Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Constable John Bratton and Constable H.L. Smith were shot and killed by the brother of a man they had just arrested. They were taking the man to jail but allowed him to stop by his home to retrieve some property.
While inside the home the man attempted to grab a gun but was shot by Constable Smith. The suspect's brother, who was in the home, then opened fire on the officers, killing both.
Both brothers were arrested and charged with two counts of first degree murder.
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 125th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer
Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05 February 1st, 2012
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-AR-D6F0B0A3- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
139 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Constable Bratton served with the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sheridan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable John A. Bratton 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 AR, 249 of 372 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.9% of this state's fallen. That is 12.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Grant 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. John A. Bratton's cause is highlighted.
How John A. Bratton Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John A. Bratton is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John A. Bratton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Grant County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
