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Incident
Officer James Snedigar was shot and killed while performing a SWAT raid on armed robbery suspects at 1100 N. Priest Drive.
The suspects had been chased to an apartment complex after robbing a jewelry store in Tempe, Arizona. They then forced their way into an apartment and holed up. The SWAT team tossed stun grenades into the apartment but were met by gunfire as they entered. Officer Snedigar, who was the point man and was wearing body armor, was shot in the face just inside the doorway.
Other officers returned fire, killing one of the suspects, who was also wearing a bulletproof vest.
Officer Snedigar had served with the Chandler Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and grandson.
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. Army. One record, 2 gates. James is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Snedigar gave the Chandler Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chandler community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Snedigar.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Robert Snedigar served in the U.S. Army (1984â1986) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chandler Police Department has lost 7 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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 1999, 4 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1999, 58 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 133rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1999, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 38. 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. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Fridays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Chandler Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Chandler Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Military Service
James Robert Snedigar served in the U.S. Army (1984–1986) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Robert Snedigar’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 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chandler Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
