Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Pfaffenberger succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered two days earlier while attempting to arrest two suspects who had stolen gas from a service station on U.S. 50. He had set up a roadblock at the intersection of U.S. 50 and U.S. 31 to stop the vehicle. When the suspects encountered the roadblock, they opened fire on the officer, mortally wounding him. The three suspects fled the scene and later in the day shot Deputy Harold Amick of the Scott County Sheriff's Department, who succumbed to his wounds the following day. Three suspects were apprehended and convicted of Deputy Amick's murder. Two offenders were sentenced to life in prison, and the shooter was sentenced to death. On October 9, 1934, he was executed by electrocution. Patrolman Pfaffenberger was a United States World War Army veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-E45D7566- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Pfaffenberger served with the Seymour Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Seymour community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John G. Pfaffenberger served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman John G. Pfaffenberger 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 IN, 311 of 503 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 Seymour Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John G. Pfaffenberger's cause is highlighted.
How John G. Pfaffenberger Compares
Offender Outcome
One executed, one sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John G. Pfaffenberger is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John G. Pfaffenberger was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Seymour Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
