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Incident
Sheriff John Nunn was killed when a gasoline tanker exploded in downtown St. Johns. He and a citizen had evacuated onlookers after a gasoline tanker caught fire in the entrance to a service garage. As they were returning to the scene, the tanker exploded and the rear of the truck pinned them against a building. Due to their efforts, only one other person was injured. The resulting fire burned down the surrounding block of businesses.
Survivors
Sheriff Nunn was survived by his wife, three sons, 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.
Sheriff Nunn gave the Apache County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Johns community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Nunn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Apache County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 95 officers lost to accidents in AZ, 28.8% of the 330 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 1 officer in AZ was lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 56 years on record. The heaviest was 1973, with 5.
In 1942, 65 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 65th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1942, 82 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 52nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 54. Of the 92 lost to accidents in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 34.5. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 54. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 54. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in AZ; November holds the most, 14.7%. Saturdays: 6.3%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Apache County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Apache County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Apache County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
