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Incident
Patrolman Peterson and Chief James Daily both succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous day when they attempted to apprehend a suspicious person at the Sibley Hotel. The man was mentally deranged and opened fire on the officers, mortally wounding both of them. The suspect was committed in a state mental hospital and died there on May 11, 1931. Patrolman Peterson had served with the agency for 14 years.
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.
Patrolman Peterson gave the Red Wing Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Red Wing community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Peterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Red Wing Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1907, 2 officers in MN were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 51. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 51. 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. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 51. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 5.8% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Wednesdays: 12.7%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Red Wing Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.1% 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
Red Wing Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Red Wing Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
