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Incident
City Marshal Edward Masterson was shot and killed after disarming a drunk man who was in violation of the town's ordinance against carrying guns. After taking the gun, Marshal Masterson started walking away, but the man produced another pistol and shot him. Marshal Masterson's brother, who was across the street at the time, returned fire and killed the subject. Marshal Masterson had served with the Dodge City Police Department for a little over one year. He was survived by his parents and brothers. He is buried in an unmarked grave at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, Kansas.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
148 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Masterson gave the Dodge City Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Dodge City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dodge City Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward 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 1878, 2 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1878, 51 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1878, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 26. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Edward had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Edward was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.6% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 15.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Dodge City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.4% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Dodge City Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Dodge City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
