Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Ward was shot and killed as he attempted to raid an illegal gambling hall.
One of the gamblers was another deputy who did not like Deputy Ward and who was "protecting" the establishment. During the raid, the deputy shot and killed Deputy Ward. He was acquitted in the trial, claiming self-defense. However, the sheriff did not agree with the court and fired the deputy.
Deputy Ward was one of the first black deputies with his agency to be killed in the line of duty.
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 20th, 2020
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BO-US-OK-40A59DBC- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Ward served with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tulsa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Ward 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 69.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Ward's cause is highlighted.
How James Ward Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Ward is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Tulsa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
