Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Hyram Peterson was shot and killed by a theft suspect while on duty. He observed two men attempting to steal a bicycle, and he gave chase on his own bicycle. He was shot by the two men when he caught them at the edge of town. Both men were eventually apprehended. Marshal Peterson had been the town marshal for five years. He was survived by his wife and children. He is buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AZ-F8924FA2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Hyram. 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.
Town Marshal Peterson gave the Mesa Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mesa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Peterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Hyram Smith Peterson 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 97,756 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 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Mesa Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Hyram Smith Peterson's cause is highlighted.
How Hyram Smith Peterson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Hyram Smith Peterson is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Hyram Smith Peterson was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mesa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
