Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant David Zesiger was killed when his patrol vehicle, a Chevrolet Blazer, was struck head-on by a drunk driver while he was on routine patrol at approximately 9:15 pm. The crash occurred on Route 260, eight miles east of McNary. The drunk driver was sentenced to four years in prison. After one year he was released, but arrested again four days later for drunk driving, and returned to prison to complete his term. Sergeant Zesiger had served with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, parents, sister, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AZ-97C3887D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Zesiger gave the Arizona Department of Public Safety 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Arizona. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Zesiger.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant David Jon Zesiger is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AZ, 204 of 330 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Arizona Department of Public Safety, 16 of 31 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 51.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David Jon Zesiger's cause is highlighted.
How David Jon Zesiger Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to four years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David Jon Zesiger is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David Jon Zesiger was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Arizona Department of Public Safety are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
