Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Carlton Stearns was shot and killed with his own service weapon while on patrol near Copalis. His service weapon was found 65 feet from his body. No suspects were ever identified. Deputy Stearns had served with the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office for five years. He was survived by his wife, two children, and his father. He is buried at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Washington.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, and his father.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-DADF1706- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Carlton. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Stearns gave the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Montesano community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stearns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Carlton Mason Stearns is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 340 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55% of this state's fallen. That is 55 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 83.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Carlton Mason Stearns's cause is highlighted.
How Carlton Mason Stearns Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Carlton Mason Stearns is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Carlton Mason Stearns was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
