Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Walter Artz was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance. As officers attempted to calm the man down at the back door of the home the man suddenly began firing, fatally wounding Sergeant Artz. Officers returned fire and wounded the man, who then committed suicide. Sergeant Artz had served with the Vigo County Sheriff's Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-0ABB3F37- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Walter. 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.
Sergeant Artz gave the Vigo County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Terre Haute community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Artz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Walter Kevin Artz 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%.
At Vigo County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Kevin Artz's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Kevin Artz Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Kevin Artz is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Kevin Artz was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Vigo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
