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Incident
Ranger Carlos Tafolla was shot and killed during a shootout along Reservation Creek near the Black River. He was riding with a posse that was tracking the Bill Smith Gang. Ranger Tafolla and Deputy Sheriff Bill Maxwell of the Apache County Sheriff's Office were approaching the gang when one of the gang members asked how they should surrender. As the man approached them, he was dragging his rifle behind him but brought it up and shot Deputy Maxwell in the head, killing him instantly. Ranger Tafolla was shot twice in the torso and died that night. The suspect fled to Argentina and was never apprehended. As Ranger Tafolla was dying, he pulled out a silver dollar and asked that it be given to his wife as it, and his unpaid wages would be all that she would get. A two-year pension was later approved for her when the story was told. Ranger Tafolla had been an Arizona Ranger for only six weeks. He was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried in Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery, Saint Johns, Apache County, Arizona.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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.
Ranger Tafolla served with the Arizona Rangers.
Thank you for your service to the Phoenix community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Ranger Tafolla.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Carlos is the only officer of Arizona Rangers remembered here.
Carlos is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Carlos is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Carlos is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1901, 3 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Carlos was 36. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Carlos had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Carlos was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Carlos had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Carlos was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Carlos had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 5.4% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Tuesdays: 15.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Arizona Rangers. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.4% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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