Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Powell Emigh was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at the local post office.
At approximately 2 am, two suspects had broken into the post office in Rio Vista. Gangs of criminals had been targeting post offices to break into the safes. As Marshal Emigh was walking down the alley beside the post office, he encountered someone acting as a lookout. The suspect, thinking that Marshal Emigh was drawing a handgun, shot and killed him. He was discovered about four hours later by his wife.
The suspects fled in a stolen automobile and were eventually arrested and charged with murder. They were both acquitted.
Town Marshal Emigh was survived by his wife and nine siblings. One of his brothers also served with the Rio Vista Police Department.
Survivors
Town Marshal Emigh was survived by his wife and nine siblings.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CA-1E6DD8A9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Town Marshal Emigh served with the Rio Vista Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rio Vista community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Emigh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Jarvis Powell Emigh 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jarvis Powell Emigh's cause is highlighted.
How Jarvis Powell Emigh Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jarvis Powell Emigh is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jarvis Powell Emigh was killed by gun; unknown type.