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Incident
Patrolman Charles Strawhun was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer. Patrolman Strawhun was killed by a fellow officer while they were practicing quick draws. The officers had just returned to the police station from a pistol range, and the other officer had only been on the force two months. He neglected to take one bullet from his cylinder before they began drawing on each other. The gun went off, and Patrolman Strawhun was fatally wounded. Patrolman Strawhun had served with the Holtville Police Department for six years.
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.
Patrolman Strawhun gave the Holtville Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Holtville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Strawhun.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Holtville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Charles is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 6 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 1963, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1963, 67 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 79th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 26. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 26. 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. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.3% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Holtville Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, 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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Holtville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Holtville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.