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Incident
Chief of Police Paul Mueller was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Highway 71, 1/2 mile south of West Fork at 11 pm. Chief Mueller had pulled the car over as a suspected drunk driver, and the occupants were two criminals who had just robbed the Pizza Hut in Fayetteville at gunpoint. One of the men had just been released from the federal penitentiary. While approaching the vehicle, the subjects opened fire on him, striking him in the chest. Before succumbing to his wounds, Chief Mueller was able to return fire and wounded one of the men. Chief Mueller was found by gasoline attendants next to his patrol car with lights still on and the engine still running. The second man fled but was shot and killed several days later in a shootout with officers. The wounded subject was found near Chief Mueller. Once shot, the second subject pushed him out of the vehicle onto an embankment. He was convicted of capital murder. Chief Mueller had served with the West Fork Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Mueller gave the West Fork Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Fork community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Mueller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paul is the only officer of West Fork Police Department remembered here.
Paul is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul 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 1981, 4 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 38. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. Paul had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Paul was 38. 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. Paul had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 13.3%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at West Fork Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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