Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Chatfield was shot and killed as he and another deputy confronted two men they suspected of smuggling liquor and narcotics on a trail crossing the Canadian border near Blaine, Washington.
Deputy Chatfield had his service weapon out when he ordered the men to stop. One of the men, believing that the deputies were smugglers themselves, drew his own revolver and opened fired. Despite being wounded in the abdomen, Deputy Chatfield returned fire but did not strike the subject.
Both men fled but returned to the scene a few minutes later and turned themselves in to the other deputy. They took Deputy Chatfield to a hospital in Lynden where he died several hours later.
The men were charged with Deputy Chatfield's murder but released following a mistrial after they claimed they were just hiking in the area and mistook the deputies for criminals.
Deputy Chatfield had served in law enforcement with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and Blaine Police Department for four years.
Deputy Chatfield had served in law enforcement with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and Blaine Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his four children and his stepdaughter, and his half-brother; he is buried at Fern Hill Cemetery in Anacortes, Washington.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnt7j9tgznvyad2ph6ke- 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 James. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Chatfield gave the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bellingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Chatfield.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1921, 6 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
James was 44. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 44. 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. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 44. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Thursdays: 14.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Whatcom County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
