Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joe Runions succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while searching for stolen property on a farm. A representative from a bank that owned the stolen storm shudders had gone to the farm owned by the suspect. While searching a granary, the suspect ordered them out and then opened fire with a .410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Runions in the face and the other man in the shoulder. The two men then attempted to take cover. The suspect then obtained a .22 caliber rifle and shot the other man in the head as he ran from the granary, killing him. Deputy Runions took cover as the suspect continued firing and was not struck again. The suspect was arrested a short time later. Deputy Runions was taken to a hospital in Bismarck, where he died of his wounds the following day. The 61-year-old suspect was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on May 10, 1955. Deputy Runions was a United States Army World War I veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-032642D0- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Runions served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Stanton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Joseph Runions served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff Joseph Runions 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 ND, 39 of 61 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Mercer 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. Joseph Runions's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Runions Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Runions is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Runions was killed by shotgun; 410 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mercer County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
