Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Silas Ralston was shot and killed as he attempted to stop a quarrel between two men at a saloon in Bozeman. He was killed instantly when one of the men drew a revolver and shot him.
Several witnesses said the suspects revolver discharged accidentally. Others said the killing was intentional. All agreed that the suspect was very intoxicated. He was charged with manslaughter.
Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 5th, 2020
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MT-0127BB62- 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
148 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Ralston served with the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bozeman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Silas Ralston 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 MT, 93 of 142 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.5% of this state's fallen. That is 65.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Silas Ralston's cause is highlighted.
How Silas Ralston Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Silas Ralston is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Silas Ralston was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Gallatin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
