Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Ronald Lampe was shot and killed while attempting to serve a narcotics warrant on a home with five other officers. Two plainclothes officers went to the front door and attempted to gain entry by claiming they were there for a party that was going on. The suspect was nervous and did not let the officers in. They walked back down the street and informed Sergeant Lampe of the situation. Sergeant Lampe decided to continue with the warrant service and proceeded to the back door with two officers while three other officers went to the front door. The officers in the back knocked on the door but did not receive an answer. They then entered the dark house and identified themselves as officers. While they searched the house the suspect opened fire with a .22-caliber rifle, striking one of the officers in the chest, wounding him. Sergeant Lampe was also struck several times and died of his wounds. The suspect was apprehended but was acquitted during trial after claiming he did not hear the knock on the door or the officers announcing themselves and that he fired in self-defense. Sergeant Lampe had served with the Henry County Sheriff's Department for 6½ years.
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- 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.
Sergeant Lampe gave the Henry County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Castle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Lampe.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Ronald L. Lampe 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald L. Lampe's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald L. Lampe Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald L. Lampe is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald L. Lampe was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.