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Christopher A. Upton
Incident
Location: Georgia Weapon: Rifle Offender: Sentenced to 5 years
Officer Chris Upton was shot and killed by a hunter who mistook him for game at the Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Recreation Area in Jasper County, Georgia.
He was on patrol at 11:00 pm when he was struck by a shot fired by the hunter. The shooter was in a two-person hunting party hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle equipped with night vision. After shooting Officer Upton, the hunting party waited over an hour to call 911 to report the incident and failed to render aid. It is believed that this intentional delay in seeking help contributed to Officer Upton's death.
In November 2011, the suspect who shot Officer Upton was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, hindering a federal investigation, and hunting violations. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison and three years probation.
Officer Upton had served with the United States Forest Service for four years. He had previously served with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and as a game warden for the Department of Defense at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 4-year-old 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.
Officer Upton gave the United States Department of Agriculture 4 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Upton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Christopher is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Christopher 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 2010, 1 officer at United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2010, 4 officers in DC were killed feloniously, the 65th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Christopher was 37. Of the 6 killed feloniously at United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations whose age is recorded, half were between 36.3 and 40.3; the middle age was 37.5. Christopher had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 16 years.
Christopher was 37. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36. Christopher had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Christopher was 37. 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. Christopher had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christopher was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Christopher had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 33.3% of these deaths at United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, more than any other month. Fridays: 33.3%.
March holds 7% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 11.7%. Fridays: 16.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 10.5% 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.
His people
United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations has 9 officers remembered here, Christopher among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations are honored on badge.nw.
