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1976, 77 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
July holds 11.9% of these deaths in CO, more than any other month. Saturdays: 13.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Estes Park Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 28% of all 361 deaths in CO, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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