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Incident
Sheriff James Rattazzi was killed in an automobile crash while returning to Eureka after going to Palisade on business. The accident occurred one mile north of Eureka.
Sheriff Rattazzi had served as sheriff for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-52X0-7FF8-Kearlier record number BO-US-NV-E6789A83- Stewardship
- 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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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Rattazzi gave the Eureka County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eureka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Rattazzi.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Eureka County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 40 officers lost to accidents in NV, 27.4% of the 146 remembered there.
James is one of 8,274 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,543 remembered there.
James is one of 10,099 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 1 officer in NV was lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 31 years on record. The heaviest was 1966, with 3.
In 1938, 89 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1938, 100 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 43. Of the 39 lost to accidents in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47; the middle age was 40. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
James was 43. Of the 7,715 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 43. Of the 9,448 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 17.5% of these deaths in NV, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 25%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Eureka County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.4% of all 146 deaths in NV, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Eureka County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Eureka County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.