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Incident
Police Officer Joshua Briese was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call at 2:00 a.m. at a home in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.
When Officer Briese and his training partner arrived on the scene, they were met with gunfire. Both officers were transported to a local hospital, where Officer Briese succumbed to his wounds. The other officer was seriously wounded.
Four other people from the large crowd were struck by gunfire, including one who died.
Officer Briese's father, Deputy Sheriff David Leroy Briese, Jr. of Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, Montana, died in the line of duty on November 3, 2006.
Officer Briese had served with the Gila River Police Department for less than one year and was still completing field training.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Briese served with the Gila River Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Sacaton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Briese.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joshua is the only officer of Gila River Police Department remembered here.
Joshua is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Joshua is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joshua 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 2024, 2 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 2024, 68 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 105th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2024, 68 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joshua was 24. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Joshua had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Joshua was 24. 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. Joshua had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joshua was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joshua had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Saturdays: 14.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gila River Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 8.8% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Gila River Police Department are honored on badge.nw.