Prev
Incident
Sergeant George Sullivan was found beaten to death next to his patrol car near an information kiosk on Center Street at approximately 1 a.m. Sergeant Sullivan was ambushed by a man who held a hatred for law enforcement officers. The man attacked him with a hatchet, fatally wounding him. His body was found by two university employees walking through campus. After murdering Sergeant Sullivan, the suspect took his gun belt and gun and fled the area. He was arrested two days later after a standoff with the Salt Lake City, Utah, Police Department. On Oct. 6, 1999, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Sergeant Sullivan had served with the University of Nevada Reno Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnhfg17m32t93s5tv350- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Sullivan gave the University of Nevada Reno Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Reno community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Sullivan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
University of Nevada Reno Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1998, 1 officer in NV was killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1998, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1998, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 43. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. George had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
George was 43. 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. George had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.3% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Tuesdays: 14.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at University of Nevada Reno Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 3.7% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
University of Nevada Reno Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from University of Nevada Reno Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
