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Albert D. Sterling
Incident
Chief of Police Albert Sterling and Sergeant Sagotal were killed by a group of Indians, including Geronimo, who were coming to raid the town of San Carlos, Arizona. Chief Sterling and Sergeant Sagotal rode out to intercept them at their camp near the confluence of the San Carlos River and Gila River. The group shot both officers, killing Chief Sterling and wounding Sergeant Sagotal. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Sagotal rode back to town, organized a posse, and returned to the area. Upon their return, Sergeant Sagotal was fatally wounded. Chief Sterling was killed first and the guide later. The group of Indians, numbering over 100, murdered over 50 people as they made their way to Mexico. They were attacked by both United States and Mexican troopers in which over 90 warriors were killed and over 30 women and children were captured.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Chief of Police Sterling served with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the San Carlos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Albert is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Albert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Albert 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 1882, 4 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1882, 45 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1882, 51 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 142nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Albert was 29. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39.
Albert 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.
Albert was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 9.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2.5% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Albert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
