Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Bill Miller and Deputy Sheriff Louis Falkenburg were shot and killed while attempting to arrest members of an Indian tribe wanted for slaughtering livestock belonging to local ranchers. Sheriff Miller and his posse went to Lightning Creek where the confrontation occurred. During the shootout, both officers received fatal injuries and five of the Indians were also shot and killed. No suspects were ever charged as none of the Indians could be identified. Sheriff Miller was elected sheriff in 1898 and began his term in January 1899.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WY-2A01B093- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Miller gave the Weston County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newcastle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Miller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William H. Miller 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 WY, 41 of 63 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.1% of this state's fallen. That is 65.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Weston County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William H. Miller's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Miller Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Miller is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Miller was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Weston County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
