Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jack Rickers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had been firing a handgun inside a tavern in Tuolomne City.
He was shot several times after encountering the man in an alley behind the post office at 9:30 p.m. A constable who witnessed the shooting saw the man leave the scene and go into his cabin. The constable notified the sheriff and a posse was formed. The posse tossed tear gas into the cabin, forcing the subject to surrender. He was taken into custody and charged with murder.
On December 4, 1953, the suspect, 62, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on January 6, 1956.
Deputy Rickers held a dual commission as a deputy sheriff and a constable.
RIP, my Brother
Todd Blankenship, Sr. Investigator (Ret) San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office May 12th, 2020
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CA-E6FBA518- 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 Rickers served with the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sonora community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rickers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Albert Rickers 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Albert Rickers's cause is highlighted.
How John Albert Rickers Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Albert Rickers is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Albert Rickers was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
