Roll of Honor
Incident
Captain John Russell was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an escaped prisoner on the outskirts of La Veta, Colorado.
The suspect was located in a cabin near the town. As Captain Russell approached the cabin the suspect opened fire. During the ensuing shootout both Captain Russell and the suspect were shot and killed
Captain Russell was survived by his wife.
Survivors
During the ensuing shootout both Captain Russell and the suspect were shot and killed
Captain Russell was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-AE6BD441- 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.
Captain Russell served with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Thank you for your service to the people of Colorado. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Russell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Captain John B. Russell 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 CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Colorado Department of Corrections, 14 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John B. Russell's cause is highlighted.
How John B. Russell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John B. Russell is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John B. Russell was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Colorado Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
