Prev
John Louis Colvig
Incident
Chief of Police John Colvig was shot and killed when he and several other officers were attacked by a group of Apache warriors and scouts who had deserted from the United States Cavalry. The group of 60 warriors had been attacking villages and camps along the trail to the San Carlos Apache Reservation. They encountered Chief Colvig on the Globe Road approximately 10 miles west of San Carlos while he was handing out ration tickets with three other officers. The officers were attacked by the group and Chief Colvig and the other officers were shot and killed. The group continued to flee but were pursued by troops from Fort McDowell and Camp Verde. When the troops located the men a shootout, later named "Battle of Big Dry Wash", ensued in which 22 Apaches including their leader were killed. One soldier was killed. The surviving apaches fled back to the San Carlos Apache Reservation. This was the last major battle between the U.S. Army and the Apaches in Arizona, although there would be many minor battles for years to come. Chief Colvig took the place of Chief Albert D. Sterling who was killed by Apaches ten weeks earlier.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmrdg9peskwrf94md0mm- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Chief of Police Colvig served with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the San Carlos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1882, 4 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
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.
Who
John was 29. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 28.9% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
