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Incident
Sheriff Dave Malcolm and Agent Thomas Matthews of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation were shot and killed while conducting a roadblock near the town of Spearfish at the intersection of South Dakota Highway 14 and 85. Both officers were shot around 7 p.m. by an escaped murderer from Minnesota. The suspect was apprehended and executed in the electric chair in 1947. Sheriff Malcolm was a World War I veteran who was elected as Sheriff of Butte County Sheriff's Office in 1945 and previously served as a deputy sheriff. He was survived by his wife and daughter. A portion of Highway 85 has been dedicated to Sheriff Malcolm and Agent Matthews.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Malcolm gave the Butte County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Belle Fourche community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Dave Malcolm served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dave is the only officer of Butte County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Dave is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in SD, 57.8% of the 64 remembered there.
Dave is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Dave is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 2 officers in SD were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 28 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 3.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dave was 56. Of the 31 killed feloniously in SD whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.5; the middle age was 37. Dave had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Dave was 56. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Dave had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dave was 56. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Dave had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 5.4% of these deaths in SD; September holds the most, 21.6%. Thursdays: 18.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Butte County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.8% of all 64 deaths in SD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 29.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Dave Malcolm served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Dave Malcolm’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Butte County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.