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Incident
Night Officer Albert Nettle succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot during an escape attempt from the city jail, located in the old City Hall. The city marshal was returning four prisoners to their cells after supper when one of the men objected to being separated. He and the marshal began to struggle, at which time the marshal's gun fell from its holster. As one of the prisoners picked it up Officer Nettle entered the room and grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms down. As Officer Nettled held onto the man another prisoner approached him from behind, grabbed his gun from its holster, and opened fire. The first round struck the prisoner Officer Nettle was holding, killing him instantly. The man then shot Officer Nettle in the back as he bent over, with the round exiting his neck. The man then fled the scene but was arrested a short time later. Officer Nettle never regained consciousness before dying on May 19th, 1919. The prisoner who murdered Officer Nettle was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter.
Survivors
Officer Nettle was survived by his mother, five brothers, and two sisters.
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.
Night Officer Nettle served with the Tempe Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Tempe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Officer Nettle.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tempe Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Albert is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Albert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Albert 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 1919, 2 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Albert was 34. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39.
Albert was 34. 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.
Albert was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 13.2% of these deaths in AZ, more than any other month. Mondays: 15.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Tempe Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 6.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Tempe Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Albert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Tempe Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
