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Incident
Sheriff Bill Miller and Deputy Sheriff Louis Falkenburg were shot and killed while attempting to arrest members of an Indian tribe wanted for slaughtering livestock belonging to local ranchers. Sheriff Miller and his posse went to Lightning Creek where the confrontation occurred. During the shootout, both officers received fatal injuries and five of the Indians were also shot and killed. No suspects were ever charged as none of the Indians could be identified. Sheriff Miller was elected sheriff in 1898 and began his term in January 1899.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Sheriff Miller gave the Weston County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newcastle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Miller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Weston County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 41 officers killed feloniously in WY, 65.1% of the 63 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 1903, 5 officers in WY were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 39. Of the 32 killed feloniously in WY whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45; the middle age was 41.5. William had served 4.9 years; the middle length of service was 2 years.
William was 39. 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. William had served 4.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 4.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.8% of these deaths in WY; March holds the most, 14.6%. Thursdays: 14.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Weston County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.1% of all 63 deaths in WY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 43.9% 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.
His people
Weston County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Weston County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.