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Incident
Patrolman Michael Rosa was shot and killed by the city's director of safety after a heated argument. He was in an unmarked police car outside the Silver Dollar Bar in Rock Springs before 1:00 a.m. He went inside, and when he returned, the officer was in the front of the vehicle, waiting for him. When he settled in the back seat, the subject and Patrolman Rosa had words. The subject shot Patrolman Rosa point-blank in his forehead while Patrolman Rosa's gun was still holstered. It was alleged that the suspect killed Patrolman Rosa to keep him from testifying to a grand jury about corruption in the department. He was charged with Patrolman Rosa's murder but was acquitted at trial. Patrolman Rosa was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Rock Springs Police Department for eight months as an undercover narcotics officer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Michael is one person.
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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.
Patrolman Rosa served with the Rock Springs Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Springs 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
Michael Angel Rosa served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1966â1972) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rock Springs Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 41 officers killed feloniously in WY, 65.1% of the 63 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Michael 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 1978, 1 officer in WY was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 30 years on record. The heaviest was 1903, with 5.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 29. Of the 32 killed feloniously in WY whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45; the middle age was 41.5. Michael had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 2 years.
Michael was 29. 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. Michael had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 12.2% of these deaths in WY; March holds the most, 14.6%. Saturdays: 9.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rock Springs Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.1% of all 63 deaths in WY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 14.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rock Springs Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Military Service
Michael Angel Rosa served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1966–1972) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Michael Angel Rosa’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 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rock Springs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.