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Incident
Marshal George Smith was shot and killed at approximately 11:00 am as he and the Dolores County sheriff attempted to serve warrants on two subjects wanted for stealing saddles.
The men were staying a residence in Rico and were preparing to leave after learning that the officers were looking for them. Marshal Smith and the sheriff entered the home just as the two were preparing to leave. One of the men inside opened fire, killing Marshal Smith, before both fled.
Both men were arrested on the Navajo Reservation one week later and were returned to Rico. A group of angry citizens removed the men from the jail and lynched them both.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Marshal Smith served with the Rico Marshal's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Rico community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Rico Marshal's Office remembered here.
George is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
George is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1882, 4 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1882, 45 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1882, 51 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 142nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 6.4% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Saturdays: 13.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Rico Marshal's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-ET
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