Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Moran was shot and killed while attempting to protect a woman during a shootout with bank robbery suspects. The woman had come out of her house during the shootout to see what was going on. As she advanced towards Deputy Moran he attempted to warn her to go back into her home but she did not understand what he was saying. As she continued to walk towards Deputy Moran he left his cover to try to protect the woman. As he stood up he was struck by gunfire and killed instantly. Eight suspects were apprehended and charged with robbery and first-degree murder. Seven were convicted of first-degree murder and robbery. The eighth was convicted of second-degree murder. Only one remains in prison. The others have been released. Deputy Moran was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for 2-1/2 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-3D080E5C- 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.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Moran gave the Pierce County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tacoma 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
Kenneth J. Moran served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth J. Moran is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1.3 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Pierce County Sheriff's Department, 6 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 54.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Kenneth J. Moran's cause is highlighted.
How Kenneth J. Moran Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kenneth J. Moran is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kenneth J. Moran was killed by gun.
Military Service
Kenneth J. Moran served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Kenneth J. Moran’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Pierce County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
